Unleashing Mitochondria Function: The Power Within
Dr. Terri Rebibo Fox
Dr. Terri Fox is a holistic, integrative, functional medicine doctor in Boulder, Colorado. She works on your behalf as a medical detective searching for the underlying dysfunction, instead of just treating your symptoms. She has expertise in fatigue, bio-identical hormones, sleep disorders, gastro-intestinal dysfunction, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome from mold toxicity and Lyme disease.
When you were in school, you probably learned about the mitochondria as the powerhouse of the cell. Every cell in your body, from your brain to your heart, has mitochondria. They convert energy from our food into a form that our body can use as energy to move, speak, think, and grow.
But what happens when your mitochondria don’t work properly? And how do you keep your mitochondria healthy?
Mitochondrial function is essential for life, vitality, energy, brain function, metabolism and more.
Because the mitochondria are an essential part of many body processes, poor mitochondrial function can affect every bodily function.
Common symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, lack of energy and endurance, and mental or physical tiredness.
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine, in Boulder, Colorado looks for the cause of mitochondrial dysfunction to improve your energy and overall health. In this article, we will explore functional medicine techniques to improve mitochondria function and how to support your mitochondria for a long, healthy life.
Mitochondria Function and Longevity
The mitochondria are called the powerhouses of the cell because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a nucleic acid that drives and supports body functions like muscle contractions and the creation of chemicals – ATP is the universal energy source for your cells.
When your mitochondria are healthy, every system in your body functions better – from digestion and immunity to memory and learning – and everything else in between. Research suggests that improving mitochondrial function can extend your lifespan and promote healthy aging.
In the process of making ATP, mitochondria also produce free radicals. Some free radical production is normal, but if mitochondria are not functioning well or become damaged, they produce more free radicals.
Aging is a direct result of an increase in oxidative stress caused by an excess of free radicals. Free radicals damage cells and are also a leading cause of disease. So, keeping your mitochondria healthy is essential for longevity.
Causes of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Without ATP, your cells start to malfunction and/or die. Over time, poor mitochondrial health can lead to organ dysfunctions. Many diseases and chronic illnesses result from cell dysfunction, including osteoarthritis, cancer, and Alzheimers.
The causes of mitochondrial dysfunction include:
Nutrient deficiencies
Environmental toxins
Heavy metals
Methylation SNPs (mutations)
EMF’s
When you come into Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine with symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction, we will always start by looking for the cause. Fatigue, muscle weakness, and a lack of endurance are the symptoms, and treating the symptoms doesn’t usually resolve the problem.
For example, if your mitochondria dysfunction is caused by a nutrient deficiency, you need to add that nutrient to bring the body back to optimal health. Or maybe you’ve been exposed to mold or heavy metals and your body is struggling to function through high levels of toxins.
Whatever the cause, Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine will create a customized treatment plan to get your mitochondrial functioning and return you to optimal health.
How Can I Improve My Mitochondria Health?
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine has many years of experience helping patients figure out the causes of their mitochondrial dysfunction.
The path to healthy mitochondria starts with a few key ingredients.
L-arginine and L-citrulline: Amino acids that support the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels, enhances blood flow to mitochondria, and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Ribose: A sugar molecule crucial for ATP production. Ribose creates a steady supply of energy for cellular processes.
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone): A cofactor involved in mitochondrial processes. It promotes electron transport and ATP synthesis.
Ubiquinol: A reduced form of coenzyme Q10 which acts as an antioxidant and protects mitochondria from harmful free radicals.
How to Keep Your Mitochondria Healthy
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine uses a whole body approach to heal your mitochondria. That means looking at certain aspects of your lifestyle and environment for better overall health.
Because your mitochondria create energy from the food you eat, the quality of your diet is a major player in healthy mitochondria. Foods that are rich in antioxidants – including fruits, vegetables, and dark leafy greens – are particularly supportive as they prevent damage to the mitochondria.
Meanwhile, exercise helps your body create new mitochondria and supports the systems that pull toxins from the body. A good rule of thumb is to do 30 mins of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Your mitochondria repair and regenerate while you sleep. Sleep is critical for optimum mitochondrial function so you should aim for at least 7 hours per night.
Finally, environmental factors like mold in your home or pesticides in your food can damage your mitochondria. You might want to consider replacing conventional cleaning supplies with natural alternatives and choosing beauty care products that don’t contain any chemicals or processed ingredients.
Keeping your mitochondria healthy can be difficult without guidance! Contact Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine if you want to know more.
What Vitamins Help Mitochondria?
In addition to lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and better sleep, you may also use certain vitamins and supplements:
Work with Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, uses a full body approach to wellness and your mitochondria are an essential aspect of healthy energy and aging.Contact usto schedule a consultation to start your journey to better mitochondrial health.
