Basically, taking care of myself! 😄
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction with oxygen, which is ubiquitous in nature.
If I leave a halved apple in the open air, it will turn brown. The compounds in the apple react with the oxygen in the air, altering their structure. This is an oxidation reaction, in order to create a protective barrier on the apple’s surface.
This natural phenomenon is found in the human body.
Many metabolic processes make use of oxidation reactions, in particular to :
- Produce energy.
- Detoxify.
- Transform carbohydrates.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidation naturally generates side effects, mainly reactive oxygen species (ROS).
These include free radicals: chemically unstable molecules that cause cellular damage.
Normally, the body is equipped to deal with them.
But when it is out of balance, it is unable to neutralize free radicals. This is known as oxidative stress.
With today’s lifestyle, 99.99% of human beings suffer from oxidative damage.
Results
- Weakening of the immune system.
- Premature aging.
- Diseases.
- DNA damage.
Many diseases are made worse by oxidative stresses, for example :
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Chronic inflammation.
- Cancer.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Huntington’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
Causes
What overwhelms antioxidant defense mechanisms?
- Pollution.
- Emotional wounds.
- Poor diet.
- Radiation.
- Diseases.
- Stress.
How to reduce oxidative stress?
I can use my felt sense to find out what I need from the following solutions.
Emotions
My emotional wounds generate repeated emotions. For example, unresolved memories of anxiety create stress.
Introspection reinforces the body’s antioxidant mechanisms.
I discover how to deal with my emotions.
Earthing
Our ancestors were much more connected to the ground than we are.
Direct contact with the soil helps eliminate excess free radicals.
There are several options:
- Go barefoot in nature for at least 10 minutes a day.
- Invest in a mattress topper that connects to the electrical network’s earth socket. That way, while I’m sleeping, I’m connected to the earth.
Limiting pollutants
Pollution is currently the main cause of ROS.
It is essential to limit pollutants that trigger oxidation reactions, in particular:
- Food pollutants (pesticides, additives, heavy metals).
- Toxic ingredients in cosmetics.
- Atmospheric pollution.
- Smoking.
Sport
Sport increases oxygen consumption, which in turn boosts the production of oxidizing by-products.
To neutralize them, the body strengthens its antioxidant protection mechanisms.
Regular physical activity trains the body to deal with peaks in oxidative stress.
It’s useful to:
- Add a few antioxidant foods to the meal before a sports session (e.g. turmeric at dinner if I’m running the next morning).
- Stand barefoot on the ground for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after my workout.
Foods
Diet plays an essential role.
On the one hand, certain foods increase the creation of radicals:
- Processed foods.
- Fish.
- Harmful food additives.
- Alcohol.
- High-temperature cooking.
- Non-organic foods.
- Trans unsaturated fatty acids.
- Unfiltered tap water.
On the other hand, some products have a strong antioxidant power, especially:
- Broccoli.
- Mizuna.
- Cherry.
- Reishi.
- Buckwheat.
- Pomegranate.
- Red grape.
- Astaxanthin.
- Coenzyme Q10.
- Turmeric.
- Spinach.
- Kiwifruit.
Sleeping
When I sleep, my body is better able to neutralize the by-products of oxidation.
Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, has the opposite effect.
That is why insomnia increases chances of suffering from chronic inflammation.
Conclusion
How to reduce oxidative stress?
An excess amount of free radicals can cause damage to the body.
Natural and long-lasting solutions aim to :
- Limit their production.
- Eliminate them quicker.