Part 1
Reactive Molecules. Two words I knew little about until recently. Two words that have become all the buzz in the health and immune world.
In this two part series, we’ll find out why.
Most of us know that cellular damage occurs repeatedly every day. That damage happens as a result of sunlight, toxins, chemicals, exercise, infections and other irritants. Even cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries irritate and damage our cells every day.
These cells have to be regenerated and replaced.
How does our body recognize this damage?
When cells are damaged the natural balanced chemistry inside the cell is disturbed, causing a shift in healthy metabolism and oxidative stress results. Oxidative Stress is the natural build-up of oxidant molecules, including free radicals, in the liquid environment inside cells.
Oxidative stress is the condition that sends up red flags to neighboring healthy cells that cells have been damaged in their neighborhood.
How does the body repair damage to the cells?
The immune system is activated by oxidative stress to kill the harmful invading organisms. Interesting isn’t it? I always thought they were the “bad guys”. And technically they are, but at the same time they serve a purpose.
The immune system also kills and dissolves damaged cells that cannot be repaired (swelling and redness mark this stage). The immune system uses oxidative “bullets” to kill invading organisms and dissolve damaged cells and foreign materials.
How does the body regenerate tissues?
Healthy balanced chemistry is restored after all invading organisms are dead and damage is cleaned up (the red flags are turned off).
Restoration of this chemical balance turns off swelling and redness and stimulates neighboring healthy cells to divide and fill in the missing cells and tissue.
Healthy cells still continue to divide and multiply until the gap has been filled in with healthy new cells
How does the body maintain a healthy chemical balance?
Antioxidants, in conjunction with “Reductants,” neutralize stray oxidants in order to protect healthy cells.
Antioxidants keep excess oxidants in check, neutralizing them and maintaining correct chemical balance.
Cells produce antioxidants and deploy them to protect vulnerable areas inside and outside of the cell.
Come back tomorrow when we address how are Reductants and oxidants made. I promise to make it as interesting as possible. =)
In the meantime, visit the related links in the right side bar to learn more about ASEA and how it assists our cells with their most critical functions.
Warmly,
Kate
Related ASEA posts:
