Reducing Oxidative Stress After Exercise
Imagine you just finished a strenuous high intensity interval workout. Your heart is beating fast, you are drenched in sweat and you are trying to catch your breath. This is what oxidative stress looks like on the outside. On the inside, it causes a disturbance in our normal body processes, which in turn generate something called free radicals. What are free radicals and why are they not beneficial if exercise is good for you? Free radicals are produced as a consequence of energy production. Too many free radicals in the body generate oxidative stress, which brings us back to exercise. What destroys these free radicals are antioxidants, a word I’m sure you have heard of but never truly understood. Let’s talk about antioxidants and how we can include them in our diet.
Some great sources of antioxidants are grapes, berries, pears, bananas, apricots, artichokes, spinach, kale and the list goes on! All of these foods fall into two food groups: fruits and vegetables. I am sure you have heard over and over again from the time you were young to eat your fruits and vegetables. This is why! Not only do they provide us with a plethora of vitamins, minerals and fiber which are all essential to a healthy diet, they provide antioxidants that keep our bodies from developing disease.
Another thought you may be having is why exercise if it causes oxidative stress? Exercise has many benefits that help prevent disease. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins that make you feel happier and more energetic. Physical activity improves your cardiovascular health, muscular health, brain health and bone health.
Are you trying to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet? Try making a smoothie, adding fruit and maybe even greens. Top your yogurt or cereal with some fruit. Skip the potato chips at lunch and opt for some veggies dipped in hummus. Sautee vegetables with your dinner and combine them with your choice of protein and grain to make a delicious stir fry.