ME Problems and Solutions – Antioxidants Combat Oxidative Stress
(A Reader's Response to Research) by Alison Hynd
On reading Dr Neil Abbot's interesting account of his research on oxidative stress in
ME/CFS (The Quarterly, Issue 19, page 22) in which he explained that circulating in
the blood of ME/CFS patients are excessive numbers of highly reactive molecules
known as "free radicals" which can cause damage to the cells of our bodies, and that
there is an increased level of isoprostanes (a by-product of the oxidative process)
which cause blood vessels to constrict and damage their endothelium (the single layer
of cells which line the heart, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels), I thought it might
be a good idea to find suitable antioxidant foods and over-the-counter medications to
help ameliorate symptoms and prevent damage to the tissues as far as might be
possible, as indeed he suggested at the end of the article. So, I started to do some
homework and I should like, if I may, to share my findings with other readers, in the
hope that they will be of some help.
My trusty medical dictionary told me that "an antioxidant is a substance capable of
neutralising oxygen free radicals, the highly active and damaging atoms and chemical
groups produced by various disease processes, poisons, radiation, smoking, and other
agencies. The body contains it's own natural antioxidants, but there is growing
medical interest in the possibility of controlling cell and tissue damage by means of
supplementary antioxidants…Evidence is accumulating that these substances can
reduce the incidence of a number of serious diseases." (Oxford Concise Medical
Dictionary)
Bartram's Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine explained that, in addition to the above,
antioxidants also protect the body against lipid peroxidation. Lipids are naturallyoccurring compounds; they are important dietary constituents, not only because of
their high energy value, but also because certain vitamins and essential fatty acids are
associated with them.
Antioxidants help prevent oxidation damage to our DNA, and help us live longer!
Vitamins A, C and E inhibit the production of free radicals. (A "radical" is a group of
atoms which can combine in the same way as single atoms to make a molecule.
"Free" means uncombined. A free radical is a state in which a radical can exist before
it combines – an incomplete molecule containing oxygen which has an uneven
electrical charge. In fact, it is an unstable molecular fragment that carries a minute
negative electrical charge. It tries to lose this charge be passing on it's spare electron
during collisions with other molecules and cell structures. This process is known as
oxidation. Oxidation usually triggers a harmful chain reaction in which electrons are
passed from one molecule to another with damaging results. Antioxidants neutralise
the negative charge on a free radical before it can trigger a chain reaction. Both
vegetable and animal tissues produce free radicals as a normal metabolic by-product.)
Especially effective is beta-carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A. Vitamin E and
selenium work together to prevent free radical damage to cell membrane.
Antioxidants act favourably on glaucoma, Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid
arthritis. They may also have an anti-tumour effect.
Sources of Vitamin A
Liver (calf, lamb, chicken), butter, margarine, milk, double cream, cream cheese, hard
cheese, Greek yoghurt.
Carrot, sweet potato, red chillies, red pepper, butternut-squash, parsley, spinach,
watercress, spring green, broccoli, tomatoes.
Mango, papaya, Canteloupe melon, apricots, apples, bananas, grapes, kiwi, oranges,
peaches, strawberries.
Sources of Vitamin C
Apples, bananas, pineapple, grapes, rosehips, blueberries/bilberries, strawberries,
raspberries, gooseberries, cherries, redcurrants, mango, papaya, kiwi, peaches,
nectarines, melon, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomegranate, cranberries.
Red peppers, green peppers, spinach, spring greens, curly kale, spinach, watercress,
brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli, spring onions, green salad,
courgette, broad beans, peas, tomatoes, sweetcorn, cauliflower, potato, sweet potato,
garlic, sprouted alfalfa, kohl rabi.
Sources of Vitamin E
Sunflower oil, olive oil, safflower oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, wheatgerm oil, soya oil,
peanut oil, polyunsaturated margarine.
Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, pine-nuts, almonds, peanuts, brazil nuts,
walnuts, peanut butter, bombay mix.
Tomatoes, avocado, spinach, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas,
mango.
Salmon, eggs, mayonnaise, butter, parmesan cheese, wheatgerm.
Sources of Selenium
Seafood, lobster, squid, red mullet, scallops, mussels, oysters, shrimps, crab, lemon
sole, plaice, sardines, kipper, canned tuna. mackerel, cod, salmon, herring.
Liver, kidney, pork fillet, chicken breast, cheddar cheese, eggs.
Wholegrains, wholemeal bread, wheatgerm, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, mixed nuts.
Mushrooms, asparagus, onions, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, celery, radishes.
Note: Selenium and Vitamin E work together to prevent free radical damage to cell
membranes. Selenium is essential for cell growth and immune function. It is involved
in the synthesis of hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins and thyroid
hormones. It is important for immunity, stimulating the production of natural killer
cells which fight viral and bacterial infections, as well as being involved in the
production of antibodies.
Selenium is a trace element and an essential component of the enzyme glutathione
peroxidase, which catalyses the oxidation of glutathione by hydrogen peroxide. It thus
has important antioxidant properties.
Dietary deficiency of selenium results in cardiomyopathy. (Cardiomyopathy = any
chronic disorder affecting the muscle of the heart. The cause is often unknown. It may
result in enlargement of the heart, heart failure, arrhythmias and embolism.)
Antioxidants are also available in the form of supplements
Glutathione: a peptide containing the amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine
which functions as a co-enzyme in several oxidation-reduction reactions.
Super Oxide Dismutase: A dismutase enzyme is a biologically active enzyme
complex present in most human cells, and capable of converting tissue-damaging free
radicals into less harmful chemical substances. S.O.D. is derived from a natural wheat
sprout extract from specially-cultured hypoallergenic wheat. It stimulates and
supports the immune system, neutralises toxins and minimises tissue damage, protects
oxygen levels in body cells and alleviates circulatory disorders.
