Oxidative stress can lead to cell and tissue damage and plays a role in the ageing process. George P Joby lists ways to strike a balance and increase the level of antioxidants in the body

High fat diet, poor lifestyle and exposure to pollution and radiation are the leading factors of oxidative stress in our body. Oxidative stress primarily occurs when there is an imbalance between the activities of antioxidants and free radicals in our body. It can lead to cell and tissue damage and plays a role in the ageing process.

When our body goes through oxidative stress, the number of free radicals increases than antioxidants and free radicals start damaging the fatty tissue, DNA makeup and proteins in the body. This leads to many chronic lifestyle disorders including diabetes, atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the blood vessels, inflammatory conditions, high blood pressure, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Uncontrolled oxidative stress can accelerate the aging process, affect immune system and may contribute to the development of a number of conditions. However, squalene, a natural component present in human body by birth, and it is the strongest natural antioxidant is going to be the path to a healthy body in a natural way.  Squalene readily releases hydrogen to free radicals and abstract hydrogen from water in cells, thereby releasing oxygen to cells. It supplements human body with several health-benefiting properties such as anti-oxidation, generation of immunity, balance of cholesterol levels and also acts as an anti-cancer agent and prevent heart diseases.

But the level of squalene in the body reduces as we age. This reduction in leads to low oxygen levels in the body which results in poor sleep, early ageing and lifestyle diseases. Thus, it is advisable to daily consume squalene based supplements as it leads to counter the viruses, pathogens and free radicals that attack the healthy cells in our body on a daily basis.

Here are some of the ways one can increase the level of antioxidants in the body:

• Take diet rich of antioxidants: Including at least five servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet is the best way through which our body produces antioxidants. Berries, cherries, citrus fruits, prunes, dark leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and olives are the best ones.
• Exercise regularly: There are many scientific studies that have stated that performing regular and mild exercise lead to the reduction of oxidative stress. Exercise gives rise to natural antioxidants in the body and decreases the damage caused by the oxidative stress. Even a regular meditation practice can reduce oxidative stress.
• Say no to smoking: There are chances that smoking may enhance oxidative stress not only through the production of reactive free radicals but also through weakening of the antioxidant defense systems. One should also stay away from second-hand smoking.
• Take adequate sleep: Having a sound sleep is essential for striking a balance among all of your body systems. If we are sleep deprived then it will impact our brain function, hormone production, antioxidant and free radical balance, and a host of other things.

The writer is Director, TheLifekart.in