What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress (or oxidative stress) is a chemical oxidation phenomenon that the body undergoes. It should not be confused with emotional stress, characterized by anxiety felt when faced with 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 components of the body such as proteins, lipids, sugars, DNA as well as cells and their membranes. Under their impacts, the cells and their components "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, overly intense sporting activity or, on the contrary, a 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

Oxidative stress is the main cause of premature aging, attacking cells. 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) due to cellular degeneration. Cells are denatured following an accumulation of damage that leads to 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 diseases, 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 that, in the event of weakened defenses, are damaged. Wrinkles and fine lines can then appear.

With age, cells become less robust, making the skin more fragile when faced with 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, it is first of all necessary to adopt a varied and balanced diet. It must be rich in fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols).

If the 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 counteract oxidative stress

A sleep  of sufficient quality and quantity 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 a valuable help. Délicure Sleep gummies contain melatonin (sleep hormone), vitamins (B5 and B6) and plants known for sleep (lime blossom, passion flower and poppy).

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