Read Coach Paul’s Article: Oxidative Stress– What Is It & Does It Impact Our Health?

Oxidative stress is not an everyday term but many of us have likely heard of Free radicals. Oxidative stress occurs when we have an excess of Free radicals in our body’s cells. Free radicals are oxygen carrying molecules in our body that have an unpaired number of electrons. Free radicals are created from both natural & unnatural causes e.g., The body produces them during normal metabolic processes. Antioxidants play a vital role in neutralising Free radicals by donating an electron to the unpaired oxygen molecule. This neutralising effect helps protect the body from Oxidative stress.

Free radicals having unpaired numbers of electrons allows them to more easily interreact with other molecules. They can create large chain chemical reactions known as Oxidation. This results in cellular damage in Proteins, DNA, Cell Membranes & Lipids with the stress causing the cell to ultimately lose its functionality & die.

With cells dying over time the tissue begins to suffer causing ageing of the body. In addition to speeding up the ageing process Oxidation is linked to some major diseases, neurodegenerative diseases & chronic inflammation.  Numerous studies reveal that an increase in production of Free Radicals causes or accelerates nerve cell injury that leads to diseases. Some conditions linked to Oxidative Stress are Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Asthma & Cardiovascular conditions such as High Blood Pressure & Stroke.

It is a little ironical that having Oxidative Stress in our bodies is innately natural & forms part of our natural ageing process. However, unnatural human lifestyle choices are not included!! Some examples of these are alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, tobacco, sugar, diets high in fat, processed foods, some medications, obesity, pollution, exposure to pesticides, exposure to industrial chemicals, radiation exposure e.g., x-rays & long-term stress e.g., emotional. Counteracting Oxidative stress is achieved by maintaining healthy sleep patterns, dietary & lifestyle choices including maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise & eating a balanced healthy diet rich in fruit & vegetables.

Including foods in your diet that are rich in Antioxidants is a smart option to reduce exposure to Oxidative Stress:
• Dark Chocolate. Cocoa levels make it a top source. A superfood worth researching.
• Blueberries. Great source. Low in calories & packed full of nutrients.
• Strawberries. Rich source. High in Vitamins + Minerals.
• Raspberries. Excellent source. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Goji Berries. Rich source. Includes a unique antioxidant Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.
• Artichokes. Remarkably high levels. How it is prepared can affect the benefit level.
• Red Cabbage. Great source. Promotes heart health, anticancer, reduces inflammation + many more.
• Purple/Red Grapes. Excellent source. High in Vitamin C & Selenium.

Our Guest Blogger is Paul Barry from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He works within Elite Sport as both a Coach & Consultant. You can contact him at pbelitecoach@gmail.com