Cellular health isn’t a trend or even a new concept. Scientists have been studying how the health of our cells connects to long-term health and disease for decades, and herbal supplement manufacturers like Flora, for instance, have been carefully sourcing organic, plant-based formulas that support cellular health since the early 1990s. One of the major causes of cellular damage is oxidative stress2, which happens when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons—and because electrons are unstable when they’re not paired up, a free radical will zip around the body, reacting with other molecules in desperation to stabilize themselves. Free radicals don’t just come from exposure to the sun or products with toxic ingredients—they’re a normal, natural byproduct3 of our cells generating energy (which means even healthy habits like strenuous exercise can lead4 to more free radicals in the body). Left unattended, these reactive free radicals can lead to damage in the fats, proteins, and DNA that make up our cells. Thankfully, our cells have a natural way to do damage control. Antioxidants—like vitamins A, C, and E—in our cells help stop5 the chain reaction of free radicals (they do this by donating an electron to a free radical to stabilize them, without making themselves unstable). But when there are too many free radicals racing around and not enough antioxidants to get them to relax, oxidative stress occurs, and over time, that free radical damage can accelerate aging and disease6. Learn about a few more strategies below: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
