Boost mitochondrial function naturally

by: Dr. David Jockers

(NaturalNews) Every cell within our body has unique organelles within it that play a vital role in the overall function and health of the cell. The mitochondria is a unique intracellular structure that produces 95% of the cellular energy and plays a critical role in protecting the cell from oxidative stress. Lifestyle and environmental stressors can alter mitochondrial function and cause the onset of disease processes within the body.

The mitochondria are a very unique structure within the cell. They are the powerhouse of the cell and are the only intracellular organelle that has its own DNA and is able to divide and replicate on its own. The general consensus among researchers is that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in nearly every degenerative disease.

The major factors involved in poor mitochondrial function include deficiencies in critical cellular nutrients, proprioceptive deficiencies, and environmental toxicity. The standard American diet, sedentary lifestyle, and ubiquitous amount of toxins in our society make today`s generation far more susceptible for mitochondrial dysfunction than ever before.

The most common dietary problems today include blood sugar imbalances, fatty acid imbalances, & nutritional deficiencies. Blood sugar imbalances create advanced glycolytic enzymes (AGE`s) that damage cell function and increase free radical formation. Fatty acid imbalances include overconsumption of processed meats & oils, man-made trans-fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids.

Healthy mitochondria depend on a diet that stabilizes blood sugar levels, normalizes fatty acid ratios, and provides mega-doses of trace minerals and phytonutrient anti-oxidants. This diet consists of fresh vegetables and healthy fat sources such as olive oil, avocados, coconut products, nuts & seeds. Grass-fed and free range animal products are incredibly nutritious.

Mitochondrial stability is enhanced through heavy consumption of anti-oxidants and trace minerals. This can be accomplished with the generous use of lemon/lime, pink salts, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, & cilantro in meals, soups, salads, and drinks.

Great mitochondrial boosting nutrients include Vitamin D, Folic acid, Pyridoxine (B6), Vitamin B12, Zinc, CoQ10, and trace minerals. Vitamin D levels should be between 60-100 ng/ml. Boost Vitamin D naturally with 20-60 minutes of sunlight every day or supplement with an emulsified Vitamin D3. A raw, whole-food multi-vitamin that supplies ample amounts of folic acid, B6, B12, Zinc, trace minerals, & CoQ10 should be consumed daily.

Every cell depends on a steady supply of neurological signals to maintain its electrochemical potential. Proprioception, otherwise known as movement information, revs up neurological flow from the brain-body and back to the brain. This is like throwing wood on a fire in that it boosts the cells' metabolic rate and creates greater cellular stability. When cells are deprived of healthy neurological flow, they become unstable and are vulnerable to oxidative stress cycles.

A sedentary lifestyle creates a proprioceptive deficit. This deprives the system of essential neurological flow. Additionally, poor spinal movement patterns create abnormal neurological impulses. This creates physical stress cycles in the body that facilitate inflammatory processes. Both neurological deficiencies and abnormal physical stress cycles create an overload of oxidative stress on the mitochondria that lead to dysfunction.

Healthy proprioceptive patterns come from an active lifestyle full of movement patterns that incorporate core stability and balance training. Chiropractic adjustments and specific physical therapy exercises correct spinal abnormalities and boost normal proprioceptive inputs to the brain and body. This reduces stress on the system and improves mitochondrial strength & stability.

Environmental toxins are now more than ever a strong player in creating mitochondrial dysfunction. Major toxins that damage mitochondrial function include heavy metals such as mercury, pesticides/herbicides, air/water pollutants, food preservatives, commercial cleaning agents, and non-stick cookware among others.