Stress should be avoided to ensure optimal physical health. Oxidative stress is not related to stress as we know it, it can lead to various heart conditions, skin problems, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, etc. It occurs when there is an inconsistency in the cells due to an increase in free radicals or a decrease in antioxidants in the body. In order to reduce this stress, it is necessary to seek expert support and make the necessary lifestyle changes.
Oxidative stress occurs as a result of a discrepancy between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Molecules containing oxygen with unequal number of electrons are called free radicals. These unequal electrons in free radicals react easily with other molecules. This can lead to large chain chemical reactions in the body. These reactions that can occur in the body are called oxidation and are a normal and necessary phase in the body. It can have benefits and harms to the body.
How Does Oxidative Stress Occur?
Not eating a healthy diet, smoking and drinking alcohol lead to an increase in oxidative stress. Free radicals can be produced inside the body. A person's lifestyle and environment can also lead to an increase in free radicals. During normal metabolism, each cell produces approximately 20 billion oxidants daily. As a self-defense function, cells produce free radicals to fight pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, oxidants are produced as a defense mechanism against certain chemicals through the degradation of fatty acids. In addition, factors such as inhalation of free radicals in the environment, radiation, car exhaust fumes also increase free radicals in the body, thus contributing to oxidative stress. Being actively or passively affected by cigarette smoke, consuming alcohol and unsaturated fats also leads to the realization of this stress by compromising the usual antioxidant system in the body.
What are the Symptoms of Oxidative Stress?
All structures of the body are affected by oxidative stress. The skin covering the body, especially the epidermis, which forms the outermost surface of the skin, is constantly exposed to oxidative stress because it is in direct contact with external factors such as pollution or UV rays. On the surface or in the deeper layers of the skin, free radicals interfere with the regeneration of proteins, including collagen, a valuable protein that is largely responsible for the elasticity of skin structures. This leads to premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, dullness and various skin conditions. Symptoms of oxidative stress include chronic fatigue, impaired blood circulation and sleep problems. It can lead to cardiovascular disease, neurological problems and cancer.
How to Reduce Oxidative Stress?
Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress. The body produces a variety of antioxidants. Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Vitamin E also prevents the formation of free radicals. Β-carotene, which is abundant in carrots, is also a very effective antioxidant. There should be enough antioxidants in the diet to treat oxidative stress. Consuming 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily increases antioxidant production in the body. Fruits that act as antioxidants include strawberries, cherries and citrus fruits. Along with these, vegetables, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes also contain antioxidants.
Exercising regularly, not being exposed to cigarette smoke, reducing the consumption of alcohol-containing beverages, using cream that protects from sunlight, regular sleep and avoiding overeating also contribute to reducing oxidative stress.
Which Diseases Does Oxidative Stress Cause?
Oxidative stress adversely affects a person's health. Symptoms of this stress include chronic fatigue, skin problems, circulatory problems and insomnia. However, it can lead to acute and chronic disorders.
We can list some of these disorders as follows;
Cancer The meaning of cancer in the word is new tissues formed by irregular division and proliferation of cells in an organ or tissue. Oxidative stress can cause direct damage to various molecules in the body. One of these molecules is DNA. Continuous oxidative stress causes DNA to wear out and cells can grow without control.
Cardiovascular disorders: This type of stress acts as a trigger for cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels. Over time, this leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the gland in your body called the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin hormone or is unable to process the insulin hormone effectively. Oxidative stress damages the pancreas.
Inflammation: This type of stress can lead to inflammation of the joints and surrounding structures, triggering the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Neurodegenerative disorders: Maximum exposure to oxidative stress can cause damage to the central nervous system. This can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, anxiety and multiple sclerosis.
Obesity Excess weight increases the risk of dysregulated fat function and metabolic syndrome.
Respiratory diseases: Oxidative stress leads to allergic reactions and respiratory inflammation.
Oxygen is essential for the human body and is the most important element. However, through various functions, it can turn into a component that can cause damage to the body. An overproduction of free radicals and oxidants or a lack of antioxidants can lead to a disorder in the body. The production of free radicals and oxidative stress is an important factor in ongoing inflammation, which is a contributing factor in many conditions. The body can combat oxidative stress by increasing the presence of natural antioxidants to high levels. In addition, consuming antioxidant-producing foods in the diet helps to reduce this stress.