Within the body, there are a certain number of unstable atoms that can be damaging to cells. These unstable atoms are known as free radicals. Free radicals are usually neutralised by antioxidants that are manufactured by cells within the body. This allows the body to stay in balance. This balance is lost when there are not an equal number of free radicals and antioxidants within the body. This imbalance is known as oxidative stress.
What to Watch Out for
Oxidative stress can have negative and positive effects, depending on whether it is a temporary or prolonged state. The severity of oxidative stress can also determine whether the effects on the body are of a positive or negative nature.
There are a few symptoms to watch out for when questioning whether you have raised levels of oxidative stress that could be harmful.
- Exhaustion that never seems to dissipate, even when you have slept enough.
- Premature wrinkles and greying of hair.
- An unexplained decrease in eyesight.
- A heightened sensitivity towards infections.
- An unexplained increase of headaches.
- An abnormal sensitivity to noise.
- Unexplained memory loss.
- Joint and muscle pain that seems out of place.
What Are the Main Causes of Oxidative Stress?
Temporary oxidative stress can be triggered by exercise, injuries, immune responses, and more. This type of oxidative stress is usually beneficial to the body as it helps the body heal from injuries, protects the body from infections and diseases, as well as moderates tissue growth, and more.
Prolonged and excessive oxidative stress can be caused by a variety of environmental factors. It can also be caused by the consumption of certain substances and be due to gene variations. These environmental factors and substances include, but are not limited to, smoking, pollution, radiation, a poor diet, and more.
Diseases Caused by Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can affect your body in many ways. These effects aren’t always dangerous or hurtful; however, prolonged excess of oxidative stress has been linked to the formation of many harmful diseases. Some of these diseases include diabetes, cancer, asthma, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular problems, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and more.
To find out more about oxidative stress, how you can prevent it, and to test whether you might be carrying genetic variations that can cause and excess of oxidative stress, contact us at Geneway.
