Oxidative Stress

Oxidative Stress: Is defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses. In other words, it is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify the harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. Oxidative stress leads to many pathophysiological conditions in the body. These include neurodegenerative diseases i.e. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, gene mutations, cancers, chronic fatigue syndrome, fragile X syndrome, heart and blood vessel disorders, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attack, and inflammatory diseases. Oxidation happens under a number of circumstances:

the cells use glucose to make energy
the immune system is fighting off bacteria and creating inflammation
the bodies detoxify pollutants, pesticides, and cigarette smoke

There are millions of processes taking place in our bodies at any given time that can result in oxidation. Here are a few symptoms:

Fatigue
Memory loss and or brain fog
Muscle and or joint pain like back pain and sciatica
Wrinkles along with grey hair
Decreased eyesight
Headaches and sensitivity to noise
Susceptibility to infections

Choosing organic foods and avoiding toxins in your environment makes a big difference. This along with reducing stress can be beneficial in decreasing oxidation. Stress management as well as eating plenty of antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and free radicals which may lead to chronic pain, back pain, and sciatica, among others.