How Do You Get Rid of Oxidative Stress?

Is your body under attack from oxidative stress? Chances are good that it is. Most of us experience oxidative stress at some point in our lives. Fortunately, treatment for oxidative stress can reduce some of the damage oxidative stress causes.

Oxidative stress is a natural phenomenon. It occurs when your body cells, tissues, and organs do their various jobs. Excessive oxidative stress can lead to early aging and poor health. You can take steps to reduce oxidative stress and its effects on your body.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

The first step in reducing oxidative stress is to understand it.

Many body cells break down molecules into atoms. Each atom has several electrons.

Electrons like to bond in pairs because it gives them stability. Unpaired electrons, known as free radicals, are unstable. Free radicals seek out other unpaired electrons they can bond with or steal. While bonding makes free radicals more stable, it changes how the molecule works. This can ultimately change how cells, tissues, and organs work.

Atoms that give up their electrons become unstable free radicals. As these new free radicals search for electrons, they create even more free radicals. This chain reaction can damage cell membranes and DNA. It can also alter chemical reactions in the body, and damage connective tissue and collagen.

What are the main causes of oxidative stress?

Digestion and other body functions cause free radicals. Cigarette smoke, air pollution and some chemicals can cause them too.

Oxygen is the most common source of free radicals. In a process known as oxidation, the body breaks down oxygen to use as energy. This process can cause the oxygen atoms to lose electrons and create free radicals.

Your body fights free radicals with antioxidants. These natural substances provide free radicals with electrons without becoming unstable. Your body cells produce some antioxidants. You also get antioxidants through some of the food you eat.

Free radicals can outnumber antioxidants. Scientists refer to this imbalance as oxidative stress. A lab test can measure the antioxidant levels in your blood.

Oxidative stress can cause damage. This damage can cause a wide variety of diseases and health concerns, such as:

• Chronic inflammation
• Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer
• Heart and blood vessel problems, such as high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Inflammatory disorders
• Asthma

Oxidative Stress Can Lead to Ill Health

Oxidative stress can cause widespread damage to your cells, protein, and DNA. It can also accelerate the aging process. It may also play a role in the development of:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Many other health issues

Treatment for Oxidative Stress

Eat foods that contain antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Focus on eating:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Potatoes
• Carrots

Limit fat, sugar, and processed foods

These foods promote oxidation in their own way. For example, exposure to sunlight, air, or heat can cause oxidation in dietary fats and oils. Cells break down sugar to use as fuel, and in the process, it causes oxidation. The preservatives in processed foods may create free radicals.

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