The Link Between Cell Damage and Common Health Problems

by Dr. Nick Zyrowski July 21, 2025

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that we don’t promote things like foot baths and fake detox teas that promise vibrant health benefits. In our practice, we use clinically relevant protocols to help our patients restore vitality. You can get so much value by knowing your current state of health and in this article, we’ll show you one of the tools we use to do this.

Oxidative stress

The reason we talk about oxidative stress so much is because it’s a critical factor related to diseases. (1) Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This state then causes cell damage and leads to severe health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, heart conditions, and even cancer.

Simply put, oxidative stress means you have too many free radicals and not nearly enough antioxidants so it begins to harm your cells and tissues. Some of the parts of the cell that see the most damage include proteins and fats (lipids). You can think of it as every cell being made of fat and cholesterol.

You know we talk about balance and how your body works synergistically to keep you healthy. When things get out of balance, illness can creep in and cause all sorts of dangerous things to happen.

Examples of oxidative stress

If you aren’t sure oxidative stress can affect you, we have some examples of chronic and degenerative conditions caused by this imbalance.

Respiratory disease: Since oxidative stress is related to inflammation, it can affect the lungs, leading to asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). (2)
Neurological disease: We mentioned earlier that oxidative stress may lead to Alzheimer’s but it can also cause things like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. (3)
Kidney disease: Continued oxidative stress forms scar tissues in the kidneys. This prevents them from working correctly, which can cause kidney failure. Many people end up needing dialysis. (4)
Rheumatoid arthritis: Again, since free radicals increase inflammation, it can often be the culprit behind autoimmune conditions, like arthritis. Cancer: Oxidative stress damages DNA in your cells, which increases the risk of cancer. (5)
Cardiovascular disease: Since this imbalance triggers arteries to form plaque, it may lead to reduced blood supply, causing coronary artery disease and heart attack. (6)

Of course, this isn’t even an exhaustive list. Oxidative stress also contributes to diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and aging. The more cellular inflammation you have the more chances you have of developing one of these issues. You can see how crucial it is to know where you stand so you can course correct quickly if needed and get your health back on track.

How do you measure oxidative stress?

Now, earlier we discussed that we don’t promote useless ideas that you may see on social media and late-night television commercials. Many of these products are expensive and don’t deliver any value.

In our practice, we use a Meta-Oxy Test Kit. We believe this is one of the most important tests we have for our patients because it measures how damage is occurring in the cell membrane. It looks for inflammatory markers that indicate lipid peroxidation, which relates to oxidative damage to the cell wall.

When the cellular wall begins breaking down, you have Malondialdehyde released into the body. That can be detected in the urine. It’s so crucial to know this information because this is what drives the inflammation that leads to all these harmful disorders and conditions. Rather than reacting to health problems, we use this as a preventive model that looks at the root causes so we can make the necessary changes now.

Taking the test at home

Taking the test can be done in the comfort of your home and is easy to do. You get the kit in the mail which includes a test vial in the package. You take a small urine sample and put it into the test vial.

The test vial contains a reactant agent that will change the color of your urine and will range from clear to red. You take the color and compare it to a sample that shows different measurements from 0 to 2. If the sample shows 0 to 2 that means everything is good. If it shows anywhere within the 2 to 4 range, it means you have cellular inflammation somewhere within the body and you need to make changes to reverse it so you don’t develop the above health conditions.

More test information

If your Meta-Oxy test results show elevated oxidative stress, it's a powerful signal that your body is experiencing an imbalance between free radicals and your ability to neutralize them. One of the most effective ways to address this is by completing a comprehensive cellular detox, such as the True Cellular Detox: 90 Day Detox Kit. This advanced protocol is designed to target healing at the cellular level—where oxidative stress begins—by supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, reducing cellular inflammation, and restoring optimal cellular function. Over the course of 90 days, the program focuses on removing toxins from deep within tissues and organs, which can otherwise perpetuate oxidative damage and inflammation.

In addition to a structured detox, making intentional dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce oxidative stress. Focus on a diet rich in colorful vegetables, leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, and clean proteins—foods high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrients that combat free radical damage. Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils, which can promote oxidative stress and inflammation. Lifestyle factors matter, too: prioritize quality sleep, manage stress through mindfulness or breathing techniques, and stay active with regular, moderate exercise. These supportive changes, combined with targeted detoxification, create an environment in the body that fosters resilience, cellular repair, and long-term health.

Another thing the test can show is if you’ve made changes that are beneficial. For instance, if you’ve adjusted your diet and made lifestyle changes, you can see if the test shows decreased oxidative stress.

Knowledge is power

We’ve always been told that knowledge is power. In our clinic, we believe that genuine health comes naturally and we want to help you understand your body and prevent these dangerous diseases from taking hold. When you know more, you can do better.

Many people online will peddle things that don’t work to make a quick buck. There is no reason to promote fear and try to get people to try all these different products with scare tactics.

If you want to learn more about the Meta-Oxy Test, and how it can shine a light on your overall health, contact us today for information. We help people heal and restore their health every day and would love to consult with you on your wellness journey.