L-acetylcarnitine: L-acetylcarnitine is naturally present in the brain, and researchers
have found that it mimics the actions of acetylcholine. In trials with Alzheimer's
patients it was found to improve memory, cognition and behaviour.
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Powerful antioxidant, chelation agent, radioprotective agent,
glutathione production stimulant, normaliser of blood sugar levels, neurotonic and
antiviral. It increases mental clarity and memory function. It acts as a co-enzyme, with
B Vitamins, to our body's cells in utilising energy (glucose). Because ALA is so
small, it can pass inside the cells, and protect both the inside and the outside from
oxidative stress. It is used to boost energy levels and reduce chronic fatigue. It is also
taken to help treat symptoms linked to nerve damage such as numbness or discomfort.
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum Cuspidatum): Antioxidant, source of Vitamin C,
antiviral, antispirochaetal, antifungal, immunostimulant, immunomodulant, antiinflammatory, brain and spinal cord protectant, vasodilator, cardioprotective and
inhibitor of platelet aggregration.
Being used in Lyme disease and other neurological diseases. Can be used alongside
Samento.
(www.sourcenaturals.com available via practitioners eg. Herbalists)
Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark): contains a rich blend of natural fruit
acids and antioxidants.
Co-enzyme Q10: a naturally-occurring antioxidant that is highly concentrated in the
energy-intensive cells of the heart. It is a vital scavenger of electrons which prevents
secondary free radical damage.
Garlic: Cheap and effective. Antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic.
Lycpene: Best known as the red pigment in tomatoes.
Grapeseed extract: Grape seeds are rich in linoleic acid.
Selenium: Often prescribed as an antioxidant to detoxify the body against the
poisonous metals of lead, cadmium and mercury.
Blackcurrant oil: A rich source of gamma linoleic acid.
Goji Berry Extract: A rich source of Vitamin C contains antioxidants, omega oils
and carotenoids.
Pomegranate: Rich in vitamins A, C + E – a potent antioxidant.
Cranberry: Rich in Vitamin C
Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is found in carrots, highly coloured fruits and
vegetables, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Bilberry: Improves blood flow to the retina of the eye.
Rosehips: Rich in Vitamin C.
Ginko Biloba: The world's longest living tree species. Its leaves contain powerful
antioxidants. It promotes circulation to the body's extremities including the brain. It
may help memory, cognitive function, and circulatory disorders. Not to be taken along
with Samento.
Lutein: A natural antioxidant deposited in the retina of the eye, and especially so in
the macula, a small area of the eye responsible for central vision.
Royal Jelly: Contains vitamins A, B, C, D + E, 20 amino acids, potassium, calcium,
zinc, iron and manganese.
Vitamin C: Strengthens blood vessels, bones, gums and teeth.
Vitamin E: Essential for healing, healthy red blood cells and nerves.
Green Tea: Antioxidant. Can be used to help combat MRSA.
Selenium +A+C+E: A good all-encompassing antioxidant.
Nettle Tea: Nettle contains vitamins including C, serotonin, histamine, acetylcholine,
iron, calcium and silicea.
Milk Thistle: Milk Thistle is a herb whose seeds contain a unique and powerful
mixture of antioxidant known as silymarin which helps to increase levels of an
important liver enzyme, glutathione. Silymarin may help the liver metabolise
oestrogen more efficiently to reduce symptoms of endometriosis. It is also helpful as a
"detox" herb and is used in the treatment of skin conditions.
Pycnogenol: French Maritime Pine Bark. It has a beneficial effect on circulation,
reducing hardening and furring up of the arteries, thinning the blood, reducing
clumping of clotting fragments (platelets) and reducing the risk of heart disease and
stroke. It is used in peripheral vascular disease. This is a very powerful antioxidant.
Supplements by Mail Order
The Nutri Centre. Tel: 0207 436 5122.
www.nutricentre.com
(General advice and telephone appointments can be obtained from their qualified
nutritionists free of charge.
Healthspan.
Tel: 0800 73 123 77.
www.healthspan.co.uk
Simply Supplements.Tel: 0800 1 955 755.
www.simplysupplements.co.uk
Tel: 0845 226 4813 customer services.
Woods Supplements. Tel: 08451 66 77 88.
www.woodshealth.com
Tel: 08451 30 55 88 customer services
Herbs by Mail Order
G Baldwin & Co.
Tel: 0207 703 5550
www.baldwins.co.uk
Some herbs have strong antioxidant properties eg. dandelion, ginseng, goldenseal,
irish moss, gotu kola, samento/cat's claw, Japanese Knotweed, garlic and milk thistle.
Because these are used medicinally, please consult a qualified herbalist before using
them.
To find a herbalist in your area, please contact the National Institute of Medical
Herbalists on
Tel: 01392 426 022
Disclaimer: The above article is intended as information only. No responsibility will
be accepted for any adverse reactions to the above products. Please consult a
qualified health professional eg. doctor, nutritionist, herbalist, homeopath, to ensure
that you are receiving the most appropriate supplement or herb for your condition.
Bibliography
1. Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary
pub. Oxford
2. The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals
Dr Sarah Brewer
pub. Market Vision Ltd
3. Healing Lyme
Stephen Harrod Buhner
pub. Raven Press
4. Bartram's Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine
Thomas Bartram
pub. Robinson
5. Catalogue Information from Healthspan,
Simply Supplements and Woods
6. The Vitamin & Mineral Counter
Jody Vassallo
pub. Murdoch Books
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Tesco's Nutritionists who gave me advice on the Vitamin content of six
fruits.