Mitochondrial health is an important but little-discussed health factor.
Mitochondria are essentially the powerhouse of your cells and act as batteries to fuel a multitude of processes throughout your body.
Maintaining healthy mitochondria is crucial to good health and vitality, however, this topic receives surprisingly little attention. Mitochondria are the energy generators of our cells, performing a wide range of essential tasks that contribute to overall health.
Mitochondria, however, are very prone to damage. We could become sick if their integrity is breached if they stop functioning correctly. Fatigue, muscular aches and discomfort, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and a host of other symptoms and an elevated risk of illness may all stem from dysfunctional mitochondria
What Exactly Are Mitochondria?
Mitochondria are highly specialised structures that may be found in almost every cell in the human body (with the exception of red blood cells). Mitochondria are compartments inside cells that carry their own DNA.
Mitochondria are essentially the powerhouse of our cells and act as batteries to fuel a multitude of processes throughout our body. Mitochondria are found in every cell in our body, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), they are accountable for the generation of ninety percent of the energy that is used by the cell, and they also contribute to the operations of the metabolism.
Mitochondria may be found throughout the body in varying numbers, depending on the kind of tissue, and each type of mitochondria is tailored to perform a function that is unique to that particular type of tissue. For instance, the mitochondria in your liver contribute to the process of converting ammonia into a waste product that is less harmful to your body.
Mitochondria's Primary Functions
What Effect Does Mitochondrial Health Have on Human Health?
Without proper mitochondrial activity, an organism's capacity for growth and development would be severely constrained. Everyday physical functions such as digestion, intellect, and the operation of the cardiovascular system would also be negatively impacted. All of the metabolic events that occur in the human body need energy in order to proceed, and because the mitochondria are responsible for producing this energy, their work cannot be replicated.
Protection against free radicals and oxidative stress
Mitochondria play an important role in both the suppression of the production of free radicals and the restoration of oxidative damage. Damage done to mitochondria as a consequence of oxidative stress has been related to the aetiology of a range of illnesses, including the following:
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Epilepsy
Migraines
Stroke
Neuropathic pain
Parkinson’s disease
Heart disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Fibromyalgia and more
Mitochondria play the role of mediators throughout the apoptosis (cell death) process, which is essential for ensuring that defective cells that have the potential to cause problems are rendered incapable of carrying out biological activity. While it is true that all cells are susceptible to some degree of oxidative damage, it is of utmost significance that mitochondria have the capacity to comprehend the signals that are being sent to the cell and the ability to react appropriately. In the event that mitochondria are unable to trigger programmed cell death when and where it is necessary, the risk of subsequent complications and disease states increases.
What Factors Contribute to Mitochondrial Health Deterioration?
Damage to the mitochondria may be caused by significant oxidative damage, which can alter the permeability of the inner membrane. Oxidative stress may be brought on by taking certain drugs, smoking, drinking alcohol, being exposed to environmental pollutants and pesticides, and eating a diet that is heavy in high-fructose corn syrup, refined carbs, and sugar. There is apparently a correlation between genetic predispositions to mitochondrial illnesses and the state of the mitochondria.
Symptoms of Mitochondrial Problems May Include:
· Fatigue
· Loss of motor control, coordination, or balance
· Trouble talking