WELLNESS AUTHOR
Jonathan Mendoza, DC, RN, FNP-C
THE POWERHOUSE FOR LONGEVITY n Learn about mitochondrial health and why it should be a primary focus of your healthy lifestyle.
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ne of the primary ways to achieve longevity is through promoting mitochondrial health. The mitochondria is located in each of our cells and is considered the powerhouse of energy production. The mitochondria produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), our main “currency” of energy. Aging and stress are two factors that can diminish the health of our mitochondria — leading to a decrease in ATP production. Every action in our bodies requires ATP. Our bodies will produce millions of ATP per minute just to keep up with our daily routines. The harder we work our bodies, the more ATP production we require. Vitamins and amino acids supply nutrients to the mitochondria in order for our cells
AUGUST 2021
to function. Issues like nutritional deficiencies can lead to a poorly functioning mitochondria and a possible inability to produce ATP.
Mitochondria and Stress
Stress (physical, chemical and mental) can cause inflammation that eventually leads to a dis-ease in the body. Inflammation can produce oxidative stress which can lead to damage directly affecting the mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction can then occur, leading to the progression of chronic disease specific to the area affected. For example, oxidative stress can occur in the brain, leading to mitochondria dysfunction of a neuron. Oxidative stress is a byproduct of ATP production but is reduced by glutathione, our bodies’ major antioxidant. Glutathione is mainly produced by the liver and should
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be a focal point in the fight against oxidative stress and aging. It can even cross the blood brain barrier and help reduce oxidative stress that is often found in cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is also found in mental wellness disorders. We are just now starting to understand how important mitochondria dysfunction is when it comes to your overall health. It makes sense that we should supplement the proper nutrients that support a healthy mitochondria and reduce an overproduction of oxidative stress. L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, NAD+ and resveratrol all do their part to help the mitochondria function optimally. Labs that measure mitochondria health can give us insight into which nutritional deficiencies, such as these, are needed.
