Free radicals – nasty toxic molecules that have long been known to damage DNA, proteins, lipids and other essential biological molecules. Their contribution to premature aging and chronic degenerative illness is well-established. But is it the only way to perceive free radicals? As we are about to find out, the fear of free radicals may actually be exaggerated. While free radicals ride on a lot of negative hype, the truth is they are a crucial part of life and play an important role in many biological functions in small amounts.

Most of us are aware of the powerful combination of calcium and Vitamin D when it comes to maintaining strong, healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. However, there are other nutrients that take equally active and critical roles in bone health. When we focus on the benefits offered by a specific nutrient or a micronutrient, we often discount the fact that nutrients – well, most of them - simply don’t work alone. 

Many underlying factors come together to raise your risk for type 2 diabetes, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as calories intake, physical inactivity and unhealthy sleeping patterns. In fact, it is a well-established fact that lack of exercise puts you at an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. But evolving research in this field is an indicator that the amount of time you spend in uninterrupted sitting, irrespective of your daily exercise regime whatever it may be, has a potential to increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Tobacco smoke is contaminated with more than 7,000 toxic substances such as tar, arsenic, nicotine and cyanide. Over 60 of these chemicals are carcinogenic ingredients. What is lesser known is that tobacco also contains radioactive materials; polonium-210 and lead-210, which can accumulate in the lungs of the smokers for decades, leading to lung cancer [2]. Tobacco smoke can cause many other types of cancer including cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), oesophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, colon/rectum and myeloid leukaemia [2]. In addition, it increases the risk of premature death, pulmonary and respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and stroke and even carries profound health risks to an unborn child.

CoQ10 is an important player in the generation of energy within the cells, and it is a co-enzyme found in virtually every cell of the body. Co-enzymes are non-protein compounds that support enzymes in facilitating important biochemical processes in the body. It is also known as ubiquinone, stemming from the fact that this miracle nutrient is ubiquitous – present everywhere in the body. However, it is found in particularly high concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas and immune system owing to their high energy requirements.

Inflammation seems to be the buzzword among the health conscious. Everything ailment and every disease is directly or indirectly linked with inflammation. But is it really that bad to have an inflammation? Especially when inflammation is actually an integral part of our body’s natural healing mechanism and no infection or injury can be healed without it. We all are familiar with inflammation in one form or another. Ever cut a finger or had a sore throat? Well, there you are. All the pain, swelling and heat is because you are experiencing inflammation.

Glutathione is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants produced by our body, and yet it hardly receives the attention it deserves from the medical community. It may be little known and may not have as many cheerleaders as other anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, lycopene and even resveratrol found in red wine, but you can’t just deny the super role of Glutathione as a powerful detoxifier, immune booster and - of course - potent anti-oxidant.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that adults with fibromyalgia (FM) are much more likely to have restless legs syndrome (RLS) than healthy people [1]. According to Nathaniel F. Watson, MD, one of the study authors, “Sleep disruption is common in fibromyalgia and often difficult to treat. It is apparent from our study that a substantial portion of sleep disruption in fibromyalgia is due to restless legs syndrome.” [2]

An obesity endemic has fuelled the popularity of artificial sweeteners. These fake sugars are devoid of any calories and you can confidently consume all the sugary stuff without the fear of packing those extra pounds. This strategy is also believed to reduce blood sugar levels, which combined with weight control is an ideal approach to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.

Heavy workloads, meeting tight deadlines, care giving, financial worries. Stress has invaded our daily lives in many forms. We can withstand occasional bouts of extreme stress, which can actually be a good thing by motivating us to take meaningful action.

But what happens when we are frequently or continually exposed to such environmental stressors? It takes a toll on our health. Stress plunges the body towards poor health and premature aging.

Scientists warn us that it is important to find ways to manage and reduce chronic stress in our lives or else risk the onset of many age-related diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, depression and even cancer.