The way we live is constantly changing. More and more people are choosing to live in large metropolitan areas which sometimes brings them further from nature and fresh air and closer to concrete, environmental pollution and even radiation. In 2018, it is believed that approximately 71.5% of Canadians were living in metropolitan areas. Population growth in large urban areas continues to outpace the rest of the country. In fact, the 3 largest metropolitan cities Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver are now home to over one-third of all Canadians.
Living in urban areas can have advantages such as the jobs sector, ease of transportation allowing to move around the City. Great school options and access to medical facilities. This said large urban centres with a dense population can feel overcrowded to some and access to outdoor parks and nature, in general, can be limited.
Condensed cities can mean traffic and pollution. It could also mean more exposure to pesticides and chemicals. These are all human activities that can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is when there is an excess of free radicals in the body's cells. These free radicals are molecules that contain an uneven number of electrons which allows them to easily react with other molecules in your body.
The free radicals can start by damaging fatty tissue, DNS and then proteins in your body. These damages can lead to bigger issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants can help prevent oxidative stress. These can be found in food including the chaga mushroom, antioxidants can donate an electron to a free-radical which can stabilize the molecule and become less reactive. Oxidation does occur naturally but things like environmental pollution, smoking, radiation and exposure to chemicals and pesticides can accelerate the oxidation process. Canadians and others living in large cities tend to be more at risk.
One way you can prevent or minimize oxidative stress is to ensure you have a healthy diet with enough antioxidants. Lots of fruits and vegetables including berries, cherries and broccoli contain antioxidants. Other sources of antioxidants are chaga mushroom powder, green tea and turmeric.
Be sure to exercise regularly, don't smoke and use caution when buying or using chemicals.
Spring is here, be sure to plan some outdoor activities with your family and loved ones. Get some fresh air, go for a hike or even camping!
Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190328/dq190328b-eng.htm
