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You have heard of superoxide dismutase or sod, but don't really know what it is? Not sure if sodium can really help with Alzheimer's, arthritis or diabetic complications? In this article we have looked into all this and would like to answer your questions.
In our sod test 2021 we give you the most important insights into the effects and applications of sod. For this purpose, we have looked into various studies to give you a solid overview of the topic of sodium carbonate.
Contents
The most important facts in brief
- Superoxide dismutase (Sod for short) is an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body, but is also found in some plants. It splits the free radical superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
- Sod is said to have an antioxidant effect, but its use in medicine and empirically is still controversial.
- However, some healing effects of sodium carbonate have been proven. These include, for example, the pain-relieving effect in rheumatoid arthritis and the positive influence in detoxification processes.
The Best Sod: Our Picks
Guide: Frequently asked questions about sodium bicarbonate answered in detail
In order to inform you comprehensively about the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and to give you an understanding of the current state of science, we have summarised all the important information in the following sections.
What is sodium carbonate and how does it work?
This antioxidant effect can combat oxidative stress. Sod converts the free radical superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which is less harmful than superoxide (1).
Protection against diseases of civilisation
Chronic degenerative diseases (diseases of civilisation) such as cancer (2, 3), Alzheimer's disease (4, 5) and cardiovascular diseases (6) can be promoted by free radicals. Sod can also support the function of the heart muscle after a heart attack.
Oxygen radicals in increased concentration can lead to the splitting off of electrons in lipids, creating free radicals and damaging cells (lipid peroxidation (7, 8)). Sod can contribute to the protection against the above-mentioned diseases of civilisation through its antioxidant abilities.
Protection against diabetic complications
Diabetes mellitus can lead to increased oxidative stress. In addition, increased blood sugar levels can lead to an antioxidant deficiency (9).
By deactivating free radicals, sodium carbonate can have a preventive effect against possible diabetic damage such as circulatory disorders of the coronary arteries, the legs and the eyes (10).
Protection against osteoporosis, arthrosis and arthritis
Sod initiates the breakdown of the free radical superoxide and can therefore help prevent osteoporosis (11). The radical superoxide can stimulate cells (osteoclasts) in the body to break down bone tissue. These cells can contribute in large quantities to the development of osteoporosis.
Free radicals can weaken tissue, so sod can also be used to treat osteoarthritis and arthritis. Positive effects of sod may be seen in rheumatoid arthritis in the form of reduced pain, inflammation and swelling, as well as improved mobility (12).
Supporting detoxification processes
Sodium can also support detoxification processes in the liver and is involved in the detoxification of heavy metals such as mercury, contributing to a strengthened immune system. Increased heavy metal levels with increased oxidative stress as well as after physical training.
During exercise, both the oxygen burn and the production of free radicals can increase dramatically. With unseasonably high and intense exercise, your body's antioxidant capacity may not be able to cope with such a load. Sod intake can support your body here (13).
Protecting the eyes and skin
Sod is highly concentrated in the lenses of the eyes and can partially regenerate tissues that have been stressed by radiation therapy, for example, and protect against age-related macular degeneration (14).
Sod can reduce skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays and activate regeneration processes. Premature ageing processes, such as age spots and wrinkles, can also be somewhat counteracted (15).
When and for whom is it useful to take sod?
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays: Exposing your body to high levels of sunlight without protection can reduce the amount of sodium carbonate in the skin (15).
- Age: As we age, the body's own production of sodium decreases; you can have your levels measured in your blood (16).
- Homocysteine: Other various factors can contribute to the reduction of sodium, including the amino acid homocysteine, which can reduce extracellular levels of sodium (17).
The supplementary intake of sodium carbonate for the prevention of premature cell ageing is particularly recommended in the case of increased exposure to oxidative stress due to your lifestyle, which can be caused by the following factors:
- Tobacco use
- Stress
- Sport or other intense physical exertion (13)
- Obesity (18)
If you are taking medication or are under medical treatment, you should consult your doctor about possible interactions before taking it.
For your children, you should always check with a doctor before taking the product, as most of the studies were conducted with adults.
The studies do not indicate a dosage for children, nor are there any known side effects.
What types of soda are there?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Copper/zinc sod | This type of sod is also called orgotein is found in the cytosol of cells. |
| Manganese sod | Manganese sod is a central building block of the mitochondria of cells. |
| Sod from the Germin family | The extracellular superoxide dismutase contains copper and zinc. |
Another type of sod is the synthetically produced variety.
What are the side effects of taking sod?
What are the alternatives to sod?
| Antioxidant | Description |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C (24) is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits and peppers, rosehip, sea buckthorn and the acerola cherry. |
| Trace elements | trace elements such as selenium, iron and zinc can only have an antioxidant effect when they act as components of enzymes. |
| OPC (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) | OPC consists of secondary plant compounds from the grape seed and can have a strong antioxidant effect (25). OPC can enhance the antioxidant power of vitamins and vice versa. |
| Glutathione | Glutathione is made up of three amino acids and is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants that can also be produced naturally in the body. It is considered a popular anti-ageing agent. |
| Allicin | allicin, which is found in garlic, leeks and onions, belongs to the sulphur-containing secondary plant substances and can have a preventive effect against heart attacks and strokes. |
| Carotenoids | carotenoids are red or orange plant pigments that can have a light-protective effect. (26) |
This table serves only as a brief overview. There are several other antioxidants that can serve as an alternative to soda.
Image source: 123rf / 111782243
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