Just like the Tin Man, as we age our bodies become less elastic and supple because of oxidation, the same process that causes metal to rust. Yes, our bodies are rusting with the oxidative stress due to attacks from free radicals we breath, eat, drink and from those free radicals created by the natural process of energy production in our cells.
The cells in all mammals react with oxygen as we breathe and the cell’s engines, known as mitochondria produce energy by burning the fuel adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Just like the engine in your car, waste material is produced when oxygen burns the fuel ATP to produce energy in your cells. The waste is composed of highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Free Radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons. These unpaired electrons make the molecules reactive and dangerous to other cells in the body as free radicals seek to balance their electrons. This reactive search to “steal” an electron can cause oxidative damage to proteins, membranes and genes.
These highly reactive free radicals can start a dangerous chain reaction, damaging important cellular components such as DNA or the cell membranes. Damage varies, but oxidative stress can cause cells to function poorly or die. Oxidative damage has been implicated in the cause of many diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s and has an impact on the body’s aging process.
Other, external factors such as pollution, sunlight and smoking also trigger the production of free radicals within your body.
Every cell in your body has mitochondrial engines that create energy and heat – which is the reason your body temperature runs about 98.6 degrees if your fuel is clean and your oil and cooling fluids are full and functioning.
Free radicals are what causes aging and kills our body slowly but surely’–