How Stress can affect Healthy Cells

Cell stress is increasingly becoming the source of many health concerns, and can negatively affect physical performance, mobility, mood and mitochondrial health. Some forms of cell stress are a normal part of life, which occur when your cells experience wear and tear.[1] However, experiencing a dip in energy levels, sore muscles after a strenuous workout, brain fog or noticing signs of ageing are all potential signs of cell stress. It is therefore important to understand what causes cell stress and how to combat it to ensure your body functions optimally. 

What Causes Cell Stress? 

Antioxidants play an important role in helping to neutralise free radicals (molecules with an unpaired number of electrons) that have the potential to cause oxidative stress, which can result in cell and tissue damage that may impact heart health.[2] Free radicals are molecules with one or more unpaired electrons, and can attack the cells when left unchecked.[3] Therefore, depleting antioxidants leave your cells vulnerable to free radical damage. Smoking, too much sun and living an unhealthy or inactive lifestyle can also lead to cell stress.[4]

Why are Healthy Cells Important? 

Energy supply and cardiovascular function both rely on healthy cell function. The blood that the heart pumps around the body delivers the necessary oxygen and nutrients that every organ and cell need to do its work. To do this vital work, the heart requires an incredible yet sustained amount of energy to perform at its peak.[5] The energy is mainly generated by the cardiac mitochondria, which are cell organelles responsible for supplying adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the heart.[6] However, mitochondria are susceptible to environmental toxins, nutrient deficiencies, and oxidative damage – making it difficult for your cells to stay healthy and support your whole body.[7]

How can you Protect your Cells from Stress?

Antioxidants are crucial in protecting your cells from stress by neutralising free radicals before they cause too much damage – especially the antioxidants that reside in your mitochondria. Cell stress occurs when these antioxidants decline, due to age, lifestyle factors and environmental toxins. Accordingly, taking ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10 supplementation, may help our cardiac cells reach their daily energy demands and potentially enhance heart health and function.[8]

 Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

References:
^[1] Whitworth J.A, et al. Cardiovascular consequences of cortisol excess. Vascular Health Risk Manag 2005;1(4):291-299. 
^[2] Ernster L, Dallner G. Biochemical, physiological and medical aspects of ubiquinone function. Biochimica et biophysica acta 1995;1271(1):195-204. 
^[3] Lobo V, et al. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews 2010;4(8):118. 
^[4] Pizzino G, et al. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine And Cellular Longevity 2017:1-13. 
^[5] Health Direct 2021. Circulatory system. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/circulatory-system>
^[6] Chen L, Knowlton AA. Mitochondria and heart failure: new insights into an energetic problem. Minerva cardioangiologica 2010;58(2):213-229.
^[7] Hassinen I. Regulation of mitochondrial respiration in heart muscle. In: Schaffer SW, Suleiman MS. (eds) Mitochondria. Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease vol 2. Springer New York, 2007.
^[8] SharmaA, et al. 2016. Coenzyme Q10 and Heart Failure. Circulation: Heart Failure 2016;9(4).