MIGHTY MITO’S
Many of us know that the mitochondria are the fundamental drivers of energy production in the body. Except for red blood cells, mitochondria are present in each cell of our body. Some cells have only one mitochondrion for their needs, some have a few hundred, and our nerves can contain over 200,000!
With unique DNA material independent of our genetic DNA, the mitochondria are much more than simply an engine of energy production. They are critical in communication and disease states and essential in producing certain hormones.
COMMUNICATION
The secondary and lesser-known role is that of a communication tool in the body. When the mitochondria sense a danger, such as a pathogen or toxic onslaught, the mitochondria stop creating their energy molecules ATP, producing a version called eATP. This is called the Cell Defense Response (CDR).
This communication molecule, eATP, then sends signals to neighbouring cells and mitochondria via a bidirectional mitokine nerve response (a two-way signal) - this is much faster than our body’s nerves, and immune system can communicate.
Understating this communication cycle is critically important in looking at ill health or disease conditions. When the mitochondria enter the CDR process, they must move through the 3 phases of the CDR to return to normal ATP energy production. And when a cell produces eATP, it cannot produce energy-based ATP - which is why we become tired when we are sick.
If you have conditions or symptoms of ongoing, chronic fatigue, this can indicate the body is potentially stuck in one of the CDR phases, and we need to support cellular healing to restore optimal health. Some key protocols exist to do this, it can take time to understand the triggers but energy and vitality can be restored by moving the mitochondria back to energy ATP production.
LIGHTNING QUICK
Exploring the dynamics of mitochondria is fascinating. Not only are they lightning quick for communication, but cumulatively, they have a massive electrical charge!
Each day our mitos will create and use ATP molecules that equal your body weight, possibly more if you are super active, less if you have a sedentary lifestyle. For me, that’s 62kg of ATP a day being made and used. The body is a well-oiled machine!
The more we use our bodies, the more we can stimulate mitogenesis, where we see an increase in mitochondria in predominately skeletal cells.
The heart (cardiac muscle), eyes and brain have the most mitochondria, followed by the nerves.
It is estimated that our body’s mitochondria have the capacity to create an electrical charge equivalent to 30 MILLION VOLTS. That’s the same amount as a BOLT OF LIGHTNING!
So, don’t ever underestimate your power!
HORMONE PRODUCTION
The mitochondria are also vital components of hormone production.
Mitochondria in the gonads (ovaries or testes) will produce pregnenolone by converting cholesterol by an enzyme in the inner membrane called CYP11A1. Pregnenolone is not an active hormone; but is the immediate precursor for synthesising all steroid hormones. You’ll recognise names like DHEA, Testosterone, and Progesterone, all formed from this ‘mother’ hormone.
Melatonin, which most of us know about as the sleep hormone, is also synthesised, taken up by, and concentrated in mitochondria. The melatonin inside the cell, known as tissue melatonin, has a different purpose from the blood or serum-based “sleep” melatonin outside the cell, which is controlled by the pineal gland; and follows the night-day circadian rhythm. The tissue-based melatonin has anti-oxidative effects and plays a role in neuroprotection.
But don’t go out and purchase melatonin to pop a pill - supplementation has mixed reviews on the overall impact on health and sleep.
5 TIPS FOR HEALTHY MITOCHONDRIA
Here are 5 quick ways to improve your mitochondria health:
Reduce your intake of refined and high carbs (there’s that low-glycemic focus!)
Ensure grass-fed, wild-caught proteins like beef and salmon. They provide Omega 3 and L-Carnitine.
Increase anti-oxidants like resveratrol (dark chocolate or pistachios) and alpha-lipoic acid to boost enzymes levels needed in the mito’s for energy production
Move! Exercise stimulates increased oxygen demands, which triggers the body to create more mitochondria or mitogenesis.
Sweat it out. Whether it is a normal or IR Sauna, the heat will result in improved use of oxygen in the blood through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Aim for 2 sessions a week.
Last thought on the mitochondria - GET UP EARLY!
Early morning sunlight can activate your mitochondria and stimulate improved mitochondria function for the entire day; plus, with early morning sunshine, you will also get Vitamin D stimulation, one of the key regulators of mitochondrial health.