What is oxidative stress?
- Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between the production of reactive species, known as free radicals, and the body's defenses.
- This state of oxidative stress exists when at least one of the following three conditions is present: an excess of free radicals, insufficient defenses, and insufficient repair mechanisms (Source: Dr. Dany MERCAN).
- It causes the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that derive directly from respiration; approximately 2% of the oxygen consumed produces these free radicals (Source: study by Camille Migdal of the University of Lyon).
- It is a physiological mechanism essential to human life, enabling individuals to defend themselves against numerous viruses, inflammations, bacteria...
- When poorly controlled, it spreads, attacks cellular components (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins…) and promotes the onset of diseases (diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts…) or the loss of functionality, resulting in accelerated aging (Source: theory of aging by free radicals by Dr. Denham HARMAN).
- Diet and lifestyle influence oxidative stress: it seems important to avoid sources of free radicals such as pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, UV rays, malnutrition (pesticides, additives…), stress, physical inactivity, intensive physical activity…
Oxidative stress and physical activity
- Sports practice induces significant oxygen consumption, which causes oxidative stress.
- The more intense the effort, the greater the presence of free radicals.
- An excess of free radicals can impair immune defenses and their effectiveness.
- The inhaled air harms the athlete's cells, causing damage to muscle cells and therefore a decrease in muscle strength and the early onset of fatigue.
- Optimal nutritional status enables cells to control oxidative stress and thereby promote cellular adaptation to exertion. It should be noted that improved performance is based on this adaptation of cells to exertion.
Antioxidants: defenses against oxidative stress
- Antioxidants are agents that slow down or prevent oxidation caused by free radicals and the harmful reactions that result from it.
- We have antioxidant enzymes that are activated by consuming trace elements: zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and manganese.
- There are other antioxidants naturally produced by the body: uric acid and lipoic acid.
- Antioxidant agents can come from the diet through the intake of vitamins (vitamins A, C, and E), minerals (selenium, copper, zinc…) or plant pigments (flavonoids, carotenoids…).
- Fruits (nuts, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, prunes, mangoes…) and vegetables (kidney beans, beetroot, artichokes, red cabbage, carrots…) are rich in antioxidants; organic products are preferable to avoid pesticides, additives, or other sources of free radicals (Source: study by Professor LEIFERT of the University of Newcastle).
- Certain herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, curry, thyme, pepper, and parsley….
- The ATLET range : the ATLET brand aims to combat oxidative stress. In its range of 100% organic energy products, it includes antioxidants: acerola powder, ginger, almond, pistachio, as well as phycocyanin and beta-carotene found in 100% pure organic spirulina.
How can oxidative stress be detected?
- Physical signs may appear: inflammation, aging, infections, stress, fatigue…
- Oxidative stress can be detected by undergoing a specific assessment, an oxidative stress assessment, offered by various laboratories.
Source: Article published on our partner ATLET's website
