Oxidative stress and its effect on the nervous and other body systems

Oxidative( oxidative) stress is a process in which a violation occurs in the metabolic processes of the human body, which triggers the accumulation of free radicals( active agents) that cause damage to cells, and also trigger the primary mechanisms of damaging action in cells, which in turn causesvarious pathological conditions and diseases.

During the development of oxidative stress, fatty acids are oxidized by free radicals. This process is also called peroxide oxidation of proteins and lipids.

As a result, the structure of atoms and molecules is destroyed, the deformation of this structure, and decay is possible. In the case, if in the human body this process has a mass character, then this phenomenon is called oxidative stress.

What diseases causes this process

This process has a rather detrimental effect on the human body. There are about sixty different diseases that are associated with it.

The most serious pathological conditions and diseases to which uncontrolled oxidative stress can lead:

• Alzheimer's disease;
• cerebral palsy;
• atrophy of the cerebral cortex;
• development of atherosclerotic changes;
• occurrence of oncological diseases;
• launch of the mechanism of rapid aging of the body;
• damage to the internal organs( heart, lungs, brain, skin, liver, kidneys);
• appearance of various inflammatory foci;
• male infertility.

In general, most often suffer from nervous, cardiovascular, circulatory and immune systems, the gastrointestinal tract.

The scale and significance of the consequences depends on the number of active agents in the human body.

What causes a failure?

The question that leads to the development of this process, at the moment is not fully understood. It is believed that the main reasons are:

• the presence of pathogenic microorganisms ( viral, bacterial) in the body, - immunity begins to fight infections using phagocytes, whose task is to destroy infections by hydrogen peroxide, which is a powerful oxidant;
• the presence of genetically conditioned mechanism of aging of the organism ;
• permanent exposure to stress and strain can lead to disturbances in the functioning of body systems, and metabolic disorders;
• poor ecological situation leads to metabolic disturbance at the molecular level, and as a result promotes an increase in the human body system of free radicals.

The causes of the development of the violation also include:

• solar radiation and prolonged exposure to the open sun;
• harmful substances in cosmetics and household chemicals;
• excess nutrition, which is the cause of stagnant phenomena;
• wrong power mode;
• regular medication;
• pernicious habits( alcohol, smoking);
• radiation and electromagnetic radiation;
• lack of outdoor seating.

Clinical criteria

Oxidative stress is manifested in a number of distinctive symptoms. At the beginning of its development, the following symptoms are noted:

• rashes on the skin;
• headache, which is easily eliminated medically;
• unpleasant and painful sensations in the muscles;
• increased fatigue, lack of vitality;
• problems from the gastrointestinal tract.

Package of measures

Treatment of oxidative stress is to work on the destruction of free radicals. You can implement this struggle by different methods. Now there are drugs( injectable and in the form of tablets), which contain substances that have the ability to neutralize free radicals and their activity, bind them in the composition of neutral molecules and atoms.

And the result is a reduction in the number of harmful compounds. You can also find a wide range of dietary supplements( nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, and in the form of oral preparations).They can also be used to fight free radicals.

It is also worth noting that a special place is the observance of a certain diet, which involves eating foods that have antioxidant effects. Such products include cocoa beans, natural coffee, tea;strawberries, raspberries, currants, cranberries, mountain ash, blueberries;garnets, mandarins, oranges, apples;dried fruits;onion garlic.

In addition to dieting, it is also important to change the habitual rhythm of life:

1. Healthy lifestyle .It is necessary not only to include in your life sports, but also to give up harmful habits - alcohol, tobacco.
2. Limit the residence time in the sun .It should also be discarded from unnecessary finding in the solarium.
3. Relax and relax .It is necessary to learn to control emotions and relax. Meditation and yoga can help in this.
4. Compliance with day mode. A full rest and sleep, sports, outdoor activities are needed.

Preventative measures

A healthy body can fight free radicals on its own. To prevent the development of oxidative stress is simple enough, natural substances that can be found in food products can help:

1. Bioflavonoids .The mechanism of their action is to bind free radicals, not allowing them to form and spread. Reduce the intensity of oxidative processes. Contained in such products: citrus, buckwheat, apple peel, green tea, red wine, broccoli.
2. Antioxidants .Present in prunes, sea-buckthorn, grapes, blueberries, mountain ash, cranberries, currants, pomegranates, beans, artichokes, cocoa, green tea, red wine.
3. Polyphenols .Help to stop the oxidation process. They include tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins. Polyphenols are found in garnets, blueberries, red grapes, red wine, cranberries, raspberries, apples, black rice, red potatoes, red beans, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, black chocolate.

The effectiveness of the use of antioxidants in the treatment of diabetes, oncological diseases, as an anti-inflammatory agent is known. Also widely used antioxidants in cosmetology, as a substance that can increase the elasticity and elasticity of the skin, and thereby prevent aging.

Antioxidants also have a restoring effect on the nervous system, a stress-protective effect, and also a property of protection from radiation. Some antioxidants are produced by our body during food processing: catalase, melatonin, glutathione, coenzyme Q10.

Consequences and complications of

With the development of oxidative stress, more severe consequences gradually appear. If you do not start therapy, then the following clinical manifestations and pathologies can develop:

1. The nutritional deficiency in the blood .Cells damaged by free radicals lose the ability to absorb useful substances, resulting in even more damage to them.
2. The onset of inflammatory processes of .A large number of damaged and mutated cells creates an increased strain on the immune system. These processes lead to inflammation. Inflammatory processes can further cause cancer, the appearance of excess weight, diabetes, dementia, irregularities in the work of the heart, depression.
3. Metabolic syndrome is a complex of metabolic disorders. Oxidative stress can lead to hypertension, dyslipidemia.