Oxidative stress is the underlying cause of the overwhelming majority of chronic degenerative diseases according to prominent experts in aging, nutritional medicine, and medical research.
Oxidative stress occurs when excess free radicals are not neutralized by antioxidants and cause damage to our cells. (Learn about free radicals here)
Any part of the cell can be damaged, such as cell walls, proteins, fats and even the DNA within the cell nucleus.
The part of the body which receives the most free radical cell damage will likely be the first to manifest a degenerative disease.
In the case of cardiovascular disease, this is the sensitive inner lining of blood vessels called the endothelium. In the case of osteoarthritis, it is the sensitive cartilage lining the joints.
Vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals.
Micronutrient balance, synergy and optimal concentration are the key to having enough antioxidants available to handle the number of free radicals produced, and prevent oxidative stress and tissue damage.
We do make some antioxidants naturally in our body. We also get additional antioxidants from foods like fruits and vegetables.
However, most nutritional authorities, many prominent scientists, and well respected research institutions encourage vitamin and mineral supplementation to achieve the optimal levels of antioxidants needed to avoid oxidative stress.
Current medical literature does support optimal levels of the antioxidants and their supporting micronutrients to prevent or decrease the risk of chronic degenerative diseases.
The amount of antioxidants we obtain from poor dietary choices and our nutrient deficient food supply is not sufficient.
The best option to slow the process of oxidative stress is to take high quality, medical evidenced based, optimal dose, and synergistic nutritional supplements daily.