Antioxidant Testing – For Long-Term Heart Health
It’s been an established fact for some time that antioxidants are essential to getting rid of free radicals that can cause a large range of health problems. Antioxidant levels can be measured, directly or indirectly, in many ways including through blood and urine tests. However, not enough is often said about how much antioxidants are needed to protect the body and the heart. Since most antioxidants come from fruit and vegetables it would seem that there is no harm in there being plenty of antioxidants in the body. This is not true as some antioxidants, such as vitamin A for instance, can be harmful in large doses. Swallowing an antioxidant supplement at breakfast on the other hand may not be enough to protect you from free radicals, especially since you may need antioxidants later in the day, particularly if you exercise in the afternoon or evening (exercise increases free radicals in the body). A simple thing like antioxidant testing can help you determine how much antioxidant you should be consuming.
Different Bodies Have Different Needs
Just as not all diets or exercise regimes work for the same people, the same can be said for antioxidants. Different people, despite consuming the same amount of antioxidants, will have different levels of antioxidants in their bodies. Some of the factors that influence antioxidant levels in the body are metabolism, excretion, absorption, stress and types of prescription drugs used. A very high metabolism or poor absorption of antioxidants will mean less than sufficient levels of antioxidants in the body. High levels of stress will also cause the level of antioxidants in the body to remain low. Simply eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants may not be enough for some individuals, although this is thought to be the best way to maintain antioxidants in the body, some people might need to take supplements. This is where antioxidant testing comes in handy. With these tests you’ll be able to customize your diet and supplements to suit the level of antioxidants your body needs.
The Benefits Of Testing Your Antioxidant Levels
Antioxidant testing may seem like a trivial thing, it may even seem troublesome. However, balancing the antioxidants in your body can provide immeasurable benefits and ward off heart disease and some of the signs of aging.
Adapted from multiple articles that appeared in: The American Journal of Cardiology and the Cardiology Online Website.