Chapter

The Body’s Offense

From Human Nutrition by Human Nutrition

Concepts

1. Free Radicals

   "While our bodies have acquired multiple defenses against free radicals, we also use free radicals to support their functions. For example, the immune system uses the cell-damaging properties of free

2. Environmental Sources

   "Substances and energy sources from the environment can add to or accelerate the production of free radicals within the body. Exposure to excessive sunlight, ozone, smoke, heavy metals, ionizing radia

3. Oxidative Stress

   "Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in any cell, tissue, or organ between the amount of free radicals and the capabilities of the detoxifying and repair systems. Sustained oxidative damage result

4. Aging

   "Aging is a process that is genetically determined but modulated by factors in the environment. In the process of aging, tissue function declines. The idea that oxidative stress is the primary contrib