- Mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells
- When mitochondria can't do their job, your cells have no energy and YOU have no energy
- Oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental toxins can impact mitochondria's process.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to chronic diseases
- Lifestyle choices can lead to worsening mitochondrial health
- There are natural ways to optimize your mitochondria's health
"You are only as healthy as your cells." If your cells aren't healthy and functioning properly, then you could be at higher risk for health problems. One factor that can determine your cells' health are your mitochondria, tiny organelles that create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essentially the "fuel," or energy, that drives all of the body's functions, about 90% actually!
How do Mitochondria Make Energy?
Mitochondria first convert the energy of metabolites to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). They then transfer electrons to the electron transport chain and eventually to molecular oxygen, while pumping protons from the mitochondrial matrix across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The transmembrane potential created by the proton gradient then uses ATP synthase to drive adenosine diphosphate phosphorylation (ADP) to ATP (aka ENERGY!).
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Symptoms
Here are some symptoms or issues that may manifest from mitochondrial dysfunction:
- Chronic infections
- Fatiguing illnesses (chronic fatigue syndrome)
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes)
- Neurobehavioral and psychiatric diseases (autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar and mood disorders)
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Musculoskeletal diseases (fibromyalgia and skeletal muscle hypertrophy/atrophy)
- Cancer
Causes of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Since nutrient deficiencies, toxins in the environment, and oxidative damage can all impact the health of your mitochondria, it's vital that you address these root causes first.
Avoid Stressors: Smoking, Alcohol Intake, Processed Foods, Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Environmental Toxins, Mold Exposure, Obesity.
Treatment for Mitochondrial Dysfunction
There are numerous things you can do to optimize mitochondrial health:
- Purchase Non-Toxic Products
- Eat a Clean Diet High in Anti-inflammatories and Antioxidants
- Participate in Regular High-Intensity Interval Training (increases density of mitochondria)
- Get High Quality Sleep
- Address Chronic Infections (Like Lyme Disease)
- Spend Time in a Sauna (Stimulates Hormesis)
- Get Cold Showers (Stimulates Hormesis)
- Support Your Detox Processes
- Try Fasting (allows your body to clean out old mitochondria and make new ones via mitophagy)
- Use targeted mitochondrial supplements: CoQ10, CT Minerals, Hydroxygen