In humans, oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of many diseases or may exacerbate their symptoms. These include cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, Schizophrenia; Bipolar disorder, fragile X syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, reactive oxygen species can be beneficial, as they are used by the immune system as a way to attack and kill pathogens. Short-term oxidative stress may also be important in prevention of aging by induction of a process named mitohormesis.
Oxidation" is the chemist's term for the process of removing electrons from an atom or molecule. The result of this change can be destructive - rusting iron is a familiar result of oxidation. Here, oxygen is the responsible agent, but other oxidizing agents, such as chlorine, can be as harsh.
By the time a free radical chain fizzles out, it may have ripped through vital components of cells like a tornado, causing extensive damage, similar to that caused by ionizing radiation.
Oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).
Our bodies aren't helpless in the face of these assaults. We have defenses against oxidative stress in the form of physical barriers to contain free radicals at their sites of production within cells; enzymes that neutralize dangerously reactive forms of oxygen; substances in our diets (such as vitamin C and vitamin E) that can "quench" free radicals by donating electrons to them and cutting off the chain reactions early in their course; repair mechanisms to take care of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and membranes; and complex stress responses that include programmed cell suicide if damage is too great.
A good case can be made for the notion that health depends on a balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses. Aging and age-related diseases reflect the inability of our antioxidant defenses to cope with oxidative stress over time. The good news is that with strong antioxidant defenses, long life without disease should be possible.
Examples of food-based antioxidants
Antioxidant supplements
Studies have shown that antioxidants supplements do not replicate the action of antioxidants from food.
More research is needed before, say, Vitamin C supplements can be advised to prevent cancer.
More research is needed before, say, Vitamin C supplements can be advised to prevent cancer.
- Vitamins: vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene.
- Trace elements that are components of antioxidant enzymes, such as selenium, copper, zinc and manganese.
- Non-nutrients such as ubiquinone (coenzyme Q) and phenolic compounds, such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids, phenolic acids and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is used as a food preservative.
Foods and antioxidants
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a pigment called lycopene that is responsible for their red colour but is also a powerful antioxidant.Tomatoes in all their forms are a major source of lycopene, including tomato products like canned tomatoes, tomato soup, tomato juice and even ketchup.
Lycopene is also highly concentrated in watermelon.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes possess many natural substances that appear to be important in disease protection, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, limonoids and coumarins.Together these phytochemicals act more powerfully than if they were given separately.
It's always better to eat the fruit whole in its natural form, because some of the potency is lost when the juice is extracted.
Tea
Black tea, green tea and oolong teas have antioxidant properties. All three varieties come from the plant Camellia sinenis.Common brands of black tea do contain antioxidants, but by far the most potent source is green tea (jasmine tea) which contains the antioxidant catechin.
- Black tea has only 10 per cent as many antioxidants as green tea.
- Oolong tea has 40 per cent as many antioxidants as green tea.
Carrots
Beta-carotene is an orange pigment that was isolated from carrots 150 years ago.It is found concentrated in deep orange and green vegetables (the green chlorophyll covers up the orange pigment).
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that has been much discussed in connection with lung cancer rates. The evidence is conflicting, with one study showing an increase in risk, but further research is being done to see if it has a protective effect.
After speaking to a DAN doctor with Arkansas Children's Hospital I will follow Emmalin's antioxidant levels through urinalysis. Currently there are people with ACH working on oxidated stress in the autism community but not in the Down syndrome community. I strongly encourage you to speak to your PCP and genetic doctors regarding OS and the use of antioxidants with your little one.
Update 2-21-14
New research from ACH autism clinic. It relates both genetic and environment influences to autism, which in turn causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, the body can not respond to oxidative stress as it should. This is why we do not have chemicals in our home for cleaning, washing, (everything non toxic or homemade) ...and why it is so important for children to have a healthy diet. If you can not control the body's reaction to oxidative stress, then controlling what contributes to the stress will help. We also supplement with additional antioxidants in our vitamins, as well as using black cherry juice, goji berries and many other things that are naturally high in antioxidants. Organic foods when possible decrease exposures to many chemicals. There are so many things you can do to help your children by implementing changes now to strengthen their immune system and decrease unnecessary exposures.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0085436#close