30/11/2021
**Why are Redox Signalling Molecules foundational and fundamental in all living beings?**
Although not a likely dinner topic, life happens deep within our cellular mitochondria with chemical reactions known as redox signaling. Learn why redox imbalances are responsible for every illness from diabetes to cancer.
They call them Redox Signaling Molecules. The National Institute of Health (NIH), Stanford, Harvard, Cornell, and many other top medical research institutions are utilizing huge sums of money and dedicating entire labs toward studying these tiny molecules, after finding they are a cornerstone to preventing disease.
Our bodies are made up of cells. Inside of every cell we have mitochondria (some cells have thousands). When functioning optimally, mitochondria produce redox signaling molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The ROS molecules fall into two categories: reductants that cause reduction reactions or oxidants that create oxidation reactions.
Redox signaling processes take place in nature every time there is a chemical reaction, including inside our cells. Both reductants and oxidants are important, and in order to maintain optimal health, we require them in balanced numbers.
Oxidants remove electrons; when they are exposed to oxygen they oxidize and change color—think rust on a nail or an apple turning brown.
Reductants deliver electrons. One of the most important redox signaling process that takes place in the mitochondria is with the addition of electrons to oxygen molecules.
A Matter Of Balance
Our cells require balance or for peak performance. When there is a buildup of oxidants in our cells or disequilibrium inside the cell this notifies us of damage and a poorly functioning cell. The buildup of oxidants is called .
The redox signaling process can be likened to smoke signals. Oxidants inside our cells can go rogue and result in major health damage if they aren’t cleaned up and controlled. The overabundance of oxidants in cells are the mechanism that tells the cell something is wrong and initiates the process where the body begins to repair, kill, or replace the cell.
When there are too many oxidants in the cell, it signals the genes inside of the nucleus to fix the problem. Hopefully, the action from the genes will fix the problem and homeostatic balance will be restored again inside the cell—this is the redox signaling process. This process is of the utmost importance for detection of damaged cells, as well as repair, and replacement of damaged cells inside of tissue.
Redox imbalances have been correlated with every single disease including aging, Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, diabetes, , cancer, dementia, ALS, chronic infections, gut disorders, arthritis, and more.
All illness is expressed in one of two ways: a predominance of oxidative stress-related symptoms and signs (similar to rusting, but in a biological sense), or a predominance of (reactive) signs and symptoms. Health can be achieved by addressing imbalances in these areas and then moving the redox needle back to the balance point,” writes Robertson D. Ward, M.D. FAAFP.
