DATA:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...
The Most Powerful Antioxidant (Melatonin)
▶️ • The MOST POWERFUL Antioxidant Is Mela...
Did you know that too much iron can decrease longevity? Your body makes hydrogen peroxide that is used by the immune system to kill microbes. When hydrogen peroxide combines with iron, it can cause serious cellular damage.
People with iron-deficiency anemia often have dysfunctional iron, which means it’s unavailable to the red blood cells. This could be why we are not seeing a decrease in anemia even though we've increased iron in the food supply.
Iron overload may increase your risk for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, heart disease, and more. Excess iron causes oxidative stress and increases inflammation.
As we age, we naturally accumulate more iron. Around 70% of our iron is stored in protein in the blood that helps carry oxygen. Ferritin should be inside your tissues to protect you from free iron and control when iron is released. This very efficient system recycles iron in the body.
Certain pathogens, microbes, and infections use iron as fuel. This is why the body protects free iron. Some people feel better after donating blood, indicating they have too much iron.
Too much iron without enough copper is a big problem. If you think you have this problem, limit iron exposure before taking a copper supplement. Iron is found in enriched flours, grains, and refined carbohydrate products. Shellfish, organ meats, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate are good sources of copper.
To combat oxidative damage caused by iron and other factors like alcohol, smoking, pollution, and junk foods, you’ll want to build up your antioxidant reserve. Glutamine found in red meat is vital, but protein is the most important! It’s especially important to consume enough protein as you get older.
Zinc, manganese, magnesium, and selenium can increase antioxidant networks to help you regulate excess iron. Quercetin, curcumin, black tea, and increasing melatonin are also very beneficial.
Lactoferrin is the most powerful chelator for iron. It’s found naturally in dairy and can be taken as a supplement.