What Is Oxidative Stress? Understanding Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Q: What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules, while antioxidants help neutralize them and support healthy cells.

Q: What are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable molecules created naturally during normal body processes, such as converting food into energy. They can also form from environmental factors like pollution, cigarette smoke, and excessive sun exposure.

Q: What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals and support healthy cells. Many antioxidants are found in colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and whole foods.

Q: What causes oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress may be influenced by poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol, chronic stress, air pollution, UV radiation, lack of sleep, and physical inactivity.

Q: Can oxidative stress be reduced naturally?

Healthy habits may support the body's natural antioxidant balance, including eating colorful whole foods, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and limiting highly processed foods.