Oxidation is what happens to bananas when they brown, iron fences when they rust, and people when they age. The process involves unstable molecules called free radicals that circulate in the body. In order to regain its electrical balance, a free radical must swipe an electron from another molecule, and this starts a chain reaction of cellular damage. Some free radicals are produced in our bodies when we re breathing in normal amounts of oxygen, but many more of these troublesome molecules are generated by outside forces like the sun s rays, alcohol, cigarette smoke, and other forms of air pollution. Supplemental oxygen also generates an oversupply, according to Dr. Scala.
Antioxidant supplements can help prevent emphysema from worsening.
Plus, says Dr. Scala, if your lungs are already in the pink, antioxidants can help keep them that way. Two antioxidants in particular are especially important to respiratory health. Vitamin E, an oily antioxidant found in blood fats and cell membranes, is important for proper lung function. If you are considering taking amounts above 400 IU, though, discuss it with your doctor first. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that s found in every body fluid.