Understanding Antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally-occurring or synthetically produced substances that protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals and oxidation. Free radicals are extremely reactive chemicals that modify the chemical structures of other molecules; thus causing damage to cells. Antioxidants protect the cells by inhibiting the adverse effects of oxidation. And different studies have found that antioxidants can significantly lower a person's risk of developing cancer and certain types of diseases.

According to the National Cancer Institute, animal studies on the benefits of antioxidants can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and show potential in preventing the development of cancer. But they added that randomized clinical studies observing the benefits of antioxidants against cancer had produced inconsistent results. Despite that, there is significant evidence proving that antioxidants from fruits and plants can protect the body from certain diseases. A study conducted by researchers from Harvard University found that antioxidants can promote urinary tract health and reduce the risk of developing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Antioxidants from Natural Sources to Reduce LUTS Risk

A group of Harvard researchers found that eating foods rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of getting lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS by up to 50 percent in men. They said that study participants who ate the most servings of foods rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene and lycopene exhibited lower risk of LUTS compared to the men with lower intakes. The researchers gathered information from a group of 1466 men with ages between 30 and 79, through the Boston Area Community Health Survey from 2002 to 2005. They used food frequency questionnaires and interviews to get the information that they needed and used The American Urological Symptom Index in order to establish the benefits of antioxidants to urinary tract health.

The results of the study showed that there was a significant reduction of LUTS risk in men with the highest intake of carotenoids.; their daily intake were 4,780 micrograms of beta carotene, 2,248 micrograms of lycopene and 10,926 IU of vitamin A. The observed antioxidants all showed significant influence over LUTS prevalence in study participants but they also observed that increased vitamin C intake from supplements was linked to an increased risk of LUTS. The researchers said that the link between LUTS and vitamin C food supplements is due to the influence of vitamin C to urine acidity. But they added that the body has the ability to maintain a vitamin C level of 75 milligrams and anything in excess to this is secreted out of the body. The researchers recommend eating fruits and vegetables in order to supply the body with its much needed antioxidants.

The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition and the authors said that the result of their study supports the recommendation of increased fruit and vegetable consumption to reduce the risk of developing LUTS. They added that once other related studies confirm the influence of antioxidants over LUTS risk, the health condition can easily be prevented through proper dieting and lifestyle change. Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in 40 percent of older men and the symptoms of the disease include urgent and frequent urination and a weak urinary stream.

Although the cause of LUTS has not been clearly defined, there are some indications that oxidative stress and inflammation have a strong impact on LUTS risk. The study was led by Nancy Maserejian, an affiliate of the New England Research Institutes in Boston, Massachusetts.

Natural Ways to Reduce LUTS Risk

It has been reported that 90 percent of men aged 50 to 80 years suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms and the risk of developing the health condition increases as the person grows older. The common early symptoms include nocturia or frequent urination at night; dysuria or frequent and consequent urination; urgency; poor urinary stream; incomplete voiding; terminal dribbling; and hesitancy.

LUTS is highly preventable. The simplest habit of drinking at least 8 glasses of water in a day can help the body get rid of bacteria that may cause infection in the lower urinary tract area. Maintaining a good hygiene, eating foods rich in antioxidants, and regular check-ups can lower LUTS risk and help in its early diagnosis so that immediate treatment may be implemented.

Natural Sources of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are everywhere; they're in your fridge, on the kitchen counter, in the produce section and in pharmacy shelves. Despite the availability of numerous antioxidant brands, medical experts will still advice eating fruits, vegetables and other natural sources to supply the body with antioxidants. A study conducted by the USDA measured the antioxidant content per serving of foods. They analyzed more than 100 fruits and vegetables and the top 10 richest sources of antioxidants are small red beans, raspberries, prunes, blackberries, artichoke hearts, cranberries, domestic blueberries, pinto beans, red kidney beans and wild blueberries in no particular order.

A measurement system called the Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity or ORAC measures the antioxidant potency of any food including their ability to be effectively used by the body. So far, ORAC is the most established system of measuring the antioxidant content and potency of food. And when using ORAC in determining which foods has the most antioxidant content, you will come up with a list that includes broccoli florets, plums, Brussels sprouts, raspberries, spinach, strawberries, kale, blackberries, raisins and prunes. According to studies using ORAC, a person needs to consume foods containing 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units in order to receive the health benefits of antioxidants.

Try to put a little of everything in your plate and always remember to add some fresh fruits and vegetables. This will not only reduce your risk of developing lower urinary tract infection, but studies show that antioxidants have more benefits than one. Though further studies are still needed in order to gather enough evidence to support the benefits of antioxidants against cancer and other diseases, the numerous indications that it does is enough to keep antioxidant-rich foods a part of our daily diet.

Sources
nutraingredients.com
cancer.gov
optimalformulas.com