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by Michael Janson, M.D.
In the normal course of metabolism, your body produces small
high-energy particles which are known as free radicals.
These are unstable molecules with free electrons that can
be used for energy production and numerous other physiological
functions. In some cells they may be used as the weapons to
kill viruses and bacteria. Unfortunately, because of their
extremely high energy, they can also be damaging to normal
tissues if too many of them are produced. Free radicals disrupt
the normal production of DNA, the genetic material, and alter
the lipids (fats) in cell membranes. They also affect the
blood vessels and the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins
regulate many physiological functions.
Free radicals are also found in the environment. There are
many sources of excess free radicals, including certain metals
(such as excess iron), cigarette smoke, air pollution, drugs,
poisons, highly processed foods and food additives, ultraviolet
sunlight and radiation.
By careful lifestyle choices you can avoid some of these
free radical sources, and others can be counteracted. By making
these choices for yourself you can slow down the aging process,
decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease and promote
high energy and a vital, healthy feeling of well-being.
At the Center for Preventive Medicine, our goal is to educate
people about healthier lifestyle choices, and help them make
the transition to better health habits. This can result in
the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases.
The following lists are things to avoid and things to include
in your diet and lifestyle in order to lessen the damaging
effects of excessive free radicals.
WHAT TO AVOID:
Cigarette smoke; processed oils such as commercial vegetable
oils, margarines and shortenings; charcoal broiled foods and
any charred or burned foods; excessive iron; air pollution;
pesticides; cigarette smoke and volatile fumes; excessive
sun exposure; unnecessary x-rays or radiation (there is an
increased risk of cancer and other health problems within
a 30 mile radius of nuclear power plants); polluted air; and
unnecessary drugs, including prescriptions.
Recently, it has been confirmed that excessive accumulation
of iron, common in meat eating populations, may be the most
significant risk factor in the development of heart disease,
except for smoking. This is probably due to this “transition
metal” being a generator of free radicals. Therefore,
it is also a probable risk factor for cancer. Unless you have
a demonstrated need for iron, avoid supplements that contain
it.
Many of the chemicals that generate free radicals are found
in municipal water supplies. It is good to drink a lot of
water, but to avoid tap water as much as possible. I recommend
that you use a solid-carbon-block filtering device for drinking
water, or to drink spring water.
WHAT TO INCLUDE:
Eat a healthy high-fiber, low-fat diet with lots of freshly
prepared yellow and green vegetables, fresh fruits, grains
and beans. Take vitamin supplements, including generous amounts
of vitamin C, carotenes, vitamin E and bioflavonoids. Take
mineral supplements including small amounts of selenium, zinc
and manganese, but not iron, unless you need it.
Aerobic exercise increases the body’s production of
SOD, one of the cellular enzymes that fight free radicals.
Stress reduction or relaxation has been shown to decrease
the body’s production of free radicals. An integrated
approach to lifestyle modification is the most effective way
for you to lower your risk of degenerative disease.
CHELATION THERAPY:
This is a treatment as well as preventive medicine for free-radical-associated
diseases. It is an intravenous therapy with a synthetic amino
acid that removes heavy metals and transition metals, such
as excessive iron, from the body. Free radical damage is one
of the most likely causes of accelerated aging. It is also
very likely that free radicals increase the risk of cancer
and heart disease. Many physicians use chelation therapy as
a treatment for hardening of the arteries, including heart
disease, leg artery disease and stroke. You can locate a doctor
who does chelation therapy by contacting the American College
for Advancement in Medicine at 800-532-3688.
drjanson@drjanson.com
November
through May: 386-409-7747
June
through October: 603-878-2256
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