In highly developed industrialized society, we are constantly bombarded by free radicals from toxic environmental influences like polluted oxygen-deprived air, poor lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking, inferior or highly processed foods. Free radicals cause progressive damage resulting in the functional decline that defines aging. Free radicals are part of a well-balanced system and are produced naturally by the body to supply energy to cells, fight bacteria and viruses as well as to regulate hormones. When systems are in balance, the production and management of free radicals proceeds as nature intended. It is only when we have too many free radicals in our bodies that degenerative disease develops. The only way to counteract the effects of free radicals on cells is by eating foods rich in antioxidants or to supplement our diets with antioxidant products such as Fulvic Acid.