The oxidative stress theory of aging postulates that age-associated changes are caused by a slow, steady accumulation of oxidative damage to macromolecules, which increases with age and is associated with organisms’ life expectancy.
Stress causes the body to veer from its healthy natural state, also known as homeostasis. Oxidation occurs when our bodies burn food and beverage to create energy. Oxidative stress occurs whenever there is a stressor causing an overproduction of free radicals—unstable electrons that float away from their host atom.
These free radicals damage cells, proteins, DNA, and the mitochondria, leading to cellular dysfunction. This is how oxidative stress becomes oxidative damage, associated with various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and chronic inflammation. The Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging is based on the structural damage-based hypothesis that age-associated functional losses are due to the accumulation of oxidative damage to macromolecules by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Aging, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, chronic stress, viral infections, trauma, and radiation are all causes of oxidative stress. Many of these negative factors can be neutralized by making positive changes in our diet and lifestyle—for example, eating an antioxidant-rich diet full of phytochemicals that protect against free radicals.
As we age, our bodies production of antioxidants—molecules naturally produced by the body to fight against free radical damage—decreases, and we become more susceptible to oxidative stress leading to oxidative damage. Long-term exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, or viral infections can lead to a greater intensity of oxidative stress that cannot be combated with traditional treatment methods.
Oxidative stress in the body results from burning anything for fuel (carbohydrates, fat, or proteins) and environmental stressors such as radiation, pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics. Hence to reduce oxidative stress, we must eliminate the causes that lead to oxidative stress. Therefore, it is critical to identify those stressors first to reduce oxidative stress.
This includes measuring low antioxidant levels and replenishing them with an effective method like supplementation. By taking these proactive steps, you can help reverse oxidative stress and ensure your body maintains its natural balance of essential elements needed for optimal health.
Scientific evidence reveals that free radicals (oxidative stress) can have a profound impact on human health, causing the onset or progression of many illnesses, including:
It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oxidative stress, as it can help you spot it early. These include anemia, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and pains, skin dryness, hair loss, weakened immune system, digestive problems, food allergies, difficulty concentrating, and poor memory. The best method of detecting oxidative stress is assessing the blood for oxidative markers and treating the cause before permanent damage occurs.
Oxidative Stress is a condition we have little control over, as it is a natural part of metabolism. We can minimize exposure to environmental stressors such as pollution, radiation, and heavy metals. Eating a balanced diet full of antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables has been shown to protect against oxidative damage.
The human body has developed numerous tactics to counter the issues that arise from free radicals and oxidative stress, such as utilizing antioxidants like flavonoids (genistein), essential vitamins A, C, & E, lipoic acid, glutathione, L-arginine, and CoQ10. Additionally, many dietary or nutritional supplement-based sources of animal or vegetable origin can introduce these beneficial compounds into our system.
Exercise is another key factor in protecting against oxidative stress – regular physical activity helps increase antioxidant levels and reduce oxidative damage. Finally, getting plenty of rest is critical for reducing oxidative stress as it helps reduce cortisol levels known to contribute to damage caused by free radicals.
Oxidative stress and the lab results demonstrating the extent of this damage is one of the newer values providers in Longevity Medicine evaluate. From measuring the deterioration of the oxidative stress on cholesterol, your DNA, and your mitochondria to measuring the depletion of your antioxidants, measuring, and neutralizing the oxidative effect is pivotal to your health and longevity.
Our comprehensive method of testing for Oxidative Stress:
Toxins are a significant threat to our health. Our environment contains toxins in food, air, and water. Our bodies are constantly exposed to these toxins, so we must know how much of each toxin we consume. As we age, our bodies cannot handle these toxins effectively, which can cause serious health problems.
The solution to oxidative stress depends on eliminating the stressor and replacing the antioxidants. Our various detoxification, supplementation, and therapy methods produce tangible and solid results!
Our comprehensive Solutions for Oxidative Stress:
Detoxification is an essential but often misunderstood and misconstrued process. Despite popular belief associated with trendy "detox" drinks that promise quick results without lasting impact, the real power behind detox stems from making small lifestyle changes to help your body flush out unnecessary toxins for improved health and well-being over time.
As we age, we accumulate many inflammatory proteins, chronic infections, and other toxins within our blood, within our plasma, to be exact.
You have everything you need inside you to create a healthy, robust, meaningful, and fulfilling life. Life coaching provides an individually designed social and emotional intelligence program with one-on-one support to partner with you on your journey.
Toxins are a pervasive danger in our environment, far beyond the traditional scope of heavy metals. Discovering plastics, petroleum products, herbicides, pesticides, and traces of medications and other contaminants in significant quantities inside your body is common.
We value fact over opinion. Please refer to our FAQs for the most commonly asked questions. In addition, we have listed the medical references for the facts stated on the website about oxidative stress.
To review the articles and references cited on this topic of Oxidative Stress, click here
The oxidative stress theory of aging postulates that age-associated changes are caused by a slow, steady accumulation of oxidative damage to macromolecules, which increases with age and is associated with organisms’ life expectancy.
Aging is a process characterized by the progressive loss of tissue and organ function. The oxidative stress theory of aging is based on the hypothesis that age-associated loss in part are due to the accumulation of free radicals-induced damages.
Oxidative stress plays a vital role in senescence by transforming proteins, causing an increased reaction rate in metabolic pathways, altering how proteins interact with other proteins, affecting protein transport, and altering signaling mechanisms to activate chemicals that promote senescence in cells.
Numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress is associated with accelerated telomere shortening and dysfunction. Oxidative stress caused by inflammation or environmental exposures contributes to many degenerative diseases and cancer.
You stop oxidative stress from killing you by making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating more antioxidant-rich foods, limiting alcohol, lowering your stress, protecting your skin from UV light, getting enough sleep, and consuming antioxidant supplements.