In order to understand oxidative stress, we must first know the difference between oxidative stress, free radicals and antioxidants. What do they represent, what is their role, what is their importance....?  So many answers to know if we are interested in oxidative stress and its effects on our body.

Radicaux libres et antioxydants : quelles différences ? 

Les radicaux libres

The free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species, are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons. They can also form when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed, these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction in the body. 

Their main danger comes from the damage they cause when they react with important cellular components such as DNA or the cell membrane. If this happens, cells may malfunction and even die. To prevent damage from free radicals, the body has adefense system of antioxidants.

Les antioxydants

The antioxidants are molecules in cells that prevent the reaction of free radicals with other cells in the body by giving an electron to the free radicals without becoming unstable themselves. 

We find antioxidants in various nutrients including: vitamins C, D and E, Folic acid, beta-carotene, flavonoids, selenium or even manganese. 

These nutrients exist naturally in many foods.

• Fruits: blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries and prunes.

• Vegetables: beet, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, yellow bell pepper, red cabbage and potatoes.

• Legumes: lentils and soybeans.

• Other: dark chocolate, green tea, red wine.

An imbalance between oxidants (free radicals) and antioxidants is the basis of oxidative stress.

Zoom sur le stress oxydatif

Oxidative stress occurs when your body develops an imbalance between two main components: free radicals and antioxidants. The antioxidants neutralize the radical cells that can cause further damage to your body. 

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your diet is rich in antioxidant foods to keep the oxidants in balance. Antioxidants keep negative cells in check and make sure they don't turn into something more sinister. 

If you suffer fromoxidative stress, the radical cells can take over. This is a bad thing, because once free radicals take over your body, they start to destroy. 

They can cause problems with proteins and even genetic information. This creates an environment for serious health problems such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia or lung disease.

Cinq conseils pour vivre une vie libérée du stress oxydatif

Now that several points have been highlighted, we're going to present 5 everyday tips to get rid of oxidative stress and live a better life.

1. Faites de l’exercice pour vous débarrasser du stress oxydatif

Working out is the key to keeping your weight at a stable and appropriate level. If you don't like the gym then try swimming or any other activity that works your cardio. Sometimes parking a little further away and walking a little or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a difference to your health.

2. Limitez toxines et le stress oxydatif

Many household products are not good for you. Check the ingredients in your cleaning products and even your moisturizers and stop using these chemicals. Using natural products, free of toxins and harmful additives, can be beneficial to your future health. 

Try going organic and ditching all those processed foods. If you don't know which products are good for your health, you can now use smartphone apps that, by scanning the barcode, will analyze the products and sort them out for you. 

Other exogenous sources of free radicals include pollution, smoking, alcohol, and UV radiation.

3. Essayez de méditer pour le stress oxydatif

Votre esprit a besoin de calme et de moments de détente, vous devez donc trouver des moyens pour limiter le stress de votre vie. La méditation et le yoga sont d’excellents moyens de vous vider l’esprit le temps d’une heure. 

Sinon vous pouvez également lire un livre et vous éloigner votre téléphone pour quelque heures. Certains hobbys artistiques comme la broderie ou le dessin sont également très utiles pour calmer votre esprit.

4. Prenez plus d'antioxydants pour éviter le stress oxydatif

Make sure your body is getting antioxidants throughout the day as these are the main molecules that fight oxidative stress. A very good way to make sure you are getting enough antioxidants is to take them in the form of of hydrogen-enriched water. 

Other ways to fill up on vitamins and natural antioxidants is to get them from natural sources. Check out which foods and fresh plants are best to eat, which foods give you the best selection of nutrients your body needs. 

5. Mangez plus de graines pour éviter le stress oxydatif

Seeds are an amazing natural food that are rich in nutrients. Sources of fiber, protein, good fats, vitamins and antioxidants, they are the perfect solution that can be added to your meals or snacked on at 4pm.

Fill up on sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds and also pumpkin seeds. They all offer you an incredible selection of antioxidantsand vitamins in their natural form. Because remember, nothing beats naturally derived nutrients and synthesized vitamins just aren't as good! la spiruline sous forme de complément alimentaire.

Pour conclure sur le stress oxydatif

By adding these simple things to our lifestyle, we can significantly improve the quality of our lives by fighting oxidative stress. The key is really to develop these small habits that our bodies need to maintain their balance between physical and mental health.