What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress (or oxidative stress) is a phenomenon of chemical oxidation that the body undergoes. It should not be confused with emotional stress, characterized by anxiety felt in the face of a destabilizing situation.

When the body is subjected to oxidative stress, its cells are attacked by harmful molecules called “free radicals”. They mainly come from the oxygen inhaled to breathe. These free radicals alter several constituents of the body such as proteins, lipids, sugars, DNA as well as cells and their membranes. Under their impacts, the cells and their constituents “rust”, like a piece of metal left in the open air.

If the body is healthy, free radicals can be controlled, or even destroyed, by antioxidants. However, if these molecules are produced in excess and the body is no longer able to protect itself, oxidative stress takes over.

Causes of oxidative stress

The causes of oxidative stress are numerous: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, taking certain medications, the sun, pollution, emotional stress, a diet poor in foods containing antioxidants, too intense sporting activity or, on the contrary, sedentary lifestyle.

These harmful factors impact health and promote the production of excess free radicals.

 

Consequences of oxidative stress

 

The effects of oxidation on the body

Attacking cells, oxidative stress is the main cause of premature aging. Indeed, tissues and organs age prematurely when antioxidant defenses are weakened and the body accumulates oxidized products.

Oxidative stress is the cause of certain diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) because of cellular degeneration. Cells become denatured as a result of an accumulation of damage that results in their dysfunction.

Finally, other pathologies can generate oxidative stress such as chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, etc.), bronchopulmonary diseases, chronic viral conditions, diabetes or even certain cancers.

The effects of oxidative stress on the skin

Oxidative stress is responsible for skin aging because it alters skin cells, particularly the epidermis and dermis. The latter are composed of fibers and cells which, in the event of weakened defenses, are damaged. Wrinkles and fine lines can then occur.

With age, cells become less robust, making the skin more fragile in the face of stress . The production of collagen and elastin decreases, so the skin loses its elasticity and radiance.

Solutions to combat oxidative stress

Eat a diet rich in foods containing antioxidants

To avoid oxidative stress, you must above all adopt a varied and balanced diet. It should be rich in fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols).

If diet is not sufficient, it is advisable to take food supplements based on anti-stress and relaxing plants . They are an alternative to heavy and chemical drug treatments (antidepressants and anxiolytics).

Délicure offers a range of “No Stress” gummies enriched with plants (rhodiola, saffron and holy basil), vitamin B6 and GABA. They help reduce stress, protect the nervous system and relax the body.

Get enough sleep to counter oxidative stress

Sufficient quality and quantity of sleep helps promote the antioxidant process and thus protects against oxidative stress. It is therefore important to have restful sleep to limit the effects of oxidative stress.

To sleep better and benefit from quality sleep, food supplements are of great help. Délicure Sleep gummies contain melatonin (sleep hormone), vitamins (B5 and B6) and plants known for sleep (linden, passionflower and poppy).

A natural molecule also seems ideal for combating stress: CBD, Délicure has made delicious sugar-free CBD candies , an innovative and delicious way to relax, as well as CBD oils based on avocado oil and organic sweet almonds.