Anyone who has experienced the signs and symptoms of oxidative stress needs to seek medical attention to determine whether or not they are suffering from this health problem. An oxidative stress blood test can show whether or not a person has free radicals in their body. If the test turns out positive, the doctor will prescribe medication and lifestyle changes. The doctor will also give the patient nutritional tips to ensure they never experience oxidative stress in the future. It is important to note that long term exposure to oxidative stress can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. That is why it is important to get tested early on to ensure you can make the necessary lifestyle changes.
Oxidative Stress Explained
Oxidative stress can be defined as an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Reactive oxygen species known as free radicals are often neutralized by antioxidant defenses. When the antioxidant defenses are weak, therefore, a number of problems will occur. For starters, you will start experiencing headaches, blurred vision, memory loss, brain fog, muscle and joint pains, and many other signs and symptoms. If you have unexplained headaches, impaired vision or any other signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is important you seek medical attention to have your blood tested. An oxidative stress blood test will show whether or not you have this medical problem.
How to Deal with Oxidative Stress Without Medication
There are two main options for dealing with oxidative stress. The first option is to minimize oxidative stress. The second option is to increase antioxidants in your body. For best results, be sure to take a two-pronged approach. For instance, you should take measures to minimize oxidative stress as well as steps to boost antioxidant levels in your body.
i) How to Minimize Oxidative Stress
For starters, you should exercise, meditate and take long walks in the park. You should also eat organic foods and stay away from people who have colds and flu. In addition to that, you should reduce your sugar intake and avoid processed foods while maintaining your sugar balance.
ii) How to Improve Antioxidant Levels
To counter oxidative stress, you only need to add asparagus, peaches, spinach, walnuts and tomatoes to you diet. These food items are known to promote production of antioxidants in the body. Kale, beets, berries, avocados, onions and garlic are also helpful in increasing antioxidant levels in the body.