MANAGING OXIDATIVE STRESS

Oxidative stress has been largely described as an imbalance between the production of FREE RADICALS and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects. A closer look at this definition clearly tell that it is about how the body manages free radicals. It is also important to know that these free radicals are a normal occurrence in the life of every human being.

Free radicals are oxygen containing molecules (chemical) with odd electron making it highly reactive with other molecules (chemical) within the body. They react or take electrons from other molecules (chemicals) in the cell to achieve stability and in the process making the molecules(chemicals) they took electrons from to be unstable. These unstable molecules (chemicals) in turn will seek to reach with molecules(chemicals) from where they can also get electron from to become stable. This process continues and in a short time the whole system is loaded with free radicals. These free radicals are short lived molecules, with an average life span of one - millionth of a second, are very potent toxins that afflict our bodies. The importance of this to health is that when we are young the human body is naturally equipped with an antioxidant defense system that functions very well in scavenging and mopping up free radicals before they can cause damage. However, as we age, the anti oxidants defense system becomes less effective in free radicals clearance. , hence, we have a positive balance of free radicals that can do great damage.

The free radicals creates burns in the cellular membrane that weakens tissues and organs in our bodies. If the damage continues unchecked, the body becomes "rusty" and less able to defend itself against problems such as cancer, hardening of the arteries (which can cause heart related problems) , premature ageing and other health issues like arthritis and cancer.

What is the source of free radicals?

Sources of Free radicals abound around us. This includes :

Normal daily stress

Normal everyday drugs used for medication

Toxins from cigarettes, candles, hair and nail salon, carpet, exhaust fumes, and plastics

Sugar and processed foods

Fried food

Excessive exercise

Over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and exposure to x-ray radiation

During normal metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and proteins

During energy production process in the cell

What are the signs that you are experiencing oxidative stress?

You experience fatigue

Muscles and joint pain

Wrinkles and Grey hair

Decreased eye sight

Headaches and sensitivity to noise

Susceptibility to infection

How to prevent oxidative stress

To prevent oxidative stress is to avoid exposure to the sources of free radicals. But on a more serious note, No matter what you do to avoid them, you are going to be exposed to some toxins and stress willy-nilly. Therefore, for best outcome in trying to manage oxidative stress apart from trying to avoid the various sources of free radicals as I have enunciated in this write up, you will have to increase the level of anti-oxidants you have in your system or body. This you can do either by helping your body to make more or by consuming them in food and supplements.

1. Food like spinach, walnut, garlic, onions, and tomatoes are needed to make glutathione in the body and it is a powerful antioxidants.

2. The following are herbal sources for antioxidants : Resveratrol, green tea, Quercetin Curcumin.

3. To consume antioxidants as supplements, you may consult a certified Nutritionist for advice and recommendations.

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