Oxidative Stress

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

Oxidative stress is a term that’s becoming increasingly recognized in both clinical research and everyday wellness discussions. It refers to a state where the body experiences an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cumulative cellular damage, inflammation, and accelerated aging. While oxidative stress itself may not cause direct symptoms, it plays a significant role in the development and progression of many chronic conditions—including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative illnesses.
At Intercoastal Health, we approach oxidative stress from a functional medicine telehealth perspective. We assess biochemical imbalances, environmental exposures, dietary patterns, and lifestyle contributors to oxidative load. Our goal is to provide a personalized plan that supports antioxidant capacity, reduces oxidative burden, and restores the body’s innate ability to repair and defend.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

At the molecular level, oxidative stress is the result of an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—a form of free radicals—and/or a deficiency in the antioxidants that neutralize them. These unstable molecules damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, setting off inflammatory responses and impairing normal cellular function.

Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

Oxidative stress itself does not cause distinct symptoms, but it contributes to the pathology of a wide range of conditions. In functional medicine, we often see it present subtly through systemic signs that may otherwise be overlooked.
Common Clinical Indicators:

• Fatigue: Often persistent and unexplained
  
• Joint pain or stiffness: Inflammation without autoimmune markers
  
• Accelerated skin aging: Wrinkles, dryness, loss of elasticity
  
• Poor cognitive performance: Brain fog, memory issues, reduced focus
  
• Decreased immune resilience: Frequent infections or slow recovery
  
• Slow wound healing or bruising
  
• Exercise intolerance: Difficulty recovering from physical exertion
  
  

Functional Medicine Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools

At Intercoastal Health, we use specific laboratory markers to assess the balance between oxidative damage and antioxidant defense. A comprehensive evaluation often includes conventional labs alongside functional tests.

Additional Functional Tests:

• Organic Acids Testing (OAT): Evaluates mitochondrial function, detox intermediates, and oxidative metabolites
  
• Heavy Metal Panels: Toxins like mercury, lead, and cadmium contribute significantly to oxidative stress
  
• Nutrient Panels: Identify deficiencies in antioxidant cofactors such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and B-vitamins
  
  

Root Causes of Oxidative Stress

In functional medicine, we recognize oxidative stress as the consequence of multiple internal and external influences. Uncovering the underlying causes is essential for reversing damage and restoring redox balance.

• Environmental Exposures: Air pollutants, pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals
  
• Diet and Nutritional Deficiency: High intake of processed foods, sugars, trans fats; low intake of antioxidant-rich whole foods
  
• Chronic Inflammation: Unresolved inflammatory states perpetuate ROS production
  
• Physical Inactivity or Overtraining: Both sedentary behavior and excessive exercise without recovery impair antioxidant defenses
  
• Psychological Stress: Chronic stress activates cortisol and catecholamines that impair antioxidant systems
  
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Promote oxidative stress through toxic intermediates and nutrient depletion
  
• Chronic Infections or Illness: Persistent immune activation elevates ROS and damages surrounding tissue
  
  

Conditions Associated with Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases:

• Atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction
  
• Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
  
• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  
• Oncogenesis through DNA mutations
  
• Premature skin aging and inflammatory dermatoses
  
• Infertility and hormonal imbalance
  
  

Functional Medicine Approach to Reducing Oxidative Stress

At Intercoastal Health, our protocol focuses on individualized strategies that restore redox balance and strengthen the body’s internal antioxidant systems.

1. Nutrient Repletion and Antioxidant Support
   
   • Glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, NAC
     
2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
   
   • Whole, plant-based foods; healthy omega-3 fats; herbs and spices with antioxidant activity
     
3. Lifestyle and Detoxification Support
   
   • Regular movement; quality sleep; stress management; toxin reduction; liver and kidney support
     
4. Monitor and Modify Medications When Appropriate
   
   • Assess medications that increase oxidative stress (statins, NSAIDs, certain chemotherapies)
     
     

Ongoing Monitoring and Personalized Care

We recommend follow-up testing every 3–6 months, including glutathione, GGT, oxLDL, and inflammatory markers, to tailor interventions and ensure sustained antioxidant support.