Oxidative Stress

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress is a condition of imbalance between the production of waste molecules ( Free radicals ) and our body’s ability to neutralise them (through antioxidants ). Therefore, it is not a disease in itself, but rather a form of distress which, in the medium-long term, promotes the occurrence of diseases. This condition can be due to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, a lack of antioxidants or to both causes.
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?
First and foremost, you have to  examine your current state of health to determine whether you are suffering from an oxidative imbalance. These kinds of tests are carried out in a specific laboratory managed by Lucia Magnani, where a series of parameters of the cells and the plasma are analysed with the use of innovative and advanced technologies and methods and are subsequently combined with metabolic tests, thus providing an overview of your current situation.
Secondly, to correct an existing imbalance , you will have to:

• 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.