How do free radicals cause damage to cells?

Dr. Andrea Pennington, MD

Integrative Medicine

Our cells generate highly reactive, terribly destructive entities known as free radicals. Free radicals are unstable because they have an unpaired electron, a negatively charged particle. As in many aspects of nature, most things are happy and stable when paired up. Free radicals sneak around looking for an electron pair and cause serious damage by stealing electrons from various parts of cells in nearly every tissue in the body.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Healthy Nervous System

The nervous system includes the central part -- brain, brain stem, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. It connects to nerves throughout the body. The cerebrum is the biggest part of your brain and has two parts that complement each other, the right and left. It is the core for thought and perception abilities. The cerebellum is responsible for kinesthetic sense-balancing and positioning. The brain stem controls autonomic responses like breathing. The pituitary, although not part of the brain interacts with the nervous system chemically via hormones. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature.

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