Oxidative stress: 8 symptoms to look out for

Oxidative stress causes an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to damage at the cellular level. A high oxidative stress load can lead to the development of many pathologies, such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases. Prevention and knowing how to avoid it are the keys. Do you know the symptoms of oxidative stress?

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about oxidative stress: what exactly is oxidative stress, and how does it affect our health? Do you know what role antioxidants and free radicals play? How do you know if you have oxidative stress? Symptoms! To avoid health problems, we give you the keys to ending oxidative stress and recommend some supplements that can help you.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress is an imbalance or difference between the reactive oxygen species generated by our cells (through their metabolic processes) and the ability of our antioxidant defences to interact with and kill these reactive products.

What are antioxidants and free radicals?

To better understand oxidative stress, it is important to understand two concepts: free radicals and antioxidants.

Our cells are made up of atoms. Electrons surround atoms. A stable atom has several electrons. If there are too few electrons, that atom will look for more and may bind to another cell, creating free radicals. These free radicals will take electrons from anywhere, even your own healthy cells, which can cause damage. Free radicals are associated with skin ageing, dementia, cancer, dementia and other pathologies.

On the other hand, antioxidants give up some of their own electrons to satisfy the free radicals, thus restoring balance to the molecules.

Oxidative stress: symptoms

Some common symptoms in most people suffering from oxidative stress include:

1. Loss of memory or difficulty concentrating.
2. Brain fog.
3. Infections.
4. Chronic fatigue.
5. Muscle and/or joint pain.
6. Loss of quality of vision.
7. Headache.
8. Instability of blood sugar levels.

Oxidative stress also contributes to various visible signs of the ageing process, such as grey hair, wrinkles and fine lines.

How do you know if you have oxidative stress?

In many cases, you may not realise that your body is suffering from oxidative stress.

Symptoms may be absent for some time, and when they do appear, they can be very varied and therefore difficult to identify.

Prolonged exposure to the sun is an example of this. Skin damage occurs when UV radiation from the sun changes the DNA of skin cells.

How do I know if I have oxidative stress in this case? It is necessary to observe if these signs are present:

• Fine lines and wrinkles.
• Spider veins or varicose veins.
• Sunspots.

However, there are also cases where the signs are not visible, but there is an excess of oxidative stress.

To clarify any doubts, it is advisable to consult a health professional to analyse your particular case.

What diseases are caused by oxidative stress?

Free radicals play an essential role in many biological processes, such as cell signalling or the intracellular destruction of bacteria by phagocytes.

However, oxidative stress overload, i.e. when oxidative stress cannot be adequately counteracted or detoxified by antioxidants, can be a major problem.

If this oxidative stress overload is too much for your antioxidant defence system, it can damage your cells (cell membranes, DNA and proteins).

Causing DNA damage can lead to unwanted mutations in some genes, and may even result in the development of a tumour process.

There is a link between oxidative stress and the development or progression of diseases such as:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes.
• Inflammatory diseases.
• Hypertension.
• Cardiac pathologies.
• Cancer.
• Neurodegenerative diseases.

How to eliminate oxidative stress?

The best solution to combat oxidative stress is the intake of antioxidants, through diet and/or quality supplements where necessary to supplement with a higher intake.

Antioxidants are a type of nutrient that helps protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Where are antioxidants found? In vegetables, fruits, nuts and healthy fats. It is also recommended to include vitamins A, E, and C and lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein.

In addition, minerals such as silica and selenium are powerful antioxidants.

Below, we share a list of antioxidant foods and supplements to help you prevent oxidative stress.

Antioxidant supplements recommended to prevent and combat oxidative stress:

1. Organic silica: a natural anti-ageing agent, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Original Silicium G7 Dynamised is an optimised form of organic silicon that enhances its assimilation at the cellular level, increasing its antioxidant efficacy.
2. Quercetin: a flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant, scavenging and neutralising harmful free radicals.
3. Resveratrol: a plant compound that acts as a potent antioxidant. The main food sources of resveratrol are: grapes, wine, peanuts and some berries.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol): Ubiquinol is the active and most widely absorbed form of Q10. Thanks to the electrons it transports, it can act as a powerful antioxidant and protect cells from oxidative stress that causes premature ageing. Ubiquinol is special and different from other antioxidants such as vitamin C or vitamin E because it is fat-soluble and can act on lipid parts such as mitochondrial membranes, where free radicals are found.
5. Curcumin: is the active ingredient in turmeric. It has great antioxidant potential for anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory applications.
6. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ): thanks to its antioxidant capacity, it offers benefits for improving brain health, longevity and energy production.

9 Antioxidant foods to fight oxidative stress

Here are the 9 foods with the highest antioxidant power, so make sure you add them to your shopping list!

1. Cocoa or dark chocolate (with % possible).
2. Pecan nuts.
3. Berries: strawberries, goji berries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
4. Artichokes.
5. Kale.
6. Red cabbage.
7. Beetroot.
8. Spinach.
9. Spices and herbs: turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary and parsley.

Take the first step: identify oxidative stress [symptoms].

Free radicals are caused by our body’s daily oxidative stress and are linked to cell damage, accelerated ageing, and chronic diseases. Therefore, it is essential to act in time.

The first step is to identify oxidative stress by self-studying and analyzing whether you have the above symptoms. Once identified, you can apply the measures and advice we suggest.

In addition to habits and diet, natural supplements such as organic silicon are highly recommended for daily routines. They will help you replenish your antioxidant levels more quickly and effectively, avoiding the consequences of prolonged oxidative stress.