Antioxidants: What They Do and When You Need Them

Ever feel like your body is running on fumes? Or that modern life—with its stress, pollution, and less-than-perfect diets—is taking its toll? You’re not wrong. Behind the scenes, your body is in a constant battle against invisible troublemakers called free radicals. This is where antioxidants come in. They are your body’s best defence, the microscopic superheroes that protect you from the inside out.

But what are they, really? And with so many supplements on the market, how do you know if you actually need them? This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll explain what antioxidants do, where to find them, and when a supplement might be a smart choice for your health.

What Are Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress?

To understand antioxidants, you first need to know what they’re up against. Every day, your body produces unstable molecules called free radicals. This is a normal process, a natural byproduct of turning food into energy. In small numbers, they even help your immune system function properly. But when they get out of control, they cause damage.

Free radicals are chemically unstable because they are missing an electron. This makes them desperate to become whole again, so they steal electrons from healthy cells in your body. This process, called oxidation, damages your cells’ DNA, fats, and proteins, disrupting their normal function. When the number of free radicals overwhelms your body’s ability to neutralise them, you enter a state of oxidative stress.

According to Cleveland Clinic, oxidative stress is a key player in many chronic health problems. It’s linked to everything from premature ageing and wrinkles to serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Think of it as a slow, silent rusting of your body from the inside.

What causes this overload of free radicals? While some are produced internally, many come from our environment and lifestyle choices. Common culprits include:

•Environmental pollution and toxins

•Cigarette smoke (both active and passive)

•UV radiation from sun exposure

•Excessive alcohol consumption

•Chronic stress

This is where antioxidants step in. They are stable molecules that can donate an electron to a free radical without becoming unstable themselves. This act of generosity neutralises the free radical, stopping the destructive chain reaction before it can do more harm. Your body produces some antioxidants on its own, but it heavily relies on a steady supply from your diet to keep the balance.

Diet vs. Supplements: Where Should You Get Your Antioxidants?

When it comes to stocking up on antioxidants, you have two main options: the food you eat and the supplements you can take. For most people, a healthy, balanced diet is the best place to start. Nature has packed a wide array of powerful antioxidants into colourful fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other whole foods.

The advantage of getting antioxidants from your diet is that they come bundled with other essential nutrients, like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds often work together in synergy, meaning their combined effect is greater than the sum of their parts. The Cleveland Clinic recommends a varied diet to ensure you get a wide range of antioxidants, as no single “superfood” can do it all.

Here are some of the top antioxidant-rich foods to add to your plate:

•Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.

•Vitamin E: Abundant in nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.

•Beta-carotene: Get your fill from carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and kale.

•Selenium: Rich sources include seafood, eggs, and whole-wheat bread.

•Flavonoids: Found in tea, coffee, dark chocolate, and colourful fruits.

However, a diet-first approach isn’t always enough. Modern lifestyles can make it difficult to consistently get the nutrients we need. Soil depletion, long-term storage of produce, and cooking methods can all reduce the antioxidant content of our food. This is where supplements can play a valuable role.

When to Consider an Antioxidant Supplement

While a healthy diet is your first line of defence, there are specific situations where an antioxidant supplement could provide extra support. If you fall into one of the following categories, you might benefit from a targeted boost.

1. You’re Under High Stress

Chronic stress is a major trigger for oxidative stress. When you’re constantly in “fight or flight” mode, your body produces more free radicals, depleting your natural antioxidant reserves. If you’re going through a demanding period at work or in your personal life, a supplement can help your body cope with the increased physiological strain.

2. You’re an Athlete or Train Intensely

Physical exercise is fantastic for your health, but intense training also generates a high number of free radicals. This exercise-induced oxidative stress can lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation. Research shows that certain antioxidant nutraceuticals, like quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin, can help attenuate this damage and support recovery. For athletes, a supplement can be a useful tool to enhance performance and reduce downtime.

3. You’re Concerned About Ageing

Ageing is a natural process, but oxidative stress is a key factor that accelerates it. As we get older, our body’s internal antioxidant production declines, making us more vulnerable to cellular damage. This contributes to visible signs of ageing, like wrinkles, as well as age-related health issues. A combination of regular, moderate exercise and antioxidant supplementation can be a powerful strategy to promote healthy ageing and maintain vitality.

4. Your Diet Isn’t Perfect

Let’s be honest—few of us eat a perfect diet every single day. If you know your fruit and vegetable intake is lacking, or if you have dietary restrictions that limit your food choices, a high-quality antioxidant supplement can help fill the nutritional gaps. It’s not a replacement for a healthy diet, but it can act as a reliable insurance policy.

Choosing the Right Antioxidant Supplement

If you decide a supplement is right for you, it’s important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand. At NutriBrio, we offer a range of targeted antioxidant formulas designed to meet your specific needs. From our Acai Berry Capsules to our Organic Mushroom Complex, each product is crafted with carefully selected ingredients to provide effective support.

Look for supplements that contain a blend of different antioxidants, as this mirrors the way they work in nature. And always follow the recommended dosage. While antioxidants are beneficial, more is not always better.

The Takeaway

Antioxidants are essential for protecting your body from the daily onslaught of free radicals and oxidative stress. While a colourful, whole-food diet should always be your foundation, supplements can provide valuable, targeted support when you need it most—whether you’re navigating a stressful period, pushing your physical limits, or simply looking to support healthy ageing.

Ready to give your body the backup it deserves? Explore our range of high-quality antioxidant supplements today.