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What is oxidative stress anyway?

Let the body do what the body does. The body is capable of many processes, some are voluntary and some are involuntary. These processes are powered within the body. As the body powers different processes, the result is some output and its byproduct. We can refer to this output as the intended process. We can refer to the byproduct as the stress undergone during processing. A metaphor for this phenomenon can be seen in a computer getting hot while streaming a movie. In this example, the output or intended process was to stream a movie, but the byproduct was the computer heating up from the internal smaller processes required to carry out the demand.

Obsessive exercising and inadequate nutrition can, over time, put people at high risk for overuse injuries like stress fractures.

Oxidation 

Oxidation occurs as the body converts oxygen into usable energy. The intended output is usable energy and the byproduct is known as free radicals. Free radicals are a normal result of cellular processes in the body. Oxidative stress is the chemical reaction that occurs during natural body processes. We see evidence in the aging process as normal wear and tear.  During metabolic processes, free radicals act as a stimulus to encourage regeneration and cellular repair.   An excess production of free radicals creates an imbalance in the body that may lead to harm on the cellular level, causing damage. This mitochondrial damage is thought to be causal in the initiation and progression of cancer and other inflammatory diseases.

Stress 

Stresscomes in may forms: physical, mental, chemical, mechanical.   Doing our best to eat balanced, sleep well and stay active is one of our biggest contributions to self-regulating daily stressors on the mental and physical side. Antioxidants help keep the body in balance internally by counteracting the chemical reaction that produces the free radicals.

Other ways to support your overall wellness include:

• Asking a registered dietitian how certain processed foods and sugars can increase oxidative stress
• Seeking a meal plan and meal schedule to time your nutrient intake to avoid spikes in blood sugar
• Learning more about the benefits of toxin-free self care products

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