Oxidative Stress

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress is a condition of imbalance between the production of waste molecules (Free radicals) and the body's ability (antioxidants) to neutralise them. It is therefore not a real disease but a condition of discomfort that encourages the onset of pathologies in the medium to long term. This can occur either through excessive production of reactive species, or through a lack of antioxidants, or both.
Whenever the antioxidant system is unable to eliminate them, free radicals become dangerous: they attach to the cell molecules, possibly leading to a series of diseases, including so-called premature ageing. There are primary and secondary defence mechanisms working together to regulate reactive oxygen species; when they succeed, the balance achieved is defined by researchers as “homeostasis”. The primary defences are the enzyme systems, which are genetically determined and depending on our DNA, whereas the secondary defences are found in blood and can be analysed extensively, both in terms of quantity and quality, with specialist tests. 

What are the causes of oxidative stress?
The main external factors inducing this condition include the following:

• Unhealthy diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Chronic diseases
• Intake of medicines
• Environmental pollution
• Excessive psychological and physical stress
• Excessive exposure to solar radiation

What are the consequences of oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress has been proven to be correlated to the most common chronic degenerative diseases as well as by pathological ageing. This condition is also associated with the so-called “non-communicable diseases” (NCDs), which are a major threat worldwide and include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Cancer

How do you combat oxidative stress?
The first step is to analyse the state of affairs and understand whether or not there is an oxidative balance situation. In Lucia Magnani's laboratory, which is dedicated to this type of investigation, numerous plasma and cellular parameters are dosed using special equipment and highly advanced methods, and combined with metabolic analyses, this gives an overall picture of the situation.
The second step is to correct any imbalance through:

• Improve your lifestyle
• Follow a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet
• Exercise more, selecting the right frequency, intensity and kind of activities
• Take specific food supplements

The results of the tests will help the medical staff create a tailored prevention program, aimed at restoring your balance (homeostasis), changing your bad habits as well as replacing them with good practices and exercises. These new values and principles will guide you through a well-being experience which will be the stepping stone to a healthier lifestyle.