Stress and Oxidative stress

Stress and Oxidative stress are two terms that refer to important concepts in health and biology:

1. Stress:

   • Stress is a psychological and physiological reaction of the organism to external or internal pressure that requires some form of adaptation or response.
   • These pressures or stressors can be emotional, physical, or psychological in nature and can come from various situations such as work demands, personal problems, financial pressure, and many others.
   • Stress triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can affect a person's physical and emotional health. Short-term stress can be a normal part of life, but long-term and chronic stress can have a negative impact on overall health.

2. Oxidative stress:

   • Oxidative stress is a biochemical process in which an excessive formation of reactive oxygen compounds, called free radicals, occurs in the organism.
   • Free radicals are molecules containing unbalanced electrons that can damage cells, DNA, proteins and lipids in the body. This process can be caused by various factors, including pollution, toxins, unhealthy diet, smoking and excessive alcohol.
   • Oxidative stress is associated with aging and the risk of developing various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease) and cancer.
   • Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from their harmful effects. This includes, for example, vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.

So stress refers to the body's responses to psychological or physical pressure, while oxidative stress refers to a biochemical process that can damage cells due to the excessive formation of free radicals. Both of these factors can have an impact on overall health and can be interconnected, as long-term stress can contribute to oxidative stress in the body.