Complete information on oxidative stress

All you need to know about Oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is produced as a result of the normal process of breathing in the body and has been the subject of study for a long time. However, oxidative stress has been receiving a lot of attention lately, with the finding that it causes ageing of skin. This has led to a lot of rigorous study into the subject to help one understand the condition further and to delay the signs of ageing.

Oxidative stress is caused as a result of an inability of the body to detoxify the reactive oxygen which is produced as a byproduct of the utilization of oxygen for breathing and other metabolic processes. The free oxygen radicals that are created as a result of oxidative stress, also called reactive oxygen species, can cause a lot of damage to tissue, cells and even DNA, leading to a host of illnesses.

The presence of oxidative stress in the body may be due to a decrease in the level of anti oxidant defense in the body or due to heightened production of oxygen species. Therefore the definition of oxidative stress is that it is a condition which is caused due to the imbalance between factors that give rise to the formation of free radicals and the factors that serve to eliminate them. Oxidative stress leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species that have been implicated for a lot of disorders including Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer. Ageing of skin is also said to be influenced by the presence of reactive oxygen species or free radicals and this finding has resulted in a lot of anti ageing creams that contain anti oxidants.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress can lead to toxic oxidative stress which could either result in apoptosis or necrosis of the cell. The steps that lead to mitochondrial oxidative stress are yet to be clearly defined but the effect of the stress has been studied extensively.

How much is bad?

The body produces reactive oxygen species as a byproduct of breathing. This can’t be considered bad as breathing is an essential process that aids in the proper functioning of the body. Evolution has found a way to combat this problem by providing the body with the capacity to suppress the reactive oxygen species produced with anti oxidants that are synthesized by the body.

The body can, therefore, tolerate certain amount of oxygen stress. However, from then on the level of oxygen stress that is caused will determine the level of damage to the body’s tissue. Increased amounts of oxygen stress can lead to extensive tissue damage.

Additional factors that can lead to oxidative stress

There are many factors that can also contribute to oxidative stress in the body and these factors should be checked to ensure that the levels of reactive oxygen species are maintained within limits. Smoking is considered as one of the main factors of oxidative stress along with increase in environmental pollution. Other factors that have led to an increase in the level of oxidative stress include changing lifestyle and the “fast food” generation. This shift in eating habits and drastic life style changes has resulted in the quality of food being reduced and thereby leading to increased oxygen stress in the body.

The onus is, therefore, on the individual to ensure that good eating habits are maintained along with a healthy lifestyle.

Combating oxidative stress

Oxidative stress and its associated disease conditions have prompted doctors to recommend the use of anti oxidants. Since the anti oxidants produced by the body are not enough to fight the scourge of the reactive oxygen species in the body, it is necessary to resort to supplements. The increase in environmental pollution and other such factors that an individual has little control over, has forced doctors to prescribe the use of various vitamins like vitamin E, C and beta carotene . Pills that contain trace elements like Selenium, Manganese and Zinc are other sources of anti oxidants. The necessity to take anti oxidant supplements will aid in decreasing the levels of free radicals in the body and allow one to lead a healthy life.

Foods rich in anti oxidants

Apart from pills, there are certain types of foods that are rich in anti oxidants. Tomatoes and citrus fruits are considered to be one of the best anti oxidants. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is a rich source of anti oxidants. The use of tomatoes in the preparation of food, in juices and in salads is encouraged to increase their consumption and the resultant uptake of anti oxidants. Tea is also rich in anti oxidants along with carrots.

Oxidative stress cannot be completely prevented as it is a result of a natural process in the body. One should aim to prevent the accumulation of the free radicals in the body and also to ensure that factors that aggravate oxidative stress are kept under control. The range of oxidative stress diseases that are caused should help one understand the implications of oxidative stress in the body.

Many doctors around the world advice patients to consume foods that is rich in anti oxidants and therefore great for reducing the levels of free radicals in the body. Including such food types into one’s diet will go a long way in promoting health and well being for long periods of time.

Apart from anti –oxidants, it has been found that vitamin E has a protective role in the mitochondrial oxidative stress. Though further detailed studies are required to substantiate the current studies, there is enough evidence to suggest that Vitamin E does have a certain role in protecting mitochondrial oxidative stress.

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