In our body there is a thin line between chemical reactions that promote physical well-being and those that can cause more or less permanent damage. It is a precarious balance, which is lost with the onset of oxidative stress, a biological process triggered by the disproportion between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, through antioxidant defense mechanisms.
This particular pathological condition can have significant consequences on health, accelerating the aging process. Let's explore in detail what oxidative stress is, from the main causes of its onset to the search for the most common methods to combat it.
Oxidative Stress: What It Is, Causes and Symptoms
When the body produces an excessive amount of free radicals (highly reactive unstable molecules, capable of damaging cells and tissues, ed.) and, at the same time, reduces the defense mechanisms of antioxidant agents, the physiological balance of the organism is lost and the phenomenon called oxidative stress, also known as “REDOX imbalance”.
Depending on the severity and duration of the pathology, the symptoms of oxidative stress are variable: they can manifest themselves with chronic fatigue, a feeling of persistent tiredness and lack of energy, with premature aging of the skin. and the appearance of fine wrinkles, but also with acne, dermatitis and other skin problems. Inflammation It is among the most frequent symptoms of oxidative stress and occurs through pain, swelling or redness. Another sign that may appear is the increasing susceptibility to infections, due to a compromised immune system.
Once oxidative stress is diagnosed, how can it be combated? To protect cells from the damaging effect of this process it is important adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, adequate stress management, and limited exposure to harmful substances.
Oxidative process: what are the main causes?
The oxidative process It is mainly caused by the action of oxygen free radicals (ROS), highly reactive molecules containing oxygen atoms with an unpaired electron, a factor that makes them highly unstable: the unpaired electron, in fact, seeks a similar one to combine with, triggering harmful chemical reactions inside cells.
Free radicals are generated during normal cellular respiration, as natural by-products of oxygen metabolism, but their production in the body can increase due to various factors, triggering the onset of oxidative stress. Wanting to trace the main causes of the process, they can be found in the contact with air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, smog and exhaust fumes, but also exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and ionizing radiation such as X-rays.
Even the chronic stress can negatively affect the immune system and, by increasing the production of free radicals, cause the oxidative process, as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet, based on excessive junk food, processed foods and saturated fats.
The main oxidizing agents
The oxidizing agents are chemicals that can increase the production of free radicals and, consequently, cause the onset of oxidative stress. From ionizing radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation that damage DNA, proteins and lipids, to air pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, which are dangerous to the lungs and other exposed tissues as vectors of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the factors that trigger oxidative stress include: REDOX imbalance there are not a few.
Among the main oxidizing agents they also count the cigarette smoking and alcohol, the abuse of which causes liver and neurological diseases, and an unbalanced diet, rich in saturated fats and sugars, which cause inflammation in the body. Some drugs can also act as oxidizing agents and cause damage to healthy cells.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
During aerobic metabolism, our body produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are chemical compounds involved in various physiological processes, such as immune defense.
If excess products, ROS can cause oxidative stress and, consequently, inflammation and aging. This is why the human body develops antioxidant systems (including some enzymes), to neutralize or reduce the damage caused by ROS.
Cortisol
The production of free radicals is then stimulated by cortisol, better known as stress hormone, since it is produced by impulse of the nervous system in moments in which the organism is subjected to greater tension. Cortisol can influence the onset of oxidative stress in different ways, lowering the immune defenses and promoting inflammatory processes.
There are, however, some Foods that help regulate cortisol levels in the body: foods rich in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, bananas and dark chocolate, or full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant found in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, peppers and broccoli.
In combination with these foods, there are effective adjuvants in fighting the aging of the organism and oxidative stress. like Swisse products. From immune defense supplements, multi-nutrient tablets with high content of vitamin C and minerals, to hair and nail supplements for nutritional support that works from within, through skin supplements based on hyaluronic acid and collagen to maintain healthy skin, these products combine vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper, elements that contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.