What is oxidative stress? Oxidative stress is a phenomenon that occurs when the production of a group of molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) overcomes our cells natural ability to keep ROS in balance. Members of one particularly potent subset of ROS are the infamous free radicals. While ROS in moderation are important parts of our natural biology, an excess of them is dangerous. They damage our bodies by attacking critical parts of our cells such as proteins, DNA, and lipids (which make up the cell membranes).Our cognition, like the cogs in a rusty machine, is downgraded by Unfortunately, the brain is largely made up of lipids that are especially susceptible to oxidative stress damage.In high enough abundance, oxidative stress can lead directly to cell death. Proteins are the most abundant cell component, so they are likely targets for ROS. Ideally, ROS damage is repaired quickly, and it is proteins that do the repair work. When the proteins responsible for repairing oxidative stress damage are themselves damaged, it can lead to a dangerous downward spiral.

Unfortunately, the resulting impacts of oxidative stress on mental health and performance can be devastating. Researchers at Emory University and University College London have linked oxidative stress in the brain to a decrease in executive function (the cognitive capacity to perform mentally challenging tasks and control thoughts, emotions, and actions) and verbal fluency. Oxidative stress in certain parts of the brain diminishes the ability to learn, and has been strongly linked to memory impairments. Appropriately, the administration of treatments and therapies reducing oxidative stress have demonstrated a powerful ability to recover not only memory function, but also broader cognitive performance and brain health. Moreover, research exists to support a link between oxidative stress and reduced mental endurance. Scientists have found that an increase in oxidation in a part of the brain regulating sleep causes sleep induction. To put it another way, it appears that oxidative stress may be a major promoter of mental tiredness and acute cognitive exhaustion. This oxidative mechanism of sleep induction may very well play a role in the development of decision fatigue. Once oxidative stress accumulates, it can exceed the cells capacity for repair. Long-term effects of oxidative stress on the brain. Yet oxidative stress does not stop at tiredness and reduced performance4it can lead to much more serious and long-term detriments as well. It is linked to a vast range of psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative illnesses, where an increased level of oxidative stress in brain cells is correlated with worsening disease. With such sobering scientific evidence backing the danger of oxidative damage in our brains, it becomes clear that our ability to combat oxidative stress not only decides mental performance and endurance, but helps to preserve the general, long-term health of our brains as well.