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Oxidation is the interaction of oxygen and all the different substances it may contact. This results in free radicals inside the body. These are normal reactions in the body, however if left unaddressed, they can cause damage which accumulates over time, ultimately leading to signs of aging.
When an unstable oxygen molecule steals an electron from another molecule, it too becomes unstable and everything it's attached to then starts to degrade. So think of your body as a car, when oxygen attaches to exposed metal, rust is the result. Fruit is another example, when the skin of an apple is exposed to air it turns brown. The same thing is happening on the insides of our body. Causing aging.
This is where antioxidants come into the picture. Antioxidants collect the free radicals from the cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
Free radicals may play a role in reproductive complications in women, such as endometriosis, tubal and infertility. When the balance of collection and capacity of antioxidants is off, it affects both natural and assisted fertility. Affecting the ovum and embryo quality and inevitably, fertility. Also affecting the interaction of the sperm and egg and for successful fertilization to take place.
When the imbalance occurs in men, the result is generally the same. Leading to sperm damage, deformity, and male infertility. High levels of free radicals in the male reproductive tract have detrimental effects on sperm numbers, motility, quality and function. Aside from infertility, oxidation stress can cause further genetic diseases.
Antioxidants can be obtained through food and supplementation. Again, a well-rounded diet thick with antioxidants or supplementation (or both!) can reverse damage caused by free radicals in the reproductive track, especially since sperm is continuously replenished.
