unstable because it has lost an electron. Think of it as sort of a loose cannon that careens around, interacting with other molecules in a destructive way. It really wants to stabilize itself, and to do that it will often steal an electron from another molecule. But this undermines the second molecule, making it into a free radical that spins off in search of an electron to grab from another molecule. It’s sort of like a destructive game of tag (I steal from you, you steal from the next guy). You can imagine how cells, tissues, and organs become permanently damaged by this

rampant stealing.

Luckily, we can fight the effects of free radicals with the antioxidants. The antioxidants get their name by fighting one of the most common free radicals found in the body—oxygen. That’s right, the same thing we must breathe to survive can also be the thing that does some of the greatest damage to our bodies. Except that this is a special form of oxygen called singlet oxygen. Oxygen molecules, including those we breathe, usually travel in groups of two (O₂). But sometimes, during the normal metabolic processes in the body, the twosome splits. The two new molecules are singlet oxygen. Each is missing an electron, so each becomes a roving free radical. Fortunately, the antioxidants are able to stabilize singlet oxygen and prevent it from wreaking havoc on bodily tissues.

The antioxidants include beta carotene and other carotenes (the plant form of the vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, and the mineral selenium. An easy way to remember them is to think of them as the 4 ACES we discussed before. As with all nutrients, it’s better to get them in their natural state, as a part of your foods, because they’re absorbed better and they work together with other substances contained in the food. Still, numerous studies have shown that supplements (when used in addition to a good diet) can help protect the body. So, I regularly recommend them to my patients. Below I’ve listed some sources of each of the 4 ACES, as well as the amount of supplementation that, after years of experience, I believe to be the best.

Now, the problem with taking all these supplements is obvious. It’s too complicated. And, as you will have seen so far, I believe in simplicity. Fortunately, there is a simple answer in this case. It lies in the facts that several brands of multivitamins exist that contain many or all of these recommended products. If you cannot find any of these brands in your local store, I suggest you ask your physician or nutritionist to suggest other appropriate products. Also, I should add that, as with my other recommendations, these are only general guidelines for supplements. Talk to your physician or nutritionist for your specific needs.

*91\29\2*