During severe exercise, the body undergoes significant physiological changes. The increased energy demand leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress. This stress can damage cellular structures, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, if antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed. Additionally, severe exercise can cause muscle damage, releasing myoglobin and other intracellular components into the bloodstream, potentially leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
