Oxidative stress describes a state of metabolism in which there is an increased presence of free radicals (reactive oxygen compounds). The body can normally neutralize these with the help of minerals, trace elements, vitamins, phytochemicals, essential fatty acids and amino acids. However, when these substances are absent or insufficiently present, the result is an excess of the free radicals, which can cause irreversible damage in the body’s cells.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress results from the formation of too many free radicals. There are not enough antioxidants to break these down. Free radicals are oxygen compounds that are particularly reactive. They are formed to a normal degree during the body’s own reactions, such as breathing. However, there are various factors, such as stress, that can cause additional radicals to be formed. When there are too many of them in circulation, they react randomly with other body cells before being destroyed in an oxidative reaction. To keep everything in a healthy balance in the organism, the body uses so-called antioxidants. These are radical scavengers. They react with the free radicals to protect the other body cells from oxidation. However, if there are not enough antioxidants available to bind the free radicals, we speak of oxidative stress.
Causes
The only question that remains is: what causes oxidative stress? Various stressors come into question for the increased formation of the reactive oxygen compounds. These include, for example, inflammation in the body, poor diet, excessive consumption of nicotine and alcohol, and emotional stress, for example at work or due to problems in the social environment. However, excessive exposure to UV radiation, intake of environmental toxins, for example pollutants from the air, heavy metals and pesticides, or the intake of certain medications, for example antibiotics and hormone preparations, can also promote oxidative stress.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
The consequences that oxidative stress can cause are many. Typical warning signs include, fatigue, decrease in performance and exhaustion. Lack of energy and an increased susceptibility to infections, chronic infections, high blood pressure and worsened wound healing are also noticeable with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is also significantly involved in the aging process, because it impairs the regeneration and detoxification of the body’s cells. Oxidative stress can therefore contribute to premature formation of gray hair and aging of the skin, for example.
Diagnosis and disease progression
To check whether oxidative stress is present, the antioxidant capacity in the blood can be determined. The test gives a good indication of the ratio between free radicals and antioxidants (radical scavengers). This is the so-called screening test, which detects the important antioxidant protective factors. Furthermore, the test proves how well the body manages to render the free radicals harmless. Thus, this diagnostic method is ideal for detecting a derailment of the antioxidant balance at an early stage. This parameter is also used to control and optimize the treatment with antioxidants based on dietary changes. At the same time, the antioxidant test also provides information about the extent and severity of oxidative stress and thus enables adequate therapy so that oxidative stress can be prevented. This is very important to avoid sometimes serious consequences. Oxidation plays a major role in the aging process and in the development of various diseases, for example cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, hyperacidity, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and even cancer. However, it must be mentioned here that oxidative stress can be one of several contributing factors.
Complications
Car and industrial exhaust, particulate matter, UV radiation, cigarette smoke and pesticide residues in our food. Even oxygen radicals in the air cause oxidative stress. Our organism is continuously exposed to free radicals. This constant oxidative stress can damage our genetic material and promote various diseases.Oxidative stress negatively influences cell renewal in our body because it interferes with cell division. At the end of each chromosome strand lie so-called telomeres. These are very important for cell division. They ensure that the complete DNA is decoded and read. They become shorter with each cell division. The shorter the telomeres become, the greater the risk of incomplete reading of the DNA and the associated functional disorders. In this way, DNA can be damaged. As a result, the function of genes as well as cell lipids and proteins can be disrupted. Oxidative stress accelerates the shortening of telomeres. Therefore, oxidative stress favors the development of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. For example, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can be caused in this way. Furthermore, oxidative stress can also trigger arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Tumor formation and the development of cancer can also be promoted due to the DNA damage triggered. The mutations of the genes, the disturbed DNA – repair mechanism and defective proteins contribute to this.
When to go to the doctor?
When signs of a metabolic disorder are noticed, medical advice is needed. For example, skin changes, deficiency symptoms or cardiovascular complaints should be clarified immediately, as they indicate a serious cause. A specialist can answer the question of whether oxidative stress is the cause of the complaints. He or she can also initiate treatment directly and alleviate the causative metabolic disorder by administering suitable medication and other measures. People who have been suffering from metabolic problems for a long time or who have another disease that possibly causes oxidative stress should inform the responsible physician about the symptoms and complaints. The pathological metabolic condition can be treated well, provided that it is detected in time. If it is treated too late, it can lead to serious illnesses and diseases. In most cases, the intake of dietary supplements is sufficient to completely eliminate the symptoms. In case of a severe metabolic disorder, further medical measures may be necessary. Since Oxidative Stress cannot be remedied without medical help, a medical examination is always necessary. In the case of chronic complaints, the cause must be determined and also treated as far as possible. This can be achieved by changing the diet, but also by administering metabolic drugs.
