Nitrosative stress - causes, effects and prevention
Nitrosative stress is a physiological condition in which there is an imbalance in the production and release of nitric oxide molecules in the body. This condition can have serious effects on health and is associated with various diseases. In the following sections, you will learn more about the causes, effects, and prevention strategies associated with nitrosative stress.
What is nitrosative stress?
Nitrosative stress occurs when too many so-called “reactive nitrogen species” (RNS) are produced in our body. These RNS contain nitrogen atoms which can be harmful to our cells and tissues when in high concentrations. As with oxidative stress, which produces free radicals, nitrosative stress can also lead to cell damage. The body normally has mechanisms to control RNS, but when these get out of control, it could cause nitrosative stress.
Alternative medical researchers such as Professor Martin Pall, Dr. med. Heinrich Kremer and Dr. Bodo Kuklinski, now believe that nitrosative stress is one of the most important factors in the development of chronic diseases. If nitrosative stress is suspected, appropriate tests should therefore be carried out urgently and countermeasures initiated (see below).
Causes of nitrosative stress:
- Inflammation:
Inflammation in the body can increase the production of RNS and thus promote nitrosative stress. - Environmental factors:
Some environmental toxins and pollutants can increase the production of RNS, causing nitrosative stress. Likewise, increased exposure to heavy metals or aluminum (⇒ Heavy metal exposure) may lead to oxidative stress (⇒What is oxidative stress?) can lead to oxidative stress. - Infections:
Certain infections can promote the formation of RNA in the body. RNS are also very important in the short term to defend against pathogens that cause disease. - Nutrition:
An unbalanced diet high in saturated fats and certain preservatives can promote nitrosative stress. - Medication:
Some drugs can increase the production of RNS and lead to nitrosative stress.
Effects of nitrosative stress on the body:
Nitrosative stress can have various effects on the body and can be associated with various health problems:
- Damage to cells and tissues:
RNS can damage cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and cellular damage. - Cardiovascular disease:
Nitrosative stress can impair blood vessel function and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. - Neurological diseases:
Nitrosative stress is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease because it can damage nerve cells. - Vitamin B-12 deficiency:
Nitrosative stress is often associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency. NO stress is relieved by B-12. Hydroxocobalamin is the most effective form for NO degradation. Thus, prolonged NO stress often results in vitamin B-12 deficiency. For this purpose, we determine holotranscobalamin and methylmalonic acid by blood testing. The latter can also be determined in urine. - Immune system:
RNS can influence the immune system and weaken the defense against pathogens. - Cancer:
Nitrosative stress can promote the development of cancer cells because it can damage DNA.
Prevention and treatment of nitrosative stress:
There are several ways to reduce nitrosative stress and minimize its harmful effects:
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Healthy diet:
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can help reduce nitrosative stress. -
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants can neutralize RNS and thus counteract nitrosative stress. Foods like berries, green vegetables and nuts are rich in antioxidants. -
Exercise:
Regular physical activity helps the body cope better with stressors and can also reduce nitrosative stress. -
Stress Management:
Stress can increase the production of RNS. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or walking can help reduce stress. -
Avoidance of pollutants:
Try to minimize contact with harmful environmental toxins and pollutants. - A search for the causes of nitrosative stress:
Laboratory diagnostics, clarification of heavy metal contamination, chelation therapy, etc.; please feel free to contact us, we will advise you individually.
Conclusion
Nitrosative stress can have negative effects on our health. We can determine this exactly in our practice by means of specialised laboratory tests and then give you specific recommendations on how to optimise your condition.
As basic measures, you can actively help reduce nitrosative stress and promote your health through healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. This can be achieved by the administration of dietary supplements and other measures after appropriate diagnostics, e.g. a heavy metal detoxification in case of heavy metal contamination, possible pathogen therapy and environmental diagnostics. We will be happy to advise you on this in detail.
Stay healthy and take care of yourself!
Your practice team of Dr. med. univ. Stefan Rohrer
Preventive all-round check-up
We perform preventive all-around check-ups in our practice to optimize health. In addition to the assessment of the individual cardiovascular risk, we also determine your status of the most important vitamins and trace elements, the exposure to biochemical forms of stress, the heavy metal contamination in the body, perform HRV measurements, and much more.
