What is oxidative stress? Doctor’s symptoms and treatments

What is oxidative stress? Doctor’s symptoms and treatments

We tell you what lies beneath this complex term.

General practitioner, family physician of VSK Digital Clinic

In the world of modern medicine, we are faced with a number of factors that can have a negative impact on health. One of them is oxidative stress. What it is and what is its impact on the body, what can cause its occurrence, as well as how to prevent and treat – we understand in this material.

What is oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to neutralize their effects.

Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron, making them unstable and capable of causing damage to cells and DNA.

Under normal conditions, our body is able to balance oxidation processes and antioxidant defenses. However, when this balance is disturbed, oxidative stress occurs.

Oxidative stress has a significant impact on the body, exposing cells and tissues to an unfavorable environment leading to various pathological conditions.

Here are a few areas that are affected by oxidative stress:

• Free radicals generated from oxidative processes can damage cells, including collagen and elastin, resulting in loss of elasticity and skin deterioration. This can manifest as wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging.

• Oxidative stress can cause damage to blood vessel walls and contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This increases the risk of arteriosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Cell damage by oxidative stress can provoke inflammatory processes in the body, which, in turn, can be associated with various diseases, including chronic diseases.

The reasons for the development of oxidative stress are quite diverse

• A diet rich in fatty and processed foods and poor in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants can contribute to the formation of free radicals.
• Air pollution, radiation, chemicals and other toxins can increase oxidation processes.
• Lack of exercise also reduces the activity of the body’s antioxidant systems.
• Constant psychological stress can affect the balance of antioxidants and free radicals.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the formation of free radicals.

Symptoms of oxidative stress can manifest in various organs and systems of the body. They can be varied and do not always clearly indicate the presence of oxidative stress, as many of them may be characteristic of other diseases or conditions.

Possible symptoms of oxidative stress include

• A feeling of constant fatigue, lack of energy, and general weakness can be the result of cellular damage and decreased efficiency of cellular function.
• Oxidative stress can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.

• The state of inflammation is exacerbated by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can worsen the symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Oxidative stress can have a negative impact on brain function, often manifested by impaired memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities.

Treatment of oxidative stress is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and is aimed at balancing the body’s oxidation processes and antioxidant defenses. It is important to note that it is a complex process and its management involves lifestyle modification, nutrition and in some cases the use of antioxidants.

Methods and strategies used to treat oxidative stress from an evidence-based medicine perspective

• A diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and others, helps reduce free radicals. Increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids has beneficial effects.
• Regular moderate physical activity stimulates antioxidant production in the body and promotes overall health.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption provoke imbalances in the body, so eliminating or reducing them can be beneficial.
• Constant psychological stress increases oxidative stress. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation help reduce its effects.

• Your doctor may prescribe additional antioxidants in the form of medications if necessary. However, it is important to emphasize that self-medication with antioxidants without the advice of a specialist is dangerous, as an excess of some antioxidants causes imbalances.
• Effective management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and others helps to reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress.

Treatment of oxidative stress should be individualized and tailored to the specific needs of the patient. A physician’s recommendations may include a comprehensive approach, taking into account the patient’s overall health and characteristics.

It is important to emphasize that every body is unique, and only a specialist can provide the best recommendations based on the patient’s specific situation and needs.