Mitochondria are essential for the vital process of cellular energy production. Studies and evidence suggests mitochondria are key players in aging and the development of chronic disease.
Alterations in energy metabolism affect crucial homeostatic processes, such as ATP production, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and the release of factors associated with metabolic abnormalities.
Your mitochondrial health may be compromised by oxidative stress (cellular damage). This can be caused by external influences (pollution, stress, chemicals in the environment, alcohol etc).
Cellular damage can also occur as part of the natural process of energy production. Therefore, the mitochondria require a diet rich in antioxidants.
You can support your mitochondria by eating plenty of protein. This include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, beans/ lentils, eggs, etc
These foods support amino acids like glutathione which protect the mitochondria.
Alpha lipoic acid and Coenzyme Q10, both help with energy, protect the mitochondria and support mitochondrial ‘biogenesis’. Mitochondrial biogenesis is the process by which cells increase mitochondrial numbers.
What are the natural sources of alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10?
Alpha-lipoic acid can be eaten in foods, such as red meat, carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. It is also available in supplements. Because alpha-lipoic acid seems to work like an antioxidant, it might provide protection to the mitochondria and also be helpful in certain liver diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 (most often referred to as CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound that your body makes naturally and stores in the mitochondria of your cells. In particular, it stores CoQ10 in vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, and liver. It creates energy within your cells and functions as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from free radical damage that can lead to serious diseases. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen in the body.
While many people’s bodies make all the CoQ10 they need, some don’t. The whole body content is between 500 and 1,500 milligrams, and it decreases with age.
You can also find CoQ10 in many foods, but dietary sources have much less than supplements. Some foods with CoQ10 include organ meats, fatty fish, meat, soybeans, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
To support your mitochondrial health, make sure to include some healthy fats which act like ‘’fuel’’ to the mitochondria. Oily Fish, Avocados, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Flaxseed Oil
Healthy fats also protect the mitochondria by providing anti-inflammatory support.
Supporting the mitochondria with what it needs is just as important as removing factors which block its function. This is where cleaning up a diet and removing unnecessary toxins is essential. Supporting the health of the gut is also part of this as this, in turn, supports the immune system and healthy management of inflammation.
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