You are probably familiar with the fact that diet can have a serious effect on your body’s health. But did you know that you might be making your body hurt more by eating certain foods? Our diets, and what comprises that diet, can raise and lower the levels of oxidative stress in our bodies dramatically!

Foods That Increase Oxidative Stress

Foods high in fat or carbohydrates have been associated with increased oxidative stress through elevated levels of protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation products that reduce antioxidants’ function and ability to keep free radical levels in check.

Foods high in fat that you should possibly avoid include processed red meat (beef, lamb, pork), butter, lard, whole-fat dairy products, and palm oil.

Foods high in carbohydrates that you should avoid include processed grains, refined flours, ultra-processed foods and anything with added sugar.

The typical “western diet” is defined by the consumption of foods high in saturated fats, refined sugars, and animal-based proteins. Those that eat a predominantly “western diet” have been observed to experience higher levels of oxidative stress and are more susceptible to chronic disease.

How Oxidative Stress Affects The Body

Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. As this damage accumulates, the risk of developing a range of conditions increases. Some conditions related to oxidative stress are:

Arthritis
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Metabolic dysfunction
Neurodegenerative disease
Cancer

Adopt The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is ideal for reducing oxidative stress. This diet focuses heavily on the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts. While fats and carbs are consumed in this diet, their quality is far superior to the unhealthy fats and carbs consumed on the average “western diet”. The fats are primarily from olive oil (Omega-9) and seafood (Omega-3). This diet has one consume few Omega-6s or trans-fats.

As this diet emphasizes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is a highly antioxidative diet. Foods associated with the Mediterranean diet are high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium. The phenolic content of this particular style of eating is phenomenal and likely highly protective of health, longevity and happiness.

Boost Your Antioxidant Intake With The Well Theory

The Well Theory offers a variety of antioxidant supplements to help you reduce your oxidative stress. We recommend checking out the following antioxidant-rich supplement:

Tart Cherry Extract

Tart cherries are rich in anthocyanins, a group of compounds found in plants that produce the red/purple color found in fruits and vegetables. These flavonoids are extremely antioxidant.

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Resveratrol

A part of our new longevity series, Resveratrol is a highly antioxidative and a part of an antioxidant group of compounds called polyphenols. Resveratrol is most commonly found in peanuts, red grapes and wine.

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CoQ10 Gummy

Our CoQ10 Gummies are a powerful antioxidant mix of CoQ10, tart cherry extract, chaga mushrooms, and vitamin C!

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