Just as apples turn brown when their flesh is exposed to air, human cells can do something called oxidizing, rather like rusting, when we breathe. Free radicals cause this process. These are molecules that are unstable and damage, oxidizing, cells everywhere in the body. This process is known as oxidative stress.
Oxidative Stress and Symptoms
Oxidative-mediated stress in cells and tissues can be caused by many types of agents: physical, microbial, and chemical. Moreover, reactions that are oxidative mediated are part of a variety of fundamental facets of life processes, including cell respiration and lipid synthesis. This release of oxidative elements can be neutralized by such antioxidant compounds as vitamins E and C. Oxidative-mediated stress has become defined as that state wherein oxidation is exceeding the antioxidant systems contained in the body. Symptoms include muscle or joint pain, memory less or brain fog, fatigue, decreased eyesight, susceptibility to infections, sensitivity to noise and headaches, and wrinkles and grey hair.
Conditions Associated with Oxidative-mediated Stress
Numerous health conditions have been associated with oxidative stress, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety, diabetes, insomnia, and even cancer. Oxidative stress has many daily habits closely associated with it, such as regular and excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, and an irregular diet. Environmental factors include carcinogens. Free radicals damage the cell membranes, damage DNA, damage tissue, and are the underpinnings of nearly the entirety of chronic diseases. They contribute to wrinkles, hardened arteries, and disease.
Understanding Free Radical Causes
The byproduct of energy utilization in the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing factories in each cell, free radicals are naturally created and can’t be completely avoided. In fact, a few free radicals aren’t a bad thing as they encourage repair mechanisms. Many environmental and lifestyle elements can contribute to their creation. Eating too many refined carbohydrates, sugars, and calories causes greater levels of free radicals, as does exercising too little or too much. Excessive drinking, being exposed to high levels of air pollutants, and being exposed to tobacco smoke are linked to oxidative-mediated stress. Too much stress is as well, as is lack of sleep.
Oxidative stress and symptoms are important to understand to know how to avoid them and stave off the ill effects of free radicals. Improving breathing, consuming foods known to reduce oxidation such as vitamins, phytonutrients, minerals, and polyphenols, and using herbs such as turmeric, rosemary, ginkgo, ginger, and grape seed extract are all known to fight free radicals and oxidation. Excessive oxidative-mediated stress can be fought against and avoided with care and lifestyle choices.
