Antioxidants: Our Natural Protectors

The entire spectrum of environmental pollutants (including petroleum derivatives, solvents, heavy metals), lifestyle factors (smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse) and toxic pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, for example) are oxidant agents. The pathogens HIV-1, hepatitis viruses, mycoplasmas, fungi and the intestinal bacterium Helicobacter pylori and Giardia trigger tissue oxidation that can readily progress to inflammation. Excessive ultraviolet exposure, chronic emotional stress and food intolerances also contribute to our cumulative oxidative stress. As these diverse agents converge on our antioxidant defences, they can overwhelm our limited adaptive capacities. The result: accelerated aging and chronic ill health.