06/16/2026
🌿 Toxin Tuesday - Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Every day your horse's body naturally produces compounds called Reactive Oxygen Species, or ROS. Often referred to as "free radicals"
Think of them like sparks.
As your horse produces energy, fights inflammation, repairs tissues, and responds to stress, tiny "sparks" are created as byproducts. These molecules are the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
But why does this happen?
Every cell in your horse's body relies on oxygen to produce energy. Inside structures called mitochondria (the "powerhouses" of the cell) use oxygen to convert nutrients into usable energy. During this process, a small percentage of oxygen molecules don't get completely converted and instead become highly reactive molecules known as ROS.
The immune system also intentionally produces ROS when fighting bacteria, parasites, and damaged cells. In fact, inflammation and tissue repair both rely on ROS as important signaling molecules.
Under normal conditions, the body has its own antioxidant systems that quickly neutralize these sparks. But, when too many sparks are produced, the body can become overwhelmed.
This is what we call oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between unstable molecules (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses in the body.
And oxidative stress may contribute to:
🔥 Increased inflammation
🩸 Tissue damage
🛡 Stress on the immune system
⚡ Slower recovery
🧠 Additional stress on the nervous system
The important thing to understand is that free radicals themselves are not bad. Your horse needs them. They're a normal part of metabolism, healing, and immune function.
The problem occurs when the balance shifts and more free radicals are being produced than the body can comfortably handle.
That's why health is all about balance.
You don’t have to eliminate stress, inflammation, or even free radicals, but you do need to help bring the body to maintain equilibrium.
Tomorrow, we'll talk about the word that describes that balance.
⚖️ Homeostasis
**This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement program.**
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