Do I Need An Antioxidant Supplement As Well? Antioxidants Vs. Oxidizers

Here at Laube Holistic Health Solutions, we talk a lot about oxidizers, and how they destroy all the enemies of health and aim to empower you to use them to create amazing health for pennies per day. But we also talk about the importance of antioxidants. And the fact that it’s not a good idea to take them both at the same time of day.

It confuses a lot of our customers! They ask us:

• What are antioxidants, and if they are the opposite to oxidizers, why would I need that?
• Don’t oxidizers and antioxidant supplements work against each other?
• If oxidizers are good, aren’t antioxidant supplements bad?
• Should I stop taking my antioxidant supplement (like vitamin C, vitamin E or turmeric) if I’m going to take an oxidizer? Like do one day on one and one day on the other?

We wanted to write an article to clear up the confusion and explain why we love antioxidants, too!

What Are Oxidizers?

Here’s a simple explanation of what’s going on:

Oxidizers can kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and other baddies like parasites by stopping them from being able to function by stealing their electrons. Oxidizers  can also boost detoxification and elimination, helping clear out your body of what’s working against it. And as long as they are used correctly, they don’t harm healthy cells at all. They are your immune system’s best buddy in destroying anything that’s attacking your body.

What Is An Antioxidant?

Antioxidants (AKA “free-radical scavengers”), on the other hand, help your body in a very different way. They are natural or artificial substances that can prevent or slow the damage to healthy cells caused by free radicals.

A free radical is an atom or molecule containing one or more unpaired electrons, making them unstable and able to damage otherwise healthy cells. 

That can contribute to the cause of many chronic health problems such as cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, cataracts, and cancer, together with ageing.

Everyone produces free radicals naturally in their body through processes like exercise or inflammation. This is normal and part of the body’s intricate system of keeping itself healthy. 

This Is The Confusing Bit!

But oxidizers like chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide aren’t free radicals! And they cannot hurt your healthy cells. That can be where the main confusion lies.

However, they do counteract each other. I mean, they completely cancel each other out when used in equal amounts!! The key to preventing this completely is to take your vitamin C before bed, and/or 3 hours after you use an oxidizer. Then wait again before taking more oxidizer. Then you should be good! Please contact us if you need extra guidance or have questions.

Where Do Free Radicals Come From?

It is when there are too many free radicals in the system that the problems occur.

You may also be exposed to additional free radicals in the environment and even more in certain situations, such as when you undergo x-rays, when you smoke and even from ultraviolet light.

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural “off” switch for the free radicals.

Some of the most common and best antioxidants that we love are:

Our Favourite Antioxidant: Vitamin C

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid, which is its chemical name, is a substance found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, It is also available as a dietary supplement which will give a proper ‘dose’ of this to ensure that the body is obtaining a sufficient amount of this vitamin for it to be effective.

It was discovered in the eighteenth century that a lack of vitamin C caused a disease called scurvy. Indeed many sailors, who on their long voyages did not have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, had a lack of this essential vitamin and consequently died of this disease. 

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue, and the formation of collagen and research has shown it is instrumental in preventing ageing and degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkison’s disease.

Turmeric

Studies have shown that curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, is particularly effective at reducing the risk of colon, skin, oral, and intestinal cancer and has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is very effective at scavenging some particular types of free radicals.

It is interesting that combining turmeric with black pepper increases its effectiveness by up to 2000%.

Aloe Vera✶, Seaweed✶, Yellow or Orange fruits✶

✶ Whilst these foodstuffs are good antioxidants, I like them as added extras. They contain a wide range of nutrients, which is great, but for my daily dose of guaranteed antioxidants and the health benefits that come with that, I love supplements like our Pure Vitamin C. I actually originally created that supplement for my own personal use and I take it almost every day. I also take more if I feel like I need it.

PRO TIP: Research has revealed that the use of fish oils, particularly when taken as a supplement increases the body’s ability to absorb antioxidants.

So now you know! Both oxidizers and antioxidants are powerful tools for your health toolbox. And yes, they are both totally affordable!