Authored by Jacqueline Tourville
Most of us have no idea how deprived we are of antioxidants — or how much the body truly relies on them every day for good health.
Antioxidants are powerhouse molecules that play a vital role in keeping your body functioning at its best, supporting everything from detoxification and hormonal balance to immune health and strong bones. The compounds work by neutralizing free radicals, the name for unstable molecules that damage cells, trigger oxidative stress and increase the chance of developing chronic conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.
The body requires a steady supply of antioxidants to counteract free radicals and combat the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
But here’s the problem: our modern lifestyle is quietly depleting antioxidant reserves faster than we can replenish them, putting our health at serious risk.
3 reasons why your antioxidant stores are under attack
- Ultra-processed foods, which are loaded with refined and artificial ingredients, provide minimal antioxidant support, leaving your body vulnerable to oxidative stress. Research confirms that diets high in processed foods drive inflammation and accelerate cellular damage.
- Chronic stress is another major drain on your antioxidant supply. A study in the Journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology found that psychological stress ramps up free radical production, speeding up cellular aging. In response, your body scrambles to send more and more antioxidants into battle — but when supply can’t keep up with demand, your cells are left exposed and vulnerable.
- Your produce may not be as nutrient-rich as you think. Fruits and vegetables are at their nutritional peak when freshly picked, but our industrial food system works against you. By the time produce travels across the country — or the world — to reach your local grocery store, its antioxidant content has already begun to decline.
How to replenish your antioxidant reserves
With our modern world depleting the very nutrients that keep us vibrant, it’s no wonder so many of us feel run down, inflamed and out of balance. But there’s good news: you can replenish your antioxidant reserves and take back control of your health with some surprisingly simple steps:
Eat a rainbow of antioxidant-rich foods. Berries, leafy greens, nuts and spices like turmeric and cinnamon are naturally packed with polyphenols — potent antioxidant compounds that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Research confirms that incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet can make a powerful difference in protecting your cells and supporting overall well-being. Bonus: leafy greens and nuts are also good sources for antioxidant Vitamin E.
Find a high-quality antioxidant supplement to help fill the gaps. (Naturally, we have one!) Powerful Super C Plus is a rich source of antioxidants, formulated for superior absorbability with Vitamin C in special buffered mineral ascorbate form, along with curcumin, lycopene and green tea polyphenols — all backed by science for their ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and support immune health. Super C Plus also helps protect connective tissue and bone tissue, both of which are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Choose local produce whenever possible. Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables retain more of their antioxidant power compared to those that have traveled long distances. Fortunately, more grocery stores are embracing the trend of stocking seasonal, locally grown produce — so take a look at what’s available. Farmers markets are another fantastic source for the freshest foods. Or, why not grow your own? Even a simple tomato plant on a sunny porch can provide a fresh-picked source for antioxidants Vitamin C, lycopene and beta-carotene.
Cut down on processed and ultra-processed foods. It can be done! Start by cooking more at home to reduce the need for convenience foods. We’ve got some great tips for adding more of the antioxidant spice turmeric in your diet, including easy recipes the whole family will love. Bonus tip: Consider cooking in bulk one day per week to make it even easier to have healthy meals on hand.
Reduce your toxin load. Exposure to environmental toxins — think pesticides, pollution and chemicals in personal care products — triggers inflammation, which increases oxidative stress. The fewer toxins your body has to fight off, the more it frees up antioxidants to support other areas of your health. Making the swap to green cleaning products, ditching non-stick cookware, and opting for natural personal care products are simple ways to lower toxin levles in your life.
Boost your raw veggie intake. Cooking methods such as boiling and frying can significantly diminish the antioxidant content in vegetables, so try to eat more of your veggies in a raw/fresh state. (Need a healthy salad recipe?) If raw foods are just too much of a challenge for your digestion, consider stir-frying or roasting them instead. Both cooking methods have a reduced impact on antioxidant levels in food compared to boiling and frying.
Manage your stress levels. A calm mind doesn’t just make you feel good mentally — it actually reduces oxidative damage. To reduce your stress load, try mindfulness meditation, a stress reduction technique that has been shown to lower oxidative stress markers in the body.
Note: If your body is stuck in stress mode (your mind races, you’re having trouble sleeping, you feel anxious all the time), this is a sign that you are overproducing cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Easing your body back into a physical state of calm by balancing cortisol can help mindfulness techniques be more effective. Our Serinisol supplement is formulated for the level of intense stress recovery women with high cortisol levels require.
Keep building your army of antioxidants
Antioxidants are your body’s first line of defense against aging, chronic disease and the inflammation that can drain your vitality. In a world that depletes these precious reserves faster than we can replenish them, it’s essential to take steps to restore balance. By making smart dietary choices and managing stress, you can flood your system with the antioxidants it craves — and keep your bones, hormones, detox pathways and immunity in top shape.
Ready to learn more about the power of antioxidants for your health? Read our companion article, Antioxidants: what they are and why they are important.
Shop our solutions
Doctor-formulated, proven in practice and trusted by women for over 20 years
