If you listened to RFK Jr.’s speech on Friday, you might not only have been perplexed by his political redirection but also wondered what “mitochondrial dysfunction” is.
Mitochondria produce cellular energy, known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process can be impeded by environmental toxins (RFK Jr.’s focus), chronic infections, antibiotics, emotional distress, and a lack of oxygen and nutrients.
When the mitochondria function well, they produce 36 units of ATP through the Krebs cycle. When they are comprised, they make two units of ATP through the Cori cycle. This is the emergency/stress pathway.
As mitochondria are in all tissues (except your RBCs), impaired mitochondria can impact your brain, thyroid, liver, ovaries, bone and skeletal muscle, leading to chronic fatigue, weight gain, hormonal changes and cognitive issues.
This is how you can support your mitochondria:
a) Identify and remove toxins—environmental and dietary. You need to remove these toxins from your environment and your body.
b) Sleep for a minimum of 7 hours, as this is when the mitochondria restore themselves.
c) Move your body as using skeletal muscles promotes new mitochondria.
d) Eat a diet rich in flavonoids and fiber to decrease gut inflammation, which can cause a reduction in mitochondria.
e) Restore your immune system, which chronic infections and long-term exposure to toxins may have altered.
f) Take glutathione, minerals, B vitamins and iron (if needed).
g) Use red light therapy, oxygen and sauna to stimulate new mitochondria. Use mitochondrial peptides to help restore mitochondrial DNA.
While I do not believe that mitochondrial dysfunction is at the root of America’s health crisis, it does affect a subset of people. I would like them to know that there is a solution, albeit complex, and they can feel better.
