You’ve probably heard the phrase “oxidative stress.” And perhaps you’ve also heard of free radicals and antioxidants. But do you know what they are and how they might affect you?
If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the topic of oxidative stress, don’t worry: You’re not alone. Although oxidative stress can play a significant role in your health, few people know exactly what it is or how it may affect the body.
Understanding oxidative stress, free radicals, and antioxidant action is a lot to wrap your head around. Primary care physician Deborah D. Viglione, MD, of Living Waters Regenerative Medicine Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida, aims to help you educate yourself about these topics so you can safeguard your long-term health.
Every day, your body experiences a process known as oxidation. This is a normal process in which your body uses oxygen for many physiological functions.
Oxidation causes the formation of potentially harmful byproducts known as free radicals. Normally, your body neutralizes dangerous free radicals using compounds called antioxidants, which help prevent toxic free radicals from causing damage to cells, tissues, and organs.
However, when antioxidants and free radicals are out of balance — in other words, when you don’t have enough antioxidants to neutralize the worrisome free radicals in your system — free radicals act as dangerous toxins in your body and you can experience some of the harmful effects of oxidative stress.
As oxidative stress and free radicals interact with your body, they can lead to serious cell damage. As a result, long-term oxidative stress is believed to play a role in causing or worsening a variety of health conditions, including:
Although all people experience oxidation, certain factors can weaken your defenses against potentially harmful long-term oxidative stress. For example, you’re more likely to experience damage from oxidative stress if you:
You’re also at greater risk if you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke or if you have a history of exposure to radiation or certain chemicals.
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the impact of oxidative stress on your body and your overall health. Dr. Viglione is happy to work with you to create a customized treatment and lifestyle strategy to protect you from toxic oxidative stress.
She provides guidance on everything from diet and exercise to addressing exposure to toxins. She may recommend nutritional supplements, IV therapy, medication changes, and hormone therapy tailored to your needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Viglione so you can learn more about oxidative stress and how it could be affecting you, call our office at 850-290-4806.
