5 examples of cellular stress
Nov 3, 2021
| 8 mins to read
Cell stress can appear in the form of low energy, brain fog and slow post-workout recovery. To find out what causes cellular stress, keep reading.
AT A GLANCE
- – Cellular stress occurs when your cells experience “wear and tear”, often due to factors like aging, lifestyle choices, and environmental stressors, leading to decreased energy production and compromised cellular function.
- – Common signs of cellular stress include low energy levels, slower post-workout recovery, reduced mental focus, and weakened immune response - all of which can impact your daily performance and overall well-being.
- – Scientific advances have made it possible to combat cellular stress through targeted supplementation, particularly with molecules designed to support mitochondrial function and antioxidant levels within cells.
WRITTEN BY
MitoQ
PUBLISHED
Nov 3, 2021
UPDATED
May 29, 2025
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If you’ve ever hit an afternoon slump at work, had sore muscles days after a hard workout or noticed visible signs of aging – it’s safe to say that you’ve experienced cell stress. Cell stress is a natural part of life that occurs when your cells experience wear and tear. This can happen when you soak up too much sun, smoke cigarettes or vape, live an unhealthy lifestyle or simply begin experiencing the natural effects of aging. Of course, no one wants to experience cell stress – we all want to have the energy and vitality to make the most of life. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of cells stress – and understand what you can do to combat it.
What causes cellular stress?
Things like smoking and aging can contribute to cell stress by triggering an excess of your body’s free radicals. Free radicals are rogue molecules that, when left unchecked, can attack your cells. When you’re young and healthy, this isn’t too much of an issue. Your body naturally has an adequate supply of antioxidants that work to keep free radicals out of trouble. But, as you age, these antioxidant supplies can dwindle – leaving your cells vulnerable to free radical damage.
What happens when cells are stressed?
The possible outcomes of cell stress can range from a slight lack of energy through to a body and mind that don’t have the foundational support to function properly. To be at your best in all of the areas of life that matter to you most, you need good cellular health. We’ve put together some examples below of what can happen when your cells are stressed – and have also provided one very easy thing you can do to help your body combat cell stress.
While we’re firm believers that healthy cells = a healthy you, we also encourage you to speak with your primary care physician if you’re concerned about any of the cellular stress examples below.
1. Cell stress can impact your energy
The batteries that power your cells – your mitochondria – are your body’s energy makers. They rely on antioxidants, such as CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid, to produce the energy that you need to function at your best each day. CoQ10, in particular, works to prevent excess free radicals from reaching your cells and causing damage. When your CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid levels decline, so too does your body’s ability to protect your cells and produce energy.
2. Cell stress can impact your organ health
The parts of your body that require lots of energy – like your brain and heart – rely the most on healthy cells. When your cells are stressed, it can make it difficult for organs to receive the support they need to perform at their best. One study has found that, by combating cellular stress with MitoQ, you can support the health of your aorta (the largest artery in your body) and increase arterial dilation – which increases your body’s blood flow.
3. Cell stress can impact your post-workout recovery
If you want to be able to push yourself in workouts – start with your cellular health. We partner with many professional athletes – such as 10-time Olympic medalist Gary Hall Junior, competitive runner Rose Wetzel and handcycling champion Jono Nelson - to give them the cellular support needed for effective training, recovery and performance. Several studies have explored the impact that reduced cellular stress can have on sports performance and recovery. Research has found that our molecular science can help cyclists complete time trials faster and support mitochondrial health following high-intensity exercise.
4. Cell stress can impact your immune health
Just like almost every other part of you, your immune cells get their energy from your mitochondria – those cellular batteries we discussed earlier. When your mitochondria don’t have adequate antioxidant supplies, it becomes difficult for them to give your immune cells the energy they need to function at their best. Your mitochondria produce immune cell energy – but they also produce a lot of free radicals. Without adequate antioxidant supplies, free radicals can easily run free and target your immune cells – causing them damage and effecting the signaling pathways required for healthy immune function.
5. Cell stress can impact your mood & mental focus
It takes a lot of energy to keep a level head on a day-to-day basis, especially if you’re experiencing cell stress. For you, this might impact your ability to offer bright ideas in work meetings or stay patient with overly energetic kids at the end of a busy day. Your brain cells need a lot of energy – if your brain cells are stressed, your mental energy can be impacted – which can then negatively influence your mood and mental focus.
In summary, if you've felt a dip in your energy levels, are struggling to push yourself during workouts or feel like your immune system could use some support - these could be signs of cell stress.
How to combat cell stress
The good news is, recent breakthroughs in cellular science have made it easy for you to help combat cell stress. Our advanced molecule MitoQ has been proven to do this. Several studies have shown that, by fighting cell stress, MitoQ can support your heart health, aid in sports performance and workout recovery and reduce free radical damage - which can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.
How MitoQ works
Studies have shown that MitoQ Mitoquinol is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Take it first thing in the morning with water. From there, it will enter your bloodstream and begin combating free radical attacks within your cells. Typically, research studies have recorded Mitoquinol’s benefits after a 3–4-week period. Depending on the level of cellular stress within your body, it could take days or months for you to notice a change. If you’re like many of MitoQ’s fans, one of the first things you’ll likely notice is a sustained sense of energy and mental focus. These are signs that you’re giving your cells the support they need to power a healthy mind, body – and life.
Summary
Cellular stress is a natural occurrence that can significantly impact your body's performance and well-being. It manifests through various symptoms, from energy depletion to compromised organ health, and is primarily caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your cells. While aging and lifestyle factors contribute to cellular stress, modern scientific solutions like MitoQ offer ways to support cellular health and maintain optimal body function. Understanding and addressing cellular stress is crucial for maintaining energy levels, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see improvements after addressing cellular stress?
A: The timeline for improvement varies by individual and depends on your current level of cellular stress. While some people may notice changes in energy and mental focus within days, research studies typically show benefits after 3-4 weeks of consistent cellular support through supplements like MitoQ.
Can young, healthy people experience cellular stress?
A: Yes, cellular stress can affect people of all ages. While young, healthy bodies are generally better equipped to handle cellular stress due to naturally higher antioxidant levels, factors like intense exercise, poor diet, environmental pollutants, and stress can still impact cellular health regardless of age.
Is cellular stress permanent, or can it be reversed?
A: While some cellular stress is natural and ongoing, many of its effects can be mitigated through proper support. By maintaining adequate antioxidant levels, following a healthy lifestyle, and providing your cells with appropriate nutrients, you can help combat and reduce cellular stress, though you cannot eliminate it entirely.
What lifestyle changes can help reduce cellular stress?
A: Several lifestyle modifications can help minimize cellular stress, including:
- Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Regular exercise at appropriate intensity levels
- Getting adequate sleep
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Supporting cellular health with targeted supplements
SCIENTIFICALLY REVIEWED BY
Kai Man Yuen BSc PGDipSci MSc
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