The Importance of Antioxidants
Posted on Apr 03, 2021

You may notice the descriptor ‘antioxidant-rich’ popping up on many supplements and foods. This isn’t just a hot word.

Antioxidants are a necessary protector within the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress!

Here’s how they work.


LET'S START BY LOOKING AT WHAT ANTIOXIDANTS ARE


Antioxidants are molecules responsible for protecting the body from oxidative stress.

These molecules are naturally produced within the body (endogenous antioxidants) and can also be absorbed through outside antioxidant-rich foods and substances (exogenous antioxidants).

Think of antioxidants like a hero in an action movie. The villains they must overcome are free radicals.

Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), are cellular waste substances produced in response to digestion (metabolism).

These can also enter the system through our environment by way of chemicals, pollution, and radiation.

Though they naturally occur in the body, an excess amount in your system can lead to cellular damage and interruptions in your body’s natural functions.


THE CAUSES & EFFECTS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS


Excess amounts of free radicals occur when the body is unable to process them out of your system.

This happens when there are simply too many free radicals or when your own defense systems are lacking.  

The excessive free radical population then leads to oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Likewise, there will be an increase in damaging inflammation in the body.  

The combination of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress leads to diseases including cancer, Parkinson’s, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and stroke.

When there are more free radicals than antioxidants in the body, the free radicals can damage other molecules.

The negative chemical reaction caused by the free radicals is called oxidative stress.


HOW DO ANTIOXIDANTS FIGHT OXIDATIVE STRESS?


Free radicals absorb electrons from other molecules in the body. They do not care if the molecule is needed for proper health and function.

Free radicals damage whatever they touch. Antioxidants are there to act as a defense.  

Antioxidants give up their own electrons to help neutralize the damage of free radicals.

If you have enough antioxidants around, then you can protect vital cell structures.  

Antioxidants are specific to the type of free radical species.

Therefore, it is also important to take in a variety of antioxidants to ensure maximum protection.


WHERE CAN YOU GET ANTIOXIDANTS?


There are many foods that you can incorporate into your diet for a boost in antioxidants.

Here are just a few you can reach for:

  • Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Spinach and kale

These foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that help to fuel and protect your body.

A rule of thumb to hold on to is this: keep plenty of color in your food!

Bright greens, blues, yellows, and reds indicate rich vitamin and nutrient content.


GET AN ANTIOXIDANT-BOOST WITH THESE SUPPLEMENTS


Our Well Theory supplements are formulated to help strengthen your defenses against wellness inhibitors, like viruses, chronic inflammation, and free radicals.

Deliver a wealth of antioxidants into your system with these daily supplements:

Our Joint Health Multivitamin

Reduce joint pain and stiffness with antioxidant-rich ingredients including turmeric and ginger.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) acts as an additional pain reliever to help improve mobility and function!

Our Brain Booster Multivitamin

A blend of powerful mushroom extracts imparts antioxidant properties centered around healthier brain function.

Wipe away brain fog, enhance memory and focus, and protect against cellular damage from oxidative stress in the brain.

Our Herbal Immunity Defense Supplements

Protect your system against outside invaders with natural herbal remedies, like echinacea, elderberry, olive leaf extract, and Schisandra berry.

The ingredients in our daily immunity supplements are high in antioxidants to

  • promote cardiovascular health
  • reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels
  • and strengthen defenses against viruses and infection.

Our Tart Cherry Extract Supplements

With the simple ingredient of antioxidant tart cherry extract, you can protect your body from inflammation and pain.

This extract is also a natural source of melatonin that will promote deeper, more restful sleep.

Our IMMUNE BOOST MULTIVITAMIN

This multi is designed to deliver clinical doses of vitamins D3, C, and a powerful antioxidant boost with 500mg of quercetin.

This multi contains higher doses than most available immunity supplements, with herbal ingredients conveniently added to the formulation for unmatched wellness support.

From diet to supplementation, you can keep your system strong and healthy with the power of antioxidants.

Reach for one of our Well Theory supplements today!