How Oxidative Stress Ages You and How to Fight Back
Aging – a natural and inevitable part of life that occurs over time, ultimately ending with death. It sounds so simple but actually the actual process of biological aging has been researched in great depth by many and at least 4 major theories of aging have been introduced to look at the cause of biological aging:
The free radical theory of aging (FRTA)
First proposed in 1954 by Dr. Denham Harman. This idea states that free radicals (unstable, highly reactive molecules in the body that have one or more unpaired electrons in their outer shell) damage healthy cells.
For more information about free radicals, please see our Aging Matters Magazine website.
The mitochondrial theory of aging
Evolved from Harman’s original FRTA and first published in 1972 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society by Dr Denham Harman. This theory came about when Dr Harman realised that mitochondria is what determines lifespan.
The cross-link theory of aging
Initially proposed by Johan Björksten in the 1940s, his “glycosylation” theory focuses on structural damage caused by protein and DNA cross-linking over time.
The membrane hypothesis of aging
Introduced in 1978 by Professor Imre Zs‑Nagy, this theory suggests that membrane alterations contribute significantly to age related functional decline.
Free Radicals & Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress happens when the number of free radicals in the body outnumber the amount of antioxidants; as antioxidants neutralize free radicals, this imbalance leads to healthy cell death and tissue damage. This in turn contributes to a number of aging factors including wrinkles, cognitive decline, fatigue, greying hair and poor eyesight.
Outside of aging symptoms, this imbalance has also been linked with health conditions such as cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Sources of oxidative stress
There are a number of sources of oxidative stress which have been identified including mitochondrial respiration, peroxisomes, cytochrome P450 detox enzymes, immune responses, and external factors (pollution, smoke, metals). Let’s look at these in more detail:
Mitochondrial Respiration
As cells produce the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, electrons leak from the electron transport chain and react with oxygen—forming superoxide radicals (O₂ ⁻•). ATP is the primary energy currency of cells in living organisms
Why it matters: This is the primary internal source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), crucial molecules within cells that are often linked with ATP. The more energy your cells make, the more oxidative byproducts they produce.
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes are small, membrane enclosed organelles which break down fatty acids and generate hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a byproduct.
Why it matters: If Peroxisomes are not neutralized by enzymes like catalase, hydrogen peroxide can form hydroxyl radicals which are extremely damaging to ROS.
Cytochrome P450 Detox Enzymes
Found in the liver, these enzymes help detoxify drugs, alcohol, and chemicals. In doing so, they often generate ROS, especially during incomplete detox reactions.
Why it matters: Overactivation or overload of these enzymes (e.g., due to medications or toxins) can significantly boost ROS levels.
Immune Responses
Immune cells (especially macrophages and neutrophils) release ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to kill pathogens.
Why it matters: While helpful short-term, chronic inflammation leads to persistent ROS release, damaging surrounding tissues.
External Factors
- Pollution & Smoke: These contain free radicals or chemicals that trigger inflammatory and oxidative reactions in the lungs and bloodstream.
- Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium): These interfere with antioxidant enzymes (like glutathione), indirectly amplifying ROS production.
- UV Radiation: Triggers ROS formation in skin cells by exciting electrons in cellular molecules.
Whether the body only has to contend with one of these factors or a combined load of more, when ROS from all these sources exceeds your body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs.
Fighting Back – Lessening the Oxidative Stress Burden
There are a number of ways we can fight back against oxidative stress and the damage this can cause. These include:
- Dietary changes: caloric restriction has been shown to reduce oxidative damage and extend lifespan.
- Limiting mineral and fat intake: limiting iron/copper intake helps to reduce Fenton reaction radicals (•OH), and avoiding polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) is also beneficial due to susceptibility to oxidation
- Key antioxidants: Taking vitamins C and E, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10/idebenone, selenium, and melatonin are all helpful in combating oxidative stress
Peptide based therapies
Certain peptides can be taken to reduce the burden of oxidative stress in the body and boost the production of melatonin (a potent antioxidant).
Epitalon® Sublingual Pineal Bioregulator
A pure, single molecule synthetic tetrapeptide which mimics a sequence found in Epithalamin. Dispensed sublingually, it is absorbed into the bloodstream under the tongue.
Epitide® Oropeps – Epithalamin®
A natural extract containing multiple peptide fractions, not just Epitalon. Dispensed as a dispersible lozenge and absorbed by the oral mucosa.
Both are designed to support healthy aging, aid hormonal balance and boost oxidative stress resistance by enhancing telomerase activity, stimulating melatonin production and regulating gene expression related to oxidative defences. Both are designed to bypass the digestive tract which damages delicate peptides.
Nature’s Marvels Thymus Bioregulator
The known benefits of thymic support, immune modulation, and general inflammation reduction that can be achieved by taking a thymus bioregulator strongly suggest this type of peptide therapy can help to indirectly reduce oxidative stress in the body.