Why aging speeds up
Most people have heard the phrase oxidative stress.
What most people don’t realize is that oxidative stress is rarely the root problem.
It’s usually a signal that something deeper is breaking down — most often, your mitochondria.
Mitochondria (go ahead say it, “powerhouse of the cell”) are the parts of your cells that convert oxygen and nutrients into usable energy. They’re also where most reactive oxygen species (often called free radicals) are produced. It’s a normal cost of producing energy— it’s how energy production works.
Healthy mitochondria create energy efficiently and manage oxidative byproducts well.
Dysfunctional mitochondria leak energy, generate excess oxidative stress, and strain the body’s ability to keep things in balance.
That’s where aging accelerates.
When mitochondrial function declines:
Energy production drops
Oxidative damage increases
Cellular repair slows
Inflammation rises
Adaptation capacity shrinks
Over time, this combination shows up as faster aging and more dis-ease — not because the body suddenly fails, but because its energy systems lose resilience.
This is why oxidative stress shows up in almost every chronic condition.
And this is where a lot of antioxidant advice misses the point.
Randomly suppressing oxidative stress without addressing mitochondrial health is like trying to paint over rust.
Biology doesn’t work by eliminating stress.
It works by responding to stress intelligently.
What actually supports healthy aging is restoring mitochondrial capacity:
Efficient energy production
Balanced redox signaling
Strong endogenous antioxidant systems
Adequate nutrients and minerals
Proper sleep and recovery
Reduced inflammatory and toxic burden
Antioxidants can play a large role, but only when the underlying terrain is ready.
This week, we look at the big picture: how mitochondrial health, oxidative stress, and aging are connected. Later this month, we’ll go deeper into targeted support systems like antioxidants, glutathione, and when they truly help.
Aging isn't only about time passing.
It’s about how well your cells produce and manage energy.
In our Skool group, we will be talking more detail about antioxidants as it relates to dis-ease, aging, etc. join below before it converts to a paid community. Also I will only be answering supplement questions in Skool, not in email or text.
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https://www.skool.com/drgiudice/about?ref=1351b35f3fdc4a079425723ba5346f7a
In Health,
Dr. G