M is for Mitochondria – Power Plants of the Cell

“You’re not tired—you just have tired mitochondria.” — where energy (and aging) begins.

Mitochondria are the energy factories inside your cells. They take the food you eat and the oxygen you breathe and convert them into ATP, the energy molecule that powers everything from blinking to brain function. Here is the problem. As we age, our cells make less mitochondria and mitochondrial efficiency declines. Older mitochondria make less energy and leak electrons during energy production, generating more Reactive Oxygen Species. These ROS damage mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and membranes contributing to fatigue, slower metabolism, and increased risk of disease. It is not just age – poor diet, inactivity, chronic stress, and toxins can all damage mitochondrial function. However exercise, fasting, cold exposure, and antioxidants can boost mitochondrial performance. These little powerhouses also play a role in signaling between cells, cell survival, and apoptosis (cell death), making them key players in aging and longevity. Healthy lifestyle habits can promote caring for your mitochondria so that you’re building energy and resilience at a cellular level.

3 Easy Action Steps:

1. Move more. Exercise, especially interval training, stimulates mitochondrial growth and repair.
2. Eat mitochondria-friendly foods. Think leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and CoQ10-rich foods.
3. Try intermittent fasting. It gives your mitochondria a metabolic break to reset and repair.

Action Steps

Book a One-on-One talk with Dr. Gillian Lockitch: email her at askdrgill@gmail.com

Please comment and leave a link to your blog.