As a trainer, I understand your concern about the potential damage that intense or exhaustive physical exercise can cause to your body. When we exercise, our cells need oxygen to produce energy. However, this process of oxidation can sometimes lead to the production of free radicals, which are molecules that can cause damage to our cells and tissues. This damage is sometimes referred to as oxidative stress.
Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron. They can damage cells and tissues by stealing electrons from other molecules in the body, which can lead to a chain reaction of damage.
While it's true that free radicals can damage our bodies, they are also produced as a natural byproduct of our body's normal metabolic processes. In fact, exercise is just one of the many ways that our bodies produce free radicals.
Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals by donating an electron to them, without becoming unstable themselves. This can help to prevent the chain reaction of damage that free radicals can cause.
There are many foods that are high in antioxidants, including fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, and kale. Other sources of antioxidants include nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
While it's always a good idea to get your nutrients from whole foods, there are also many antioxidant supplements available on the market. However, research has shown that these supplements may not be as effective as getting antioxidants from whole foods. In fact, some studies have even suggested that high-dose antioxidant supplements could be harmfulin some cases.
My advice would be to focus on getting your antioxidants from whole foods, rather than supplements. By eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, you can help to combat the damage caused by free radicals and support your overall health. Additionally, it's important to remember that exercise is still an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and the benefits of exercise far outweigh the potential risks of free radical damage.