![]() Substances that prevent the harmful effects of oxidation are known as antioxidants. These vital tissues fray and break under the assaults of free radicals, a process particularly noticeable in the face, where folds of skin and deep cut wrinkles are testaments to the long term effect of free radical damage. Free radicals attack collagen and elastin, the substances that keep our skin moist, smooth, flexible, and elastic. Free radical disruption of cell metabolism is part of what ages our cells it may also create mutant cells leading ultimately to cancer and death. With age however the accumulated effects of free radical damage begin to take their toll. In our youth its effects are comparatively minor as the body has extensive repair and replacement mechanisms that in healthy young people function to keep cells and organs in working order. This type of free radical damage begins at birth and continues until we die. ![]() They disturb DNA and RNA synthesis, interfere with synthesis of protein, lower our energy levels, prevent the body from building muscle mass, and destroy cellular enzymes, which are needed for vital chemical processes. An excess of lipofuscins in the body is shown as a darkening of the skin in certain areas, so called “ageing spots.” Lipofuscins in turn interfere with the cells ability to repair and reproduce themselves. Free radicals attack the structure of our cell membranes, creating metabolic waste products, including substances known as lipofuscins. “Free radical” is a term used to describe any molecule that differs from conventional molecules in that it possesses a free electron, a property that makes it react with other molecules in highly volatile and destructive ways. Thus many elderly people die of diseases that they could have resisted when they were younger.įree radicals are thought to be produced in the body because of wear and tear. With age the body loses its ability to repair damage caused by diet, environmental toxins, bacteria, or a virus. When we are young the body's own maintenance and repair systems keep compensating for the effects of both normal and excessive wear and tear. Likewise as the body ages our very cells feel the effect, no matter how healthy our life style. Abuse will only wear them out more quickly. Of course even if one has never touched a cigarette or had a glass of wine, stayed out of the sun, and eaten only natural foods, simply using the organs that nature endowed us is going to wear them out. Wear and tear is not confined to our organs, however it also takes place on the cellular level. The organs, including the eye are worn down by toxins in our diet and in the environment by the excessive consumption of fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, and by the many other physical and emotional stresses to which we subject our bodies. He believed that the body and its cells were damaged by overuse and abuse. Dr August Weismann, a German biologist, first introduced the wear and tear theory in 1882.
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