These actions can be so violent that they create bursts of light within the body. Dr. Ray Strand likens free radical injury to the damage that occurs when sparks fly out of a fire place. If this process continues over the long term the carpet tatters, eventually exposing the padding and the underlying floor. Under normal circumstances, there is a delicate balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants , repair enzymes in the body. However, during periods of increased free radical production, antioxidants can become depleted in the process of detoxification, leaving the body with little or no defense against the next attack of free radicals.
Oxidative stress is regulated by a combination of hereditary, environment and lifestyle factors.
While it is possible to influence lifestyle and some environmental factors through diet, physical activity and antioxidant supplementation, we cannot change our genes. And unfortunately, many people run an abnormally high level of oxidative stress that could increase their probability of early incidence of age-related diseases. However, improving our personal habits and environment may decrease the amount of free radicals coursing through our body, and hence the risk of degenerative and metabolic diseases. The mitochondria is the part of the cell responsible for energy production and cell respiration. Although oxidative stress occurs throughout life, it worsens as we age.