How Do Antioxidants Affect Brain Health?

If you could peek inside your skull and see your brain, you’d find countless evil free radicals trying to wreak havoc and superhero antioxidants chasing them down to neutralize them. That’s an overly simplistic explanation of a constant battle going on inside your head, but it helps illustrate the need for antioxidants.

Our board-certified neurologists at Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, specialize in diagnosing health issues related to oxidative stress (too many free radicals) and replenishing the body with antioxidants. Here’s an overview. 

Antioxidants explained

Antioxidants are natural substances that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during normal metabolic processes or exposure to environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. 

Over time, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and contributing to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.

Types of antioxidants

There are several types of antioxidants, each with unique benefits. 

Vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids are some of the most well-known antioxidants. Each type works differently to neutralize free radicals and protect cells.

Sources of antioxidants

You can get antioxidants from various foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Berries, citrus fruits, nuts, and leafy greens are all excellent sources of these protective compounds. 

How antioxidants protect your brain

Free radicals love oxygen- and lipid-rich environments, which makes your brain a free-radical paradise and particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. 

Antioxidants protect your brain with three superpowers.

Oxidative stress reduction

Oxidative stress accelerates the aging process and the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and protect your brain cells from damage.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is another contributor to neurodegenerative diseases. Many antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the brain.

Neuroplasticity enhancement

Neuroplasticity is the ability of your brain to reorganize itself through the formation of new neural connections. Antioxidants enhance neuroplasticity, which improves your ability to learn and remember things. This benefit is particularly important as you age, as neuroplasticity tends to decline over time.

Antioxidants and cognitive function

Studies have shown that antioxidants can improve cognitive and executive function. We see these benefits not only in older adults but also in younger people looking to maintain optimal brain health.

Memory enhancement

Foods rich in antioxidants, like blueberries and spinach, improve memory performance, helping you retain and recall information more easily.

Better brain oxygenation

Antioxidants can also improve your attention span and focus. Flavonoids in foods like dark chocolate and green tea trigger “faster and greater brain oxygenation,” which can protect your brain against cognitive aging and help you perform better in mental challenges. 

How antioxidants prevent neurodegenerative diseases

One of the most promising research areas is antioxidants' role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Here’s a look at a few of the most studied conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease

Several studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin E — like nuts and seeds — can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease

Antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 have shown promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. These antioxidants help protect dopamine-producing neurons, which are particularly vulnerable in Parkinson’s.

Huntington’s disease

Though research is still in the early stages, some studies suggest that antioxidants may help mitigate the symptoms of Huntington’s disease by protecting brain cells from oxidative damage.

How to get more antioxidants to protect your brain

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get plenty of antioxidants, but exercise, sleep, and stress management also play roles.

If you need a boost, we can help.

As part of our comprehensive wellness and longevity services, Advanced Medical Care offers glutathione IV treatment, which delivers glutathione — the “master antioxidant” — directly into your bloodstream. 

Call Advanced Medical Care in Queens or Brooklyn, or book online to discuss how glutathione can improve your brain health.