By Natalie Meriwether, BSN
Our cells are the foundation of every function and structure in our body. From providing the building blocks of our bones to producing energy in the form of ATP, cells make up who and how we are. This makes protecting your cells a key factor at all stages of life. By protecting your cells, you’re helping your overall health and well-being.
The effect of free radicals
Like most things, our cells need to be in good health to properly carry out their vital functions. Unfortunately, our cells can be damaged by highly reactive, unstable molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals are a byproduct of normal reactions in the body like cellular respiration or may come from outside sources like cigarette smoke, pollution, or radiation. While the presence of some free radicals is normal, their accumulation may result in oxidative stress.1
The importance of protecting against oxidative stress
Cellular Function: Cells are the building blocks of the body and are responsible for our bodily functions. Oxidative stress can impair a cell’s ability to operate and replicate properly. Protecting your cells helps them carry out their specialized tasks effectively, helping to keep you functioning at your best.
Immune Health: Our cells play a significant role in the immune system, helping to defend the body against internal and environmental threats. Protecting your cells helps them support the immune system to maintain its ability to seek out and address threats.
Aging: Along with other potential unwanted health effects, unregulated oxidative stress has been thought to speed up the aging process. This is described by the "Free Radical Theory of Aging." The Free Radical Theory of Aging proposes that the accumulation of oxidative stress over time could be an explanation for cellular aging.2
The role of antioxidants in cellular protection
Antioxidants, also called “scavengers of free radicals” play a major role in protecting our body from free radicals. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and decreasing their ability to cause cellular damage.
Glutathione is one of the most prominent antioxidants found within our cells and an important factor in protecting against free radicals and oxidative stress. 3 While our cells can synthesize glutathione on their own, glutathione levels have been shown to naturally decline with age.4
Fortunately, dietary supplements like Solgar's Cellular Protect capsules provide the amino acids Glycine and N-Acetyl Cysteine (GlyNAC) that are important precursors for Glutathione production. Glutathione helps protect your cells form everyday toxins and helps support normal immune function.ƚ
Takeaway
While free radicals, aging, and some level of cellular stress may be unavoidable, there are things you can do to proactively help protect your cells. By prioritizing a well-balanced lifestyle, avoiding environmental toxins, and considering dietary supplements, you can proactively help protect your cells and put your health and well-being first.
ƚ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
1. Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jun;4(2):89-96. PMID: 23675073; PMCID: PMC3614697.
2. Wickens AP. Respir Physiol. 2001 Nov 15;128(3):379-91PMID: 11718765.
3. Espinosa-Diez C, Miguel V, Mennerich D, Kietzmann T, Sánchez-Pérez P, Cadenas S, Lamas S. 2015 Dec;6:183-197. Epub 2015 Jul 21. PMID: 26233704; PMCID: PMC4534574.
4. Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP, Reid M, Balasubramanyam A, Taffet GE, Jahoor FAm J Clin Nutr. 2011 Sep;94(3):847-53. Epub 2011 Jul 27. PMID: 21795440; PMCID: PMC3155927.
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