What is Mitochondrial Dysfunction?


  • 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”. Ever heard of this phrase before? 



Well, it’s true. You could look healthy on the outside, but 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. Mitochondria are tiny organelles with a big function- they are pretty much the powerhouse of the cell. They create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essentially the “fuel”, or energy, that drives all of the body’s functions- about 90% actually! 



If you want to learn more about mitochondria, check out our other blog on how mitochondria is the key to optimizing health.



Keep in mind that while they are known for creating energy for your cells, they also play a role in other important functions like immune health, regulating calcium balance for muscle functioning, hormone production, and are needed for heme creation to transport oxygen throughout the body. 



But now back to the vital role of ATP production...



How do Mitochondria Make Energy?

So let’s take it back to biology. Remember the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)? In order for mitochondria to make energy for the cell, they first have to convert the energy of metabolites to reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). 



They then transfer electrons (from NADH) to the electron transport chain and eventually to molecular oxygen, (O2) while pumping protons from the mitochondrial matrix across the inner mitochondrial membrane to the intermembrane space. 



The transmembrane potential created by the proton gradient then uses ATP synthase to flow protons back across the inner mitochondrial membrane, and employs the energy from this process to drive adenosine diphosphate phosphorylation (ADP) to ATP (aka ENERGY!).



So, what happens when your mitochondria can’t do their job?

 
 




Fatigued Cells

So think of when you are running on “E”. You don’t have the energy to do anything. The house becomes a mess, your work gets put on the back burner, and your life starts to fall apart...right? The same thing happens in your body. 




If your cells are running on “E”, they don't have the energy to partake in the necessary bodily functions. Messages don’t go out, damaged cells build up and aren’t removed, and a mess starts to form on a cellular level. When your mitochondria stop functioning properly, it can ultimately lead to chronic diseases.




How does your mitochondria function weaken? 

  1. If the electrical and chemical transmembrane potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane isn’t maintained

  2. If there are alterations in the function of the electron transport chain 

  3. If there’s a reduction in the transport of critical metabolites into mitochondria

  4. If there’s a dysfunction in the electron transport & ATP-synthesis process

  5. If there’s an inadequate amount of mitochondria




Mitochondrial Dysfunction Symptoms

Mitochondrial dysfunction may be the root cause of a handful of health symptoms and issues. Since our mitochondria produce our cell’s and body’s energy in the form of ATP, if their function is limited, then our normal functions can’t be carried out. Nutrients can’t be transported to the proper location, signals can’t be properly communicated, and overall healthy operations will be disrupted and even inhibited. This results in some people not being able to do a single task without being completely exhausted. 




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 (atherosclerosis and other heart and vascular conditions) 

  • 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 & 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. The following can either help create healthier mitochondria or even make more mitochondria so your cells have more energy and YOU have more energy. 




  • Purchase Non-Toxic Products

  • Eat a Clean Diet High in Anti-inflammatories & 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 rest and restore healthy cells & rid damaged cells)

  • Boost your Immune Health

  • Consider Supplements to Aid Mitochondrial Function

  • CoQ10 (key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain)

  • Glutathione (“master” antioxidant)

  • MitoATP by CellCore (my favorite for boosting mitochondrial function!)

  • BioActive Carbon Minerals (by CellCore)

  • NADH (helps electron transport chain and can act as a strong antioxidant)

  • B Vitamins

  • Magnesium (needed for biological processes)

  • Iron

  • Nicotinamide Riboside

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid (potent antioxidant that plays a role in mitochondrial reactions)

  • Phospholipids (aids membrane lipids in mitochondria)

  • Curcumin (anti-inflammatory)




Work with a Functional Health Provider

If you believe you are experiencing mitochondrial dysfunction, please contact a functional provider. Dr. Jaban Moore is a functional medicine provider in Kansas City that can help. He specializes in treating patients with challenging chronic illnesses related to mitochondrial dysfunction.




Dr. Moore provides functional medicine based, natural support to help you rid your symptoms away. By creating a unique plan for your body, Dr. Moore can address the root cause. Please reach out if you are ready to get your health back on track. You can give the office a call at (816) 889-9801.




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