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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are Free Radicals?

Hello.. about 2 months ago I was dx w/compound thyroid cysts. A biopsy showed benign so then I declined to have them removed. They are VERY tiny. My ENT suggested that I start taking 200mcgs of selenium along with 2000U of D3 daily, so I started the supplements. The way I have felt is amazing. I have so much more energy and even my moods are better, (I am 60yrs young.) He said that he recommends that to women of my age all of the time. He said that it will help to control the free radicals in my body and would make me fell better. What are the free radicals that he is talking about and would you also advise a female pt my age to begin this regime?
Mon, 26 Mar 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Free radicals are, in general terms, molecules resulting from the normal metabolic processes in the body (or environmental exposures) but they are highly unstable and highly reactive. They are also known as "oxidative agents". They can damage the DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and are thus involved in many diseases.

The body reacts to free radicals through antioxidative processes, and thus a balance between oxidants and antioxidants is needed for maintaining good health. When free radicals are not opposed optimally by antioxidants then oxidative stress takes place, which impairs health and enhances disease.

In this context, and since free radicals are produced on a regular basis, any food or supplement that increases antioxidant activity has beneficial effects for the health.

Literature findings suggest that free radical production increases with age. It is why natural antioxidants and supplements having antioxidant properties are more important for advanced age persons.

Selenium is well-known for its antioxidant properties. Good natural sources of selenium include eggs, poultry, meat, fish, Brazil nuts, etcetera. Vitamin D is recommended for women at your age because it can improve calcium retention in the body and enhance bone structure and strength.



Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ervin Toçi
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What Are Free Radicals?

Hello, Free radicals are, in general terms, molecules resulting from the normal metabolic processes in the body (or environmental exposures) but they are highly unstable and highly reactive. They are also known as oxidative agents . They can damage the DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and are thus involved in many diseases. The body reacts to free radicals through antioxidative processes, and thus a balance between oxidants and antioxidants is needed for maintaining good health. When free radicals are not opposed optimally by antioxidants then oxidative stress takes place, which impairs health and enhances disease. In this context, and since free radicals are produced on a regular basis, any food or supplement that increases antioxidant activity has beneficial effects for the health. Literature findings suggest that free radical production increases with age. It is why natural antioxidants and supplements having antioxidant properties are more important for advanced age persons. Selenium is well-known for its antioxidant properties. Good natural sources of selenium include eggs, poultry, meat, fish, Brazil nuts, etcetera. Vitamin D is recommended for women at your age because it can improve calcium retention in the body and enhance bone structure and strength. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ervin Toçi