You know what I’m talking about. All those big words being thrown around these days on ads, product labels and videos. Terms like “anti-oxidant”, “free radicals” or inflammation. Well…they effect more than just the skin.
These terms represent internal processes and substance properties which effect the entire body. Now, unfortunately, some of these can have a negative impact on biological systems. They have the potential to cause disease, early aging and overall poor health.
But the good news is, many of them have properties which have a positive effect. In fact, they are nature's way to combat threats to our good health, and some, even down to the cellular level.
Free Radicals
Free Radicals occur when oxygen in the body splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons. Electrons like to be in pairs, so these atoms, called free radicals, seek out other electrons in order to become a pair again. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.
Free radicals may be related to human disease, such as; cancer, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease and many others. They also may be associated with aging, which has been defined as a gradual accumulation of free-radical damage.
Inflammation
Inflammation occurs when the body identifies something harmful to the body and the immune system kicks in to combat it. It is an internal or external reaction in the body that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain due to infection, irritation, or injury.
Acute inflammation is a short-term event which can be a result of a broken arm, a simple paper cut or acne
Chronic inflammation is when the body is protecting itself from a injury or external attack. However, it is a prolonged process causing discomfort and even pain to the victim. For example, a back injury, disease or rosacea.
Detoxification
It is believed that an over accumulation of toxic substances in the body may lead to illness. But lucky for us, the human body is a wonderfully constructed machine. Its even made to maintain itself. The body eliminates toxins through the kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, digestive and lymphatic system.
However, we live in a world riddled with pollution, fast food and chemical- toxicity is an epidemic. So what do we do when the very systems designed to clean our bodies are over run with toxins? That’s where detoxification comes in.
Detoxification is when we utilize external substances or processes which help eliminate our bodies detox systems of toxins- so they can get back to doing their job.
Regular detoxification:
Cleanses the liver
Removes toxins from the body
Reduces inflammation
Improves skin health
Supports mental clarity and focus
Improves over all functions of bodily systems
Antioxidants
Substances with antioxidant properties reduce damage due to oxygen, like the kind caused by free radicals. Antioxidant substances repair damage by donating electrons that would otherwise be stolen by the free radical molecules. They stop the process of cellular breakdown; preventing skin damage and damage to internal organs and tissue.
Antioxidant substances can:
Slow the signs of aging.
Support healthier skin, internal systems, immune system and reduced risk to illness.
Anti-Bacterial
Antibacterial substances destroy or suppresses the growth of bacteria.
Anti-bacterial substances can:
Heal wounds
Suppress infections
Help Fight Infections found in hospitals And while traveling
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial is a general term that refers to a group of substances that includes antibiotics, antifungals, antiprotozoal, and antivirals. Antimicrobial substances support the body against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Antifungal
Antifungal substance constrict or prevents the growth of yeasts and other fungal organisms.
Astringent
Astringent substances tighten the skin and decrease pore size. They can reduce surface inflammation and create a barrier against infection.
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