Treatment and therapy
Oxidative stress ultimately does not cause diseases, but promotes that they develop. Therefore, it is all the more important for preventive health care to reduce it as much as possible. This is possible with various measures, for example by stopping smoking and reducing stress in everyday life. In addition, a healthy and balanced diet is very important, because it ensures that an optimal balance (oxidative homeostasis) is restored. The wrong diet is a serious factor in the development of oxidative stress. For example, too much protein, short-chain carbohydrates and industrially produced foods should be avoided. Many of the foods do not provide enough micronutrients or antioxidants, because these are often lost through the production process as well as the long storage. The body receives important support in reducing oxidative stress from micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, provitamin A and zinc. The coenzyme Q 10 also seems to be very effective. It is said not only to reduce free radicals, but also to help repair the cells. Fresh fruits and vegetables in particular contain many different antioxidants and should therefore be a regular part of the diet. The same applies to whole grain products, legumes, high-quality vegetable oils and nuts. Recommended therapeutic measures include a change in diet, infusion therapy with antioxidants, or/and detoxification. Infusion therapy is often the only way to effectively intervene and avert oxidative stress in severe disease processes such as neurological diseases or cancer.
Outlook and prognosis
Oxidative stress does not ultimately cause disease, but it does promote its development. It comes down to establishing a balance of oxidants and antioxidants.This ensures the detoxification and repair function of the cells. However, the body can only produce a limited amount of antioxidants itself – they must therefore be supplied through food or dietary supplements. In the case of oxidative stress, it depends on the stress level, which must be checked regularly. If there are no abnormalities, the treatment can usually be completed. However, it is not uncommon for concomitant diseases to have already developed as a result of oxidative stress. Typical stress diseases are high blood pressure and circulatory disorders – they must be examined regularly. With a balanced and healthy diet in combination with regular but not excessive exercise, the prospects and prognosis are good that oxidative stress will be effectively prevented or will not occur in the first place. An additional supply through dietary supplements is normally not necessary. An overdose of antioxidants even proves to be negative for the body – the damage is then greater than the benefit. Alcohol consumption and smoking additionally put a strain on the body.
Prevention
Oxidative stress can be prevented if there is a balance between oxidants and antioxidants, the body’s own radical scavengers. This maintains a cell’s detoxification and repair function. However, the body can only produce antioxidants itself to a small extent, so they must be supplied through food or supplements. A healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and low consumption of nicotine and alcohol are basic requirements. The food purchased should be of BIO quality, because in natural foods there are usually several antioxidants. These act synergistically, so the health value is higher than vitamin supplements. With a balanced diet, a good basis for an optimal antioxidant balance is created.
Aftercare
Follow-up care for oxidative stress focuses on regular monitoring of stress levels. Accompanying this, therapy must be fine-tuned and possibly adjusted. Dietary changes must be discussed with the physician. Within the scope of the anamnesis, health abnormalities and the well-being of the patient are discussed. A comprehensive physical examination is only necessary in the case of severe complaints. In most cases, only the pulse is measured. However, if necessary, the physician can also take blood samples or perform imaging examinations. Follow-up care is provided by the physician who made the original diagnosis and took over the treatment. Provided that no abnormalities are detected, treatment can be completed. In most cases, however, concomitant diseases have already developed as a result of oxidative stress. Typical stress diseases such as high blood pressure or circulatory disorders must be examined regularly. Follow-up care then sometimes takes years, whereby the high stress level may already have been cured, but the concomitant diseases require independent therapy. Chronically ill patients must consult their physician at least once a week. The family doctor is responsible. The physician consults the patient’s medical records during follow-up and initiates further measures depending on the results of the examination.
What you can do yourself
Since oxidative stress itself does not cause diseases, but greatly promotes them, it is advisable to counteract it already preventively. This can be set up well by a healthy lifestyle. The first rule is to avoid risk factors for the formation of free radicals. This includes smoking in particular, but also high alcohol consumption and a stressful everyday life. However, the most important thing is a healthy and balanced diet. It should be free of convenience foods, because the more processed a food is, the lower its vitamin content. An excess of free radicals occurs when the body is not supplied with enough antioxidants. Foods high in antioxidants are fruits (especially berries, kiwis, apples and cherries), vegetables (peppers, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce), fish, game meats, nuts and high-quality oils. These foods combined with whole carbohydrates, paying attention to whole grains, promotes the breakdown of free radicals in the body.In general, the diet should be as varied as possible. Those who, like many athletes for example, rely on a diet consisting only of proteins and simple carbohydrates, promote oxidative stress. You should also make sure you get enough exercise in your daily life and avoid stress in general. Active or passive relaxation techniques are suitable for this purpose.
