What is Oxidative Stress and what can you do about it?

Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to detoxify them. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. This can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. While the body does have mechanisms to protect itself from oxidative stress, there are things you can do to help reduce its effects.

How oxidative stress occurs – and why you should be aware of it.

This stress is a natural part of the body's metabolism. This is because during normal cellular functions, such as respiration and digestion, some molecules are turned into free radicals. This occurs even at rest. The process is sped up when the body needs to work harder. This is the case when exercising or when the body's cells are exposed to viruses, bacteria, or pollutants. This process occurs in the mitochondria.

While the body's antioxidant defences, such as vitamins C and E, can neutralise these free radicals, if there aren't enough antioxidants to neutralise all of them, some free radicals will cause oxidative stress.

How To Recognise it and What can you do to manage it.

Oxidative stress is caused by a build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, which is a by-product of normal metabolism. This build-up can lead to serious health conditions if it is not properly managed. When the body's antioxidant levels are heightened, damage to the body's cells can occur. Ultimately, this can lead to premature ageing or even death.

Fortunately, the body's antioxidant defences can be boosted to prevent  stress and to control free radicals. At these times of increased oxidative stress, certain cells can be especially vulnerable to free radical damage. These include red blood cells and heart cells.

How to Decrease Oxidative Stress for Better Health

Many factors can impact on the wear and tear on the body, including obesity, diabetes, smoking and drinking alcohol. These factors can damage DNA, break down lipids, deplete antioxidants, and increase inflammation and apoptosis (cell death). To counter this, it is important to have as many antioxidants in the body as possible.

As well as loading up on antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C and E, it is also important to take the antioxidant supplements and avoid toxins that damage the immune system. Antioxidants are essential for health because they help the body fight against free radicals. Some free radicals are unavoidable, but most are created in an overactive metabolism.

It is important to keep the mitochondria healthy and functioning well. Mitochondria are organelles that serve as the powerhouses of the cell. They are unique in that they have their own DNA and are able to produce energy in the form of ATP.

How to Manage  Stress with Supplements

It is important to take antioxidants and supplements to help keep oxidative stress in check. One supplement that can be consumed, is Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a ubiquinone that helps cells convert food into usable energy. It also has antioxidant properties, which helps the body rid itself of free radicals and maintain cellular health. It also works as an antioxidant in the mitochondria and is used to make energy within cells. Studies show that Coenzyme Q10 can help support cellular health. In fact, it has been proven to help protect cells against the negative effects of radiation. Coenzyme Q10 is an important nutrient that should be taken on a daily basis