Vivoo Oxidative Stress Box
Free Radicals
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are naturally produced in the body as a byproduct of metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins such as ultraviolet light and tobacco smoke. Excess amounts of free radicals in the body can damage the membranes of cells through a process known as oxidative damage. As MDA is the end product of lipid peroxidation (i.e., the process where free radicals attack fat molecules in the body), urinary MDA levels can be used to determine your current oxidative stress levels.
Malondialdehyde
Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation biomarker generated during the oxidative degeneration of fat molecules. In other words: an increase in free radical activity is often associated with the overproduction of MDA.
The biomarker (i.e., MDA) can be detected in most biological samples – including urine. The compound’s easy detection explains why it’s now one of the most reported analytes for evaluating the effects of oxidative stress on lipids.
Possible Results
Free radicals can cause damage to the body. More specifically, when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants present is disrupted, the former can cause oxidative damage to cells in the body. This is a phenomenon known as “oxidative stress”.
Thankfully, Vivoo helps you keep an eye on your urinary MDA levels, and provides you with a way to adopt the necessary nutritional and lifestyle changes needed to achieve oxidative equilibrium (i.e., wellness).
Score: 10/10, Label: Great, Value: Negative
Optimal oxidative stress level: if Vivoo measures a negative urine MDA value, it means that your body is maintaining the necessary balance between free radicals and antioxidants.
Score: 5/10, Label: Weak, Value: Positive
Too many free radicals in comparison to antioxidants: if Vivoo measures a positive urine MDA value, it means that your body contains too many free radicals compared to antioxidants, and is thus subjected to oxidative stress.
Factors that may increase an individual’s level of oxidative stress include:
- Lifestyle
- Diet
- Environmental conditions such as pollution and radiation
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco products
- Some medications
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals and pesticides
Oxidative stress can physically manifest in the forms of:
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
- Wrinkles and gray hair
- Headaches and sensitivity to noise
Ways to reduce oxidative stressors
The body needs both free radicals and antioxidants. The important thing is to maintain the balance between them. The key to doing so lies in preventing the formation of free radicals in the first place, which means you need to find ways to reduce your exposure to various oxidative stressors. Below are some ways you can help lower your oxidative stress:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits
- Limiting consumption of processed foods, especially foods high in sugar and fat
- Regular exercise
- Meditation
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing stress
- Preventing or reducing exposure to pollution and chemicals
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
Urinary MDA levels are indicative of your oxidative stress levels. Given this, it is best to strive for minimal amounts of the compound in your urine. Changing your lifestyle habits is key to preventing these conditions from occurring in the first place, in addition to quitting unhealthy and harmful practices, as they’re also known to be a significant cause of oxidative stress. Also, consider adopting other healthy habits, like heading out for a walk a few times a week; as these habits can help lower your stress levels and, in turn, reduce oxidative stress in the body.
The crucial role antioxidants play in oxidative stress
Antioxidants play a crucial role in the human body. More specifically, antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which are known to both contribute to and exacerbate oxidative stress. In light of this, antioxidants may assist with cell protection.
Antioxidants found naturally in foods include vitamins C, E, flavonoids, and carotenoids. It’s worth noting that plant-based foods are particularly rich in phytonutrients, which are often also antioxidants (e.g., flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens). Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and spices are also good sources of natural antioxidants. Other antioxidant-rich food sources include cocoa, tea, and coffee.
