What are free radicals and oxidative stress? How do free radicals impact the health and wellness of our patients? Why should clinicians analyze and measure a patient’s free radicals and oxidative stress levels? What can this information tell us about our patient’s overall health and their risk of developing a chronic disease?

Today, we simplify the complex topic of free radicals and their connection to oxidative stress. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of free radicals in your body and how antioxidants can help you decrease them while eliminating oxidative stress levels. We discuss what commonly causes free radicals to develop in your body and where we can find the best sources of antioxidants. We also discuss the connection between chronic diseases and high levels of free radicals as well as the correlation between extreme exercise and significant weight loss to increased levels of oxidative stress.

“When we talk about oxidative stress, it’s really when the damage outweighs your ability to counter it with antioxidants.” - Patti Devers

This week on The Lab Report Podcast:

• Understanding what ‘free radicals’ are and their connection to oxidative stress
• The pros and cons of free radicals
• How antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress
• The main sources of antioxidants
• The primary causes of free radicals in your body
• The connection between certain chronic diseases and high levels of oxidative stress
• How to measure oxidative stress
• What SOD’s and glutathione do within the body
• Debunking the misconception around ‘burning through your glutathione’
• Taking glutathione supplements and what to consider before starting a glutathione supplement
• How excessive exercise and significant weight loss can elevate your oxidative stress levels
• The correlation between glutathione levels and pyroglutamic acid

Question of the Day:

• When trying to assess heavy metals in a patient, is it better to use a urine test or a blood test?

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts, Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review.

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.