Nrf2 - a Magic Molecule? -

Undoubtedly antioxidants we get from foods, such as vitamin C, A & E are necessary for quenching free radicals. But did you know your body can make its own antioxidants too?

First a refresher… Antioxidants work to scavenge free radicals by generously giving up electrons, as well as repairing DNA to maintain healthy cells. Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable, causing dangerous chemical reactions in the body called oxidation – where an oxygen molecule attaches on an extra electron. Examples of highly unstable molecules in our body are super oxide and hydrogen peroxide.

So as a protection mechanism to make sure cellular stress doesn’t get too high, our body also produces powerful endogenous/internal antioxidants such as SOD/super oxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. These are your body’s defense system against oxygen free-radicals and very damaging hydroxyl radicals.

However even these potent antioxidants in the body can become overwhelmed by free radicals, in turn causing oxidative stress. Or some may have genetic variants in their glutathione pathways. This can can damage DNA and cells, leading to disease. And chronic inflammation is at the core of many harmful diseases such as autoimmune disease, infectious diseases, or cancer.

So what can our body do when both external and internal antioxidant sources become overwhelmed and the body is in a chronic inflammatory state? In such cases some might benefit from activating a bit of Nrf2.

Introducing the genius of Nrf2 pathway

Nrf2 is a cellular protein that regulates cellular antioxidant response and anti-inflammatory enzymes. It’s regulated by another protein called Keap1 until it is really needed. Keap1 will actually degrade Nrf2 until your body senses oxidative stress, whereupon it stops degrading it. Nfr2 plays a key role in switching on several genes for antioxidants in response to oxidative stress. It impacts gene expression by inducing the production of a number of very potent precision antioxidants, such NADPH (NQO1 genes) and glutathione S-transferases (GST genes). These are involved in numerous metabolic processes that keep you alive, including DNA repair!

Side note: The necessity of free radicals…

It is important to note that free radicals actually play an important role in cellular energy production – such as killing harmful viruses or bacteria. Therefore balance of both free radicles and antioxidants is key to a harmonious system.

Nrf2 Activation Foods and Supplements

Although oxidative stress by itself can activate Nrf2, its impact is sharply enhanced by certain chemical compounds – some from very accessible foods!

Recent evidence shows exciting data around compounds found in:

Curcumin from turmeric root
Sulforaphane from broccoli seed
EGCG from green tea
Rosemary herb

These types of herbs and foods not only contain compounds activating Nrf2, but also contain potent polyphenols and direct antioxidants that have several health benefits, so they’re a great way to improve overall wellbeing.

If you’d like to find out about your unique genomic sequence around your antioxidant pathways and what foods and supplements can help you, please DM on IG @GeneCrush or email at Office@GeneCrush.com.

I provide a personalized wellness plan that includes an array of genomic reports with analysis and recommendations for individualized diet, supplements, and lifestyle strategies that impact energy, focus, performance, metabolism, inflammation, mood and overall wellbeing.

Let’s talk! https://genecrush.setmore.com/