Increase your energy and vitality by taking care of your mitochondria
Did you know that mitochondria are the cellular structures responsible for producing all the energy your body needs to function?
Yes — mitochondria are in charge of transforming the nutrients you consume into energy.
To enjoy a long and healthy life, you need to have many mitochondria that are strong and functioning optimally.
Can Mitochondria Be the Cause of Your Fatigue and Illness?
Yes. Mitochondria are highly vulnerable to internal and external factors that disturb the body’s balance.
In other words, your mitochondria suffer when you follow an inflammatory diet, are exposed to environmental toxins, experience infections, or overuse medications, among other stressors.
When exposed to these stressors, mitochondria are among the first structures to be affected, leading to low energy and poor health.
What Happens When Mitochondria Start to Fail?
The first organs to show dysfunction are the most metabolically active ones:
- The heart
- Skeletal muscles (responsible for movement and posture)
- Neurons
- The digestive system
When toxin levels are high, mitochondria initially try to keep producing energy, but eventually reach a point of no return — a state known as the Cell Danger Response.
At that point, they trigger their own death process, called mitophagy.
Mitophagy Accelerates Aging and Disease
If the toxic environment persists, more and more mitochondria die prematurely, reducing the body’s ability to produce energy. As a result, organs no longer receive enough energy to stay healthy, leading to:
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Kidney dysfunction, among others
In some cases, mitochondria may fail to recognize danger signals — instead of dying when they should, they continue functioning abnormally, which can eventually lead to the development of cancerous cells.
How Can You Keep Your Mitochondria Healthy?
1. Take Care of Your Diet
If you consume inflammatory foods like gluten, cow’s milk, and sugar, you promote chronic inflammation and the overgrowth of microorganisms that produce toxins.
These toxins, along with inflammation, pose a serious threat to mitochondria.
On the other hand, healing your gut through an anti-inflammatory, personalized diet — one that avoids trigger foods and supports your microbiota — helps maintain balance and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for proper mitochondrial function.
2. Supplement According to Your Needs
Mitochondrial DNA is extremely fragile and easily damaged. One of the best ways to counteract today’s toxic environment is to support your body with antioxidant supplements.
Enjoy our exclusive webinar to learn more about the most effective supplements for mitochondrial health.
3. Engage in regular physical activity:
When you exercise, you help accelerate your body’s detoxification processes and eliminate toxins, especially through sweat. Additionally, performing strength training combined with an adequate diet—such as the OkNutriWhite plan based on your 3R Immuno-Nutrition Protocol—will help you build more muscle, which in turn increases the number of mitochondria in your body.
4. Respect your rest schedule:
Rest is essential for mitochondrial regeneration. It’s not just about getting enough sleep—though that’s crucial—but also about practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress, such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
5. Take care of your environment:
Avoid living near factories, gas stations, or other polluted areas. Whenever possible, spend time in nature, breathe fresh air, and practice grounding—connecting physically with the earth—to help restore your body’s balance.
References:
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2012 Mar;17(3):290-314.doi: 10.1038/mp.2010.136. Epub 2011 Jan 25.
- Bennett, Susanne. Mighty Mito: Power Up Your Mitochondria for Boundless Energy, Laser Sharp Mental Focus and a Powerful Vibrant Body . Wellness For Life Press.
- Live de instagram titulado "Disfunción Mitocondrial en TEA" -Dr. Andrés Marcano
NutriWhite Editorial Team
