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Detox: everything you need to know about free radicals

“Free radicals” and “antioxidants,” you’ve probably heard of them in the detox world. No idea what it is? Then read on!

What are free radicals?

Let’s start at the beginning. Free radicals are released during our natural metabolism. On the other hand, external factors (alcohol, smoking, stress, unhealthy food or environmental pollution) cause us to come into contact with free radicals. These are looking for a missing electron in our cells, damaging our healthy cells and energy production.
The higher the number of free radicals in our body, the more healthy body cells lose their function. The result is called ‘oxidative stress’. This occurs when free radicals cause a reaction with oxygen. A kind of explosion!
Your body cells can be irreparably damaged. The chance of negative consequences for your body (pigment spots, cancer or rheumatism for example) is therefore increased. Aging can also be seen as a form of oxidation. Free radicals affect your connective tissue, making your skin less elastic (hello wrinkles!). Strange but true, we still need these free radicals in our body. They trigger our body to stimulate inflammation. For example, when we suffer from the flu, our body must be able to do its work!

Antioxidants to the rescue

To limit the damage of free radicals, our body needs antioxidants. These can neutralise the composition of (harmful) free radicals again. A healthy, balanced diet (a menu rich in vegetables, fruit, fish and nuts) and a healthy lifestyle (book that yoga class NOW) are a good start.

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