Are you getting enough antioxidants?
Measure the strength of your body’s defense against free
radical damage
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nutrients that target and neutralize damaging “free radical” substances in your body. You may be familiar with some powerful antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and pycnogenol, which are contained in many foods and nutritional supplements.
The real benefit of antioxidants is the ability to efficiently fight free radicals - small but powerful molecules that can seek out and damage cells, tissues, and organs.
Where do free radicals come from?
Though it may be surprising, your own body produces free radicals during the normal functions of breathing and digestion. They can also enter your body from environmental sources including air pollution, tobacco smoke, medications, pesticides, toxic waste, and alcohol. Factors such as aging, disease and stress promote your body’s free radical production.
Why are they harmful?
Free radicals constantly attack other beneficial molecules in a process known as oxidative stress. Your body’s normal cellular repair functions should be able to handle the damage created by oxidative stress. However, if you have an elevated level of free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them, permanent cellular damage results.
There can be serious consequences. A single free radical can set off a chain reaction (not unlike a forest fire) that can destroy organ tissues or artery walls, and may be a contributing factor in the production of cancer cells.
Conditions associated with
Oxidative Stress
AIDS
Alcohol-induced problems
Alzheimer’s disease
Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
Cancer
Diabetic cataracts
Drug toxicity
Emphysema
Heart disease and heart attacks
Immune deficiency of aging
Inflammatory bowel disease
Iron overload disease
Kidney disorders
Liver cirrhosis
Nutrient deficiencies
Parkinson’s disease
Premature aging
Premature retinopathy
Respiratory disease
Senility
Stroke
Viral infections
More than 100 disorders of the eye, brain, muscles, lungs, kidneys, liver, digestive system, cardiovascular system and immune system have been associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has also been associated with premature aging - its ongoing damage gradually impairs health and well-being.
How can I measure my oxidative stress level?
Measuring your body’s ability to fight oxidative stress with sufficient antioxidants can help you to prevent illness. Fortunately, there is a simple analysis of urine and/or blood that provides Dr. Holec with important information about your level of oxidative stress. The Oxidative Stress Analysis from Genova Diagnostics measures several markers to determine the degree of free radical activity present and the availability of certain antioxidants to combat your body’s oxidative stress.
What can I do to reduce oxidative stress?/
Once you have discovered your specific oxidative stress levels, you and Dr. Holec can develop a nutritional plan tailored to your specific needs. This assessment will ensure that you have just the right selection and quantity of antioxidants to balance and combat your oxidative stress. Staying healthy and vibrant is really about making proper health choices - choices that match your specific nutritional need.
Ask yourself:
Your body has the amazing ability to fight diseases and even delay aging by protecting against free radical damage. But you might be overtaxing your system’s capacity to handle all its challenges. Take this quiz to determine your risk level for oxidative stress and it effects.
___ Do you have allergies?
___ Do you often get colds or have sinus problems?
___ Are you under a lot of stress at work and/or at home?
___ Do your muscles or joints ache after even mild exertion?
___ Have you ever been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome?
___ Does your diet consist of fast food and/or mostly processed food rather than fresh vegetables and fruits?
___ Are you often exposed to automobile exhaust fumes?
___ Do you smoke cigarettes or cigars or use tobacco products such as chewing tobacco?
___ Do you live or work with someone who smokes in your presence?
___ Have you ever been diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
___ Do you take multivitamin supplement less than once a day?
If you answered “Yes” to 2 or more of these questions, your body may be experiencing oxidative stress, making you vulnerable to degenerative problems. Share this with Dr. Holec to see if the Oxidative Stress Analysis from Genova Diagnostics is appropriate for you.
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