Oxidative stress is the imbalance between the body’s production of free radicals and their neutralization by antioxidants.
Oxidative stress can lead to problems in the body, including organ and tissue damage.
Free radicalsare harmful compounds produced by biological processes in the body, such as digesting food and breathing.
Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images
Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images
Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals: Why Do They Matter?
Free radicals “steal” electrons from other molecules.
At low or moderate levels, free radicals can play beneficial, even vital, roles within the body.
In the right amount, they are crucial to maintaining human health.
Antioxidants help keep free radicals in check by neutralizing them.
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by giving them electrons.
They also help repair DNA and maintain the health of cells.
Hundreds to thousands of substances work as antioxidants.
They aren’t interchangeable.
Certain foods contain antioxidants.
Nutrient antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E and copper, zinc, and selenium minerals.
Non-nutrient antioxidants include other dietary food compounds, such as phytochemicals found in plants like tomatoes and cranberries.
Antioxidants may be water-soluble.
These are best absorbed by the body but are rapidly eliminated through urine.
Polyphenols andvitamin Care examples of water-soluble antioxidants.
Antioxidants can also be fat-soluble.
Fats must be present for the body to absorb and use these antioxidants.
Because they are not easily removed from the body, they can accumulate to levels that are too high.
Vitamin E is one fat-soluble antioxidant.
Oxidative Stress Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Oxidative stress contributes to cellular damage.
Oxidative stress can arise when there are more free radicals than the body can neutralize.
Research suggests antioxidants work best when combined with other nutrients, plant chemicals, and other antioxidants.
Talk to a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before taking supplements.
Small Changes That Make a Big Impact on Oxidative Stress
Preventing oxidative stress is all about balance.
More doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to supplements.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help prevent or minimize the damage from them.
Preventing oxidative stress is more about balance than consuming large amounts of antioxidants.
Aim for a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and practice other healthful lifestyle habits.
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