sis of alien cells is common practice. This repeated oxidative killing would lead to a build up of dangerous oxidants that may damage healthy cells instead of those originally planned. Thirdly, the peroxisomes, cell organelles used to breakdown fatty acids, create hydrogen peroxide in its normal processes. Most of the time the peroxide is further degraded by catalase, and antioxidant, and deemed not dangerous. However, some of the peroxide does escape degradation and can buildup in concentration. Finally, the final main contributor to the maintenance of the oxidant concentration in the body is due to another defense mechanism, cytochrome P450. This enzyme is used to protect the body from toxins produced in plants that are consumed. The reaction to reduce the damage that these toxins can produce has the unfortunate side effect of producing oxidants as a bi-product. (Ames 7915-6)
             There are unnatural means by which oxidants can occur in the body as well. Smoking is one of the riskiest habits when it comes to oxidative stress. Not only does smoking increase the amount of oxidants in the cell by releasing nitrogen-derived oxidants, but it can also deplete antioxidants in the body. This double detrimental effect is one of the main contributors to cancer and lung disease found in individuals that smoke. Another main supplier in oxidative levels is excess iron or copper in the blood stream. Some men have a tendency to absorb a surplus of these atoms from salts they can form. These salts can react with peroxides to produce large amounts of oxidants (Ames 7916).
             In many parts of the world there are even situations with other organisms infected humans and causing oxidant problems. Here in America and in other wealthy nations there is no need to worry, but in some parts of the world parasites are a problem. Depending on where the parasite ends up in the body, they can cause a chronic infection. This leads to oxidative damag...