1. Kick the Habit
If you smoke, do yourself a favor: quit. You've probably heard that a thousand times already, but it is the truth. Smoking is probably the leading cause of free radical damage today. It depletes your oxygen supply and opens up your susceptibility to lung cancer, respiratory disease and birth defects. It is never too late to reverse the damage that has been done. Stop the free radicals from taking over.
2. Sad but True
Exercise causes free radical damage, along with breathing, metabolism and other naturally occurring body functions. That is why it is important to honor your body and treat it like a temple. So even when you are not smoking, drinking or eating mounds of chocolate covered donuts, you are still not out of the grasp of free radical damage.
3. Heavy Metal in the Air
Heavy metals that you breathe in when you least expect it can cause free radical damage to intensify in the body, and it is very unforgiving. Be on guard when you are subjected to welding, fresh paint, stains, pesticides and hair salons. They all have been known to be high in toxins that can wreak havoc when breathed in.
4. Chilling in the Sun
Yes, it's true. The sun does cause free radical damage. Applying suntan lotion that has chemicals in it can enhance free radical damage. If you couple this up with a poor diet, you are asking for double the trouble. When you are in the sun, the toxins under your skin get drawn out to the exterior. When they are exposed to sun, they get enhanced. When they reabsorb into the skin, they are more destructive and cause a lot of damage, especially when coupled with a chemically produced suntan lotion. If you're going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, always use an all-natural lotion. You can find these at any health food store or online. And it also wouldn't hurt to clean up your diet, too, just for good measure.
5. Stay Cool
Stress is definitely a big contributor to free radical damage. When you get stressed, your immunity gets compromised. This is the perfect breeding ground for a toxic environment. When the body becomes toxic, free radicals have their way with you. Try to relax, take a deep breath and think positive. Everything will always balance out in the end.
