Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are the epicenter for energy production, producing molecules of  Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to drive all cellular functions. Therefore they are considered our primary energy source.

There are approximately 250 mitochondria per cell or 250 quadrillion in total! That seemingly incomprehensible number makes up approximately 20% of our body weight! A 170 lb. man will produce on the average up to 170 lbs. (or his own body weight) of ATP on a daily basis to fuel his mitochondria!

Our mitochondria start to lose their efficiency with age (starting around age 26) and are part of the normal aging process. Unfortunately, when they become damaged by toxins, stress, or infections over time, they become slow and inefficient and damaged. This may result in the ability to repair themselves leading to a lack of energy production for cellular repair. This may result in a lack of cellular efficiency, a build-up of toxins, lack of oxygenation, etc, and may eventually lead to organ dysfunction. Organ dysfunction such as thyroid and adrenal dysfunction are commonly affected as they try to accommodate for lack of repair on the cellular level. 

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to the root cause of almost every chronic disease:

Mitochondrial Damage

How to support the mitochondria:

In general, one must address the various stressors in our life that can be affecting our mitochondrial health. This can be achieved with the following interventions:

• • Employing various stress management techniques

• • Removing stressors if possible--eg job, relationship, etc

• • Addressing modifiable risk factors such as reducing alcohol intake and.or quitting smoking. 

• • Address any underlying toxicity such as Heavy Metals. Engage in a comprehensive detox program-such as coffee enemas, sauna therapy, lymphatic drainage etc.  and support detox pathways. 

• • Treating ending underlying infections, such as Lyme and Co-infections

• • Avoiding exposure to mold and other biotoxins

• • Supporting any nutrient deficiencies

• • Avoid problem foods and food allergens

• • Address any hormonal deficiencies

• • Address any chronic pain/structural issues

• • Transition from any unnecessary pharmaceutical medicines onto more natural therapies

• • Adequate sunlight exposure

• • Daily Exercise (certain types of exercise such as High Intensity Training (HIT), have been shown to boost mitochondrial density.

How to assess for mitochondrial health

In general, one can determine if mitochondria are affected if there are some of the symptoms that have been mentioned above, especially fatigue. Unfortunately, there are no standard lab tests that can directly assess mitochondrial function. However, one can infer that mitochondrial damage is present if standard labs reveal insulin resistance and organ damage, and elevated inflammatory markers.

Functional medicine however offers us some indirect measurements of various nutrients needed for mitochondrial function.  In addition, the Organics Acids Test (OAT) can be helpful. This test evaluates the metabolites from digestion, assimilation, metabolism, and the production of ATP. For more information see https://www.integrativepro.com/Resources/Integrative-Blog/2016/Assessing-Mitochondrial-Function-Organic-Acid-Test. The most comprehensive evaluation of mitochondria is the ion panel by Genova Diagnostics. For more information seehttps://www.gdx.net/uk/product/ion-profile-nutritional-test-blood There is also a saliva test for mitochondrial dysfunction called MitoSwab. For more information see https://religendx.com/faq-mitoswab/