Oxygen and oxidative stress.
Why do we need oxygen?
We generally don’t think about it when we breathe.
Everyone knows that we need oxygen to live, but why?
Oxygen is actually essential for harnessing the energy stored in the food we eat.
OXYGEN AS A FUEL
It can be used to fuel our cells.
Oxygen is a highly electronegative element, making it particularly good at attracting electrons.
In our body, food is broken down into a series of smaller and smaller molecules. This releases energy as electrons.
These electrons are passed through a series of proteins called the electron transport chain.
At the very end of the chain is oxygen which acts as the final electron acceptor.
The energy released through this passing of electrons is used to power the formation of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP can then be used as fuel by our cells to carry out all the processes essential for life.
Once electrons are added to oxygen, most combine with hydrogen to form water.
FREE RADICALS
Some of the electrons, however, remain unpaired on oxygen. This creates highly reactive molecules called free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
The unpaired electrons in ROS desperately want to be paired so they begin reacting with whatever molecules are around.
This causes damage to important cellular structures such as your DNA.
Luckily our bodies are able to neutralize these free radicals using molecules called antioxidants.
Our body is able to get antioxidants from the foods we eat, particularly from fruits and vegetables, and is also able to produce its own antioxidants.
OXIDATIVE STRESS
When ROS outnumber antioxidants in the body, damage occurs which scientists refer to as oxidative stress.
ROS are produced by normal metabolism. But they are also produced when your body is under stress. Especially from environmental toxins, drugs, and radiation.
Combined with our typical American diet which tends to be low in antioxidants, this leads to this imbalance of ROS and antioxidants.
Oxidative stress is one of the primary causes of aging as well as a number of other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
WHAT ARE BASIC STRATEGIES TO COMBAT OXIDATIVE STRESS?
Here are some strategies for reducing oxidative stress:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain an adequate weight
- Avoid drugs
- Avoid alcohol and environmental toxins
- Eating a diet rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables
ACTIVATE YOUR BODY’S ABILITY PRODUCE ANTIOXIDANTS
Although your body produces its own antioxidants to fight free radicals, it begins to decline in your early 20s.
The strategies above help but are limited.
Activating your body’s ability to produce antioxidants is one of the most groundbreaking insights into reducing oxidative stress.
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Dr. Derek Gallant
Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.
