Oxidative stress: the dual effects of free radicals on the body

It's no secret that our bodies are constantly undergoing oxidative processes involving oxygen and releasing energy. This creates free radicals—molecules missing an electron. Oxidative stress is a condition in which the body contains too many free radicals. Oxidants have both positive and negative effects on our body's systems. Primary oxidants protect us from bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. However, secondary radicals accelerate the aging process and cause many diseases, and the long-term impact of "bad" radicals is fraught with the development of oxidative stress. Mechanisms: Where do good and bad radicals come from in the body? Free radicals are defective molecules. They react with the nearest molecule and strip it of its missing electron. The affected molecule becomes a free radical, with all the ensuing consequences. This triggers an avalanche reaction that can destroy the cells and tissues of a living organism. Primary or beneficial free radicals are formed by certain enzymatic systems.

The main ones are superoxide and nitric oxide, which in subsequent reactions are converted into hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides. Under the influence of metal ions of variable valence, secondary free radicals (lipid and hydroxyl radicals) are formed from these substances, which have a destructive effect on cell membranes. Along with these oxidants, foreign or tertiary free radicals can have harmful effects. They appear under the influence of ionizing and ultraviolet radiation, as well as xenobiotics that have entered the human body. Stress Factors: What Influences the Occurrence of Serious Diseases Oxidative stress is often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also the cause of many serious diseases and conditions. Oxidative stress precedes hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, infertility, and cancer. Constant exposure to "bad" radicals can also cause autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory processes, and accelerated aging.

Stress factors include:

• unbalanced diet;

• cravings for fast food and canned goods;

• lack of physical activity;

• addictions;

• persistent stress;

• chronic poisoning;

• drug abuse;

• bacterial and viral infections;

• radiation exposure;

• environmental pollution.

A generally unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, reckless medication use, and excessive sun exposure increase the risk of oxidative stress. What reduces oxidative stress? Antioxidants are beneficial compounds that prevent the development of premature aging and various diseases. The mechanism of action of antioxidants is to reduce the rate of oxidation and the formation of inactive radicals. The most common antioxidants include: vitamins A, C, E, and B; Polyphenols, carotenoids, selenium, phospholipids, catechins, anthocyanins, hesperidin, estrogens, the hormone melatonin, and others.

Many antioxidants can be obtained from food, such as:

1. berries;

2. nuts;

3. green tea;

4. broccoli;

5. grapefruit;

6. grapes and grape seeds;

7. ginger;

8. plums, raisins;

9. olive oil;

10. coffee;

11. red wine.

Data: 2025-08-14 10:36:30