What Exactly Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress is a major factor in premature ageing—but don’t worry. Here’s how you can combat it with the right nutrition.

3 MIN READ — 04/10/2025

Oxidative stress—it sounds like an invisible enemy quietly attacking your health, and in many ways, it is. When the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body tips, your cells can suffer serious damage. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sit back and watch it happen. We’re here to show you how the right diet can help you fight back against oxidative stress.

What is Oxidative Stress?

Imagine an invisible battle raging inside your body. On one side are the free radicals, highly reactive particles eager to attack your cells and DNA. On the other side are the antioxidants, or your body’s heroes, ready to neutralise those radicals. When this balance is disrupted and the radicals take over, you’re dealing with oxidative stress—a condition that can seriously harm your body.

Oxidative Stress and Its Symptoms

Your body sends out signals when it’s under oxidative stress. You just need to know how to read them: Do you feel constantly tired, even when you’ve had enough sleep? Struggling with memory lapses or concentration issues? These, along with other symptoms like skin problems, hair loss, muscle pain, or mood swings, could be your body’s way of telling you it’s dealing with oxidative stress.

How Does Nutrition Play a Role in Oxidative Stress?

Your diet is more than just fuel, it’s your most powerful tool in the fight against oxidative stress. Foods rich in antioxidants help keep free radicals in check and protect your cells. Vitamins like C and E, along with minerals such as zinc, selenium, and copper, are the heavyweights in this battle. By intentionally incorporating these nutrients into your diet, you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to stay healthy.

These Antioxidant-Rich Foods Should Be on Your Radar

If you’re looking to boost the antioxidants in your body through diet, there are plenty of options to add to your meals. For quick reference, here are some of the most essential foods:

These Foods are Rich in Antioxidant
These Foods are Rich in Antioxidant
These Foods are Rich in Antioxidant
These Foods are Rich in Antioxidant

What Habits Can Help Prevent This Type of Stress?

A healthy diet is the first step, but there’s more you can do to keep oxidative stress at bay. Think of your life as your personal wellness programme: getting enough sleep, practising regular relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, and maintaining strong stress management are your allies. Avoid harmful influences like smoking, which ramps up free radical production, and ensure your body stays hydrated. These simple yet effective habits can make a significant difference.

Does Oxidative Stress Affect the Ageing Process?

Oxidative stress isn’t just a risk to your health—it can also speed up the ageing process. Since oxidative stress can damage the cells in your body, your skin may be affected too. Loss of elasticity, increased wrinkle formation, and the appearance of age spots can all be consequences. Free radicals can also weaken your immune function, making you more susceptible to illness. Changes in cellular metabolism are possible as well, potentially slowing down cell regeneration. Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues, may become more common as oxidative stress damages your blood vessels. In short, oxidative stress can have a profound impact on your overall health.

At a Glance

  • 01.

    Oxidative stress is a serious adversary for your health.

  • 02.

    Antioxidants are your best allies in keeping free radicals in check. Vitamins like C and minerals such as zinc and copper help reduce oxidative stress.

  • 03.

    Alongside a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, practising relaxation techniques, and staying active are crucial for effectively managing stress.

Article Sources

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º Food Supplement. In combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

ª Survey on the awareness of multi-nutrient powders with 211 consumers aged 18 to 49 in Germany, 09/24.

↡ Survey of 527 AG1 customers after 12+ days of use, 2024. The survey was conducted on a previous version of AG1’s continually evolving formulation. The survey results can be transferred to the current version of the formula due to no or scientifically negligible changes in supporting nutrients. Vitamins C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Pantothenic acid supports mental performance. Calcium supports normal digestive enzyme function, while biotin maintains normal mucous membranes, such as the gut lining.

Immune System

1: With vitamins A, C, B6 and B12 as well as folate, zinc, copper and selenium, AG1 contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C contributes to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise.

Energy; Metabolism

2: Vitamins C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and magnesium contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. With vitamins C, B6, B12, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, copper and manganese, AG1 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance. Biotin, zinc and chromium contribute to normal macronutrient metabolism.

Cell Protection

3: With vitamins E and C as well as riboflavin, zinc, copper and selenium, AG1 contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes. Folate, Vitamin B6 and B12 contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism.

Mental Performance; Psychological Function; Nervous System

4: With pantothenic acid, AG1 contributes to normal mental performance. Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function. With vitamins C, B6, B12, B1, B3 and B7 AG1 contributes to normal psychological function and to normal functioning of the nervous system. Calcium contributes to normal neurotransmission.

Skin, Hair & Nails

5: With vitamins A, as well as riboflavin, niacin, biotin and zinc, AG1 contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Vitamin B7, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal nails.

Hormonal System

6: With vitamin B6, AG1 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function. With chromium, AG1 contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Digestion

7: Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Biotin AG1 contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (e.g. intestinal mucosa).

Muscles

8: With calcium and magnesium, AG1 contributes to normal muscle function.