Mitochondria
© MicrobeWikiMitochondrium
Mitochondria are unique organelles contained in every cell of the human body, other than red blood cells, and they contain their own unique DNA. Mitochondria are involved in nearly every major metabolic process, and they help form 90% of the body's cellular energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Discover three major ways to improve your mitochondrial function and enhance your quality of life.

Improving the function of your mitochondria can be as simple as making lifestyle changes. Certain strategies have been shown to treat symptoms associated with mitochondrial defects. You can use these techniques beginning today to help you maintain mighty mitochondria.

The physiological effects of mitochondria function

The healthy function of mitochondria is essential to life sustaining metabolic processes including(1, 2):

- Regulating ion concentrations such as calcium buffering critical to intracellular communication
- Synthesizing products necessary for the transportation of glucose and insulin
- Maintaining roles in fluctuating lipid levels
- Regulating the removal of cellular damage or apoptosis if condition is deleterious enough to the mitochondrion's function
- Providing sufficient energy for blood flow to and within the heart

Three strategies to improve mitochondrial function

There are many things one could do to improve mitochondrial function but perhaps the three most important things that do not cost anything are to get regular exercise, practice intermittent fasting and follow a ketogenic diet.

Exercise daily

Exercise can strengthen the performance of mitochondria in all areas of the body. Not only can exercise reduce oxidative stress when utilized appropriately, but exercise can increase mitochondrial activity by improving oxygen flow and blood pH.(1)

As was evident in the comparison of the breast muscle of pigeons to that of chickens, individuals who run frequently have also been found to have a higher amount of functioning mitochondria than those who live sedentary lifestyles.(3, 4)

Intermittent fasting allows mitochondria to rid of waste

When the body fasts, malfunctioning mitochondria are destroyed in a process known as autophagy or specifically, mitophagy.(1, 5) Autophagy is a highly important capability for mitochondria to maintain because this ability enables the mitochondria to remove unwanted debris and accumulated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as unfolded proteins which no longer serve a purpose and can create virus-like problems.

The loss of mitochondrial autophagy has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and decreased immunity.(5)

Ketogenic diet to strengthen mitochondria

A ketogenic diet which is rich in fat and low in carbohydrates has been used to suppress symptoms of muscle weakness and abnormal organ function associated with mitochondria dysfunction. The purpose of consuming a ketogenic diet is to change the metabolic state by which a body utilizes a specific food source for energy.

Ketones are alternative energy compounds which fuel cells when limited carbohydrates are available. Whereas carbohydrates use the electron transport chain within healthy mitochondria for energy production, fats are broken down by an entirely different process known as the TCA cycle.(1)

The TCA cycle is an efficient energy pathway that the body can use to circumvent defective mitochondria. Ketogenic diets are so effective at improving mitochondrial function that they are used clinically to treat epilepsy. Epilepsy is a symptom of abnormal mitochondria in the hippocampus region of the brain.

A ketogenic diet may also have therapeutic potential in alleviating symptoms associated with mitochondrial myopathy, which presents with a variety of symptoms, of which all patients have muscle weakness.(1)


Comment: The Ketogenic Diet: An overview


For my complete article on this topic go here: DrJockers.com.

Sources for this article include:

1. McInnes J. "Mitochondrial-associated metabolic disorders: foundations, pathologies and recent progress." Nutrition & Metabolism. 2013 Oct;10:63. NutritionandMetabolism.com

2. Gonzalez MJ, et al. "The bio-energetic theory of carcinogenesis." Med Hypotheses. 2012 Oct;79(4):433-9. NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

3. Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association: Mitochondrial Dysfunction. MassCFIDS.org

4. Jornayvaz FR, and Shulman GI. "Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis." Essays Biochem. 2014 Jan; 47. NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

5. Ding WX, and Yin XM. "Mitophagy: mechanisms, pathophysiological roles, and analysis." Biol Chem. 2012 Jul;393(7):547-564. NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.