How Free Radicals Work

by Dr. Lorna Mistranski

To understand the way that free radicals and antioxidants interact, you must first understand a bit about cells and molecules. This is a quick course in Physiology/Chemistry lesson: The human body is composed of many different types of cells.

Cells are composed of many different types of molecules. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.

Atoms are made up of a nucleus, protons, electrons, and neutrons. The number positively charged particles (protons) in the nucleus of the atom is what determines how many negatively charged particles (electron) will surround the atom.

Electrons are take care of the chemical reactions and are the substance that bonds atoms together to form molecules. Electrons surround, or “orbit” an atom in one or more shells.

The innermost shell is full when it has two electrons. When the first shell is full, electrons begin to fill the second shell. When the second shell has eight electrons, it is full.

The most significant factor in determining an atoms chemical behavior is the number of electrons in the outer shell.

A compound that has a full outer shell usually does not enter in chemical reactions. Atoms look to reach a point of maximum stability by one of the following:

Loose or pick up electrons to either empty or fill the outer shell

Share electrons with other atoms to complete the outer shell

Atoms regularly complete their outer shells by sharing electrons with other atoms. Sharing electrons allows the atoms that are bound together to satisfy the conditions of maximum stability for the molecule.

Most of the time, these bonds do not tear apart in a way that leaves an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. When this does occur however, free radicals are formed; they are very unstable and react swiftly with other compounds in attempt to gain the needed electrons for stability.

The most common way free radicals attack is by finding the closest molecule that is stable and from there they begin the process of stealing electrons. When the molecule that is attacked starts losing the electrons, it becomes a free radical as well. When this process begins, it creates a chain reaction in which the end result is a disruption of a living cell.

During metabolism, free radicals will normally arise–there are even times when the body will naturally create free radicals for situations like neutralizing viruses and bacteria. Another way free radicals enter the body is by pollution such as radiation, smoke, and insecticides.

Typically, the body is able to handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Most importantly is that free radical damage accumulates with age.

About the Author:
For more than 3 decades, Lorna Mistranski PHDhas studied extracts that offer optimum results in diet pills. She has a free diet pills site that offers good instruction when you are looking for which diet solution is ideal for you. She also has an informative blog that looks at the best free diet pillstrials available and which ones to avoid.

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Written by Dr. Lorna Mistranski on August 13th, 2009 with no comments.
Read more articles on Family Health.

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