Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. MayoClinic.com notes that free radicals are molecules produced by environmental factors, such as exposure to tobacco smoke and radiation, but may also be produced simply when your body breaks down food. These molecules break down cells and play a role in the development of cancer and other chronic illnesses.
How Antioxidants Prevent Cell Damage
Free radicals react with cellular components like DNA and the cell membrane by virtue of their atomic makeup. They have an odd number of electrons, which causes dangerous reactions with other molecules and sometimes leads to chain reactions. The damage they do when reacting with other cells can cause the affected cells to function poorly or die. Antioxidants are your body's natural defense system against free radicals. They intercept free radicals and terminate their reactions, preventing chain reactions that might otherwise damage vital molecules.
Use During Cancer Treatment
In a May 2011 column for the Hanford Sentinel, in California, retired physician Dr. Peter Gott notes that glutathione, the body's "master antioxidant," has been a useful supplement in some cancer treatments. This antioxidant is produced in the liver, where it plays a role in your body's metabolism. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy, it has been shown to increase the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment. Because of its potential promise, glutathione is the subject of ongoing research in both cancer treatment and cancer prevention, as well as treatment for other chronic conditions.
Prevention and Post-Cancer Antioxidant Use
The National Cancer Institute has documented the results of several clinical studies in which antioxidants and their potential to treat or prevent cancer were observed. Research tended to indicate that antioxidants slowed or possibly prevented cancer in chemical, cell culture and animal studies. For example, in a 1993 study by the Chinese Cancer Prevention Study, a combination of antioxidants such as beta-carotine, vitamin E and selenium significantly reduced incidents of cancer among subjects. In contrast, however, a 1994 study of male smokers in Finland demonstrated that the use of beta-carotene actually increased incidents of lung cancer, while vitamin E had little or no observable effect on this type of cancer.
Sources of Antioxidants
Glutathione is found naturally in numerous meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables. The latter include asparagus, avocado, broccoli and spinach, as well as unprocessed whey protein and milk thistle. Unfortunately, Gott has noted that the human gastrointestinal tract does not absorb glutathione efficiently from these foods, so other delivery methods are necessary to supplement the body's natural supply. The National Cancer Institute lists many sources of other antioxidants. These include carrots, potatoes, pumpkin and mangoes for beta-carotene. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are good sources of lutein. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, guava, apricots and pink grapefruit.
If you are considering any dietary change in order to supplement cancer treatment or prevention practices, consult with your physician about which choices are best for your condition.
