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What Causes Severe Oxidative Stress?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014
Question: I've been taking various antioxidant supplements (tumeric, resveratrol, vitamin E, etc.) for years and I also eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables regularly. Yet, when I recently took an oxidative stress test, the result showed I have "severe" oxidative stress. Do you have any explanations for this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
There are other things that can cause Oxidative stress, supplements have limited effect.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

Welcome to healthcaremagic.

I am Dr.Senduran, General physician hope to answer your query..

Although you have been taking nutritious diet with various antioxidant supplements,the following limitations could still account for the severe oxidative stress result.

1)Old age --->Studies have shown that production of free radicals also called pro-oxidants(Reactive oxygen species) increases with age.
2)Catabolic state --->After mid age(40-50's),overall body's catabolism(degradative metabolism) starts to predominate mainly than the anabolism(constructive metabolism) resulting in failure of effective absorption and storage of such antioxidants in tissues..

Hence increased tendency of free radicals accumulation and reduced bioavailability of antioxidants cumulatively at your age could cause the imbalance and thus the result of "severe oxidative stress".

But this test is insignificant if you had not been affected by any systemic illness already related to oxidative stress..

Hope this answers your query.If any further questions,please feel free to ask..

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (2 hours later)
Dear Dr. Sanduran, Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to reduce the oxidative stress? I suffer from post-polio syndrome and my nerves of frequently inflamed. Is this condition related in any way to my severe oxidative stress?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
May be related....

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

Thanks for following up.

Actual cause for post polio syndrome is not clear.

But it is believed to be related with chronic overusing of the affected muscles in the post-infection period and might also be related to oxidative stress..

Preventing overuse,rehabilitation exercises as advised by physical medicine specialist and proper support for the affected region would help prevent further worsening of the condition and might also help even gaining some muscular strength.

As i said earlier,the antioxidant supplements doesn't significantly improve the condition in this stage even if its related to your oxidative stress..

However in my opinion, selenium containing tablet or capsule(50 to 100 mcg) a day would be a better option relative to others like turmeric for post polio syndrome(muscular atrophy)..You can try if you haven't tried yet after discussing with your treating doctor.

Hope I have answered your query.If any questions,get back to me or else close the discussion and rate the answer..

Take care and wishing you good health..

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Senduran Narayanasamy

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 407 Questions

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What Causes Severe Oxidative Stress?

Brief Answer: There are other things that can cause Oxidative stress, supplements have limited effect. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Welcome to healthcaremagic. I am Dr.Senduran, General physician hope to answer your query.. Although you have been taking nutritious diet with various antioxidant supplements,the following limitations could still account for the severe oxidative stress result. 1)Old age --->Studies have shown that production of free radicals also called pro-oxidants(Reactive oxygen species) increases with age. 2)Catabolic state --->After mid age(40-50's),overall body's catabolism(degradative metabolism) starts to predominate mainly than the anabolism(constructive metabolism) resulting in failure of effective absorption and storage of such antioxidants in tissues.. Hence increased tendency of free radicals accumulation and reduced bioavailability of antioxidants cumulatively at your age could cause the imbalance and thus the result of "severe oxidative stress". But this test is insignificant if you had not been affected by any systemic illness already related to oxidative stress.. Hope this answers your query.If any further questions,please feel free to ask.. Regards