The Brain Is One of the First Affected Systems The brain is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress because it: uses a large amount of oxygen has high metabolic demand relies heavily on mitochondrial function When oxidative stress increases, it can disrupt: neurotransmitter (hormone) balance blood flow energy production This contributes directly to: cognitive dysfunction slowed processing sensory sensitivity sleep disturbances Glutathione: Your Bodys Master Antioxidant One of the most important defenses against oxidative stress is: Glutathione Glutathione helps: neutralize free radicals detoxify harmful substances support immune regulation protect brain and mitochondrial function Key insights: Levels naturally decline with age (often starting in your 30s) Illness, stress, and inflammation accelerate depletion COVID-19 may significantly reduce glutathione availability This has led researchers to explore glutathione depletion as a key factor in Long COVID symptom persistence
Additionally, a diet high in processed sugars and alcohol can increase oxidative stress, making it harder for these antioxidants to do their job
Brait, M., Ling, S., Nagpal, J
As a result, Nrf2 escapes degradation and translocate to the nucleus, where it binds to Antioxidant Response Elements (AREs) within the promoter regions of target genes
