Oxidative stress is caused by excessive production of molecules called oxygen radicals or reactive oxygen species. These highly reactive molecules are produced in the body during normal metabolism and are extremely dangerous and, If allowed to accumulate, can cause damage to internal organs and lead to chronic disease. The cells in our body have an antioxidant system that can neutralize reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals before they can cause irreversible organ damage and disease. However, if the production of these damaging reactive oxygen species overwhelms our ability to remove them it can lead to oxidative stress and chronic illness. Our antioxidant systems decline with age, which increases the risk of oxidative stress as we get older (1). Oxidative stress has also been linked to several neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis,  depression and memory loss  (2). Oxidative stress has also been implicated in cardiovascular and respiratory disease in addition to rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases and cancer  (2). Thus, preventing oxidative stress is an important part of staying healthy.  

1. Liguori I, Russo G, Curcio F, Bulli G, Aran L, Della-Morte D, Gargiulo G, Testa G, Cacciatore F, Bonaduce D, Abete P. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical interventions in aging. 2018 Apr 26:757-72. 
 
2. Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative stress: harms and benefits for human health. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2017
Oct;2017.