Radiation from the sun also produces free radicals. Too much exposure to solar rays leads to a greater free radical load than our body’s antioxidant systems can handle. As a result, conditions for instance skin cancer, wrinkles, and cataracts develop. As the ozone layer becomes more depleted, the power of solar radiation and free radical damage increases.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol also contribute to free radical damage. Of course, these are controllable factors. Even high-performance athletes are prone to excessive free radical damage from incentive training. Marathon runners and athletes are prime examples. It is well known that after exhaustive training and competitive events, many of these athletes become sick with infections or chronic fatigue. High levels of free radicals are to blame for many f these illnesses. Antioxidant supplements can go a long way to protect these athletes.

Certain diseases, such as diabetes, lead to an increased production of free radicals. Another problem area is digestive health. The result of poor digestion and malabsorption of food is the development of metabolic toxins, and thus free radicals.

Pharmaceutical medications can and often do increase free radical formation, causing damage to the liver and kidneys. I recommend that people who take medication should increase their intake of antioxidants to prevent such side effects. Paradoxically, free radicals also have a good side. Immune cells use free radicals to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbes. As a matter of fact, our immune system uses free radicals to kill cancer cells.

Free radicals are also used as messengers in the body. They help to regulate blood pressure and serve other important functions. So the real key is to have a balance between the amount of free radicals and an ample amount of antioxidants to control them.