Flowers wither and die when left exposed to the elements. The oxygen we breathe can be a blessing and a curse. The cells in our body can also experience the same fate when we inhale due to oxidative stress. The act of inhaling in oxygen can result in the formation of highly reactive and unstable molecules known as free radicals. When these free radicals interact with other molecules in our body they can lead to oxidative damage which opens the door to the development of a multitude of other illnesses.
Oxidative stress and symptoms explained
Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize their harmful effects. These free radicals are essentially oxygen molecules which contain one or more unpaired electrons thus making them highly reactive. This imbalance between the free radicals and the body leads to oxidative damage to cells because the body is unable to detoxify.
What can cause oxidative stress?
There are certain external factors that can trigger and accelerate the production of these harmful free radicals. Examples include prolonged exposure to Ultra-violet rays, excessive smoking, consuming an unhealthy diet and exposure to polluted environments. Oxidation increases when we are physically and emotionally stressed. Excessive exercise can trigger this condition.
What are the common symptoms of oxidative stress?
If you suspect that you are a victim of oxidative stress, be sure to look out for the following symptoms; memory loss/ brain fog, fatigue, pain in the muscle and joints, wrinkling and greying of the hair, poor eyesight, headache and increased sensitivity to noise and increased vulnerability to infections. Oxidative stress can lead to the development of illnesses such as anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, insomnia and many more.
How to prevent oxidative stress
This condition can be triggered by increased consumption of sugary foods and chemicals. To avoid being a victim, you should avoid or reduce your consumptions of sugar and processed foods so as to maintain a healthy balance of sugar in your blood level. Smokers should also consider toning down their cigarette consumption so as to reduce the amount of toxins entering the body.
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