Signs of Oxidative Stress

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Oxidative stress occurs when the production of free radicals outstrips the body’s ability to neutralize them. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can change the original structure of DNA and proteins in our body thus causing pathological processes and diseases. Some of the diseases appearing as a result of these changes are Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, inflammations, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, emphysema, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. Many factors affect the growth of free radicals, such as a poor diet with a lot of sugar, hydrogenated fats, and processed food. Other factors that increase production of free radicals are air pollutants, tobacco smoke, radiation, stress, exposure to toxins, lack of sleep, pesticides, etc. However, medical experts do not consider free radical as bad per se. They also have the ability to interact with viruses and bacteria to prevent them from spreading and creating an infection. They normally appear as a part of metabolic processes and physiological activities. Free radicals are not considered problematic when they arise as a by-product of these regular bodily functions. The problem happens when they begin to multiply and disturb the balance with antioxidants. To prevent oxidative stress and do something against it, the article “5 Signs of Oxidative Stress and 7 Ways You Can Stop It” gives us the list of the signs of oxidative stress.

Here are five signs to look out for:

1. Fatigue

2. Memory loss and/or brain fog

3. Muscle and/or joint pain

4. Wrinkles and grey hair

5. Decreased eye sight

6. Headaches and sensitivity to noise

7. Susceptibility to infections

According to medical experts, smokers are the group of people that are particularly prone to hyper production of free radicals. They go even further considering second-hand smokers also vulnerable and susceptible to the dangerous effects of free radicals. Many studies show that these two groups have a lower capacity to fight the bad influence of free radicals and are frequently exposed to a huge number of toxic elements than other people. Studies have confirmed the link between certain lung and heart diseases in smokers with oxidative stress caused by smoking.