Mitochondria - the key to more energy

Bioenergetics and supporting the formation of energy

The mitochondria are the power batteries that exist inside each of our cells. They have their own DNA and produce all of our energy needs in the form of a substance called ATP and keeping them healthy is key to a good life and a sharp mind.

To keep them moving and producing energy mitochondria need antioxidants to protect them and a number of minerals are essential for this such as zinc and selenium, also the B vitamins are very important in this process. This is why many people feel taking B vitamins improves energy levels.

If the mitochondria are not functioning properly, are damaged, or are poisoned, this will have significant effects on how you feel.

The first sign of this is often a morning brain fog. The brain is the biggest user of energy in the body, so low energy levels will show here first. Exercise tolerance and recovery will also be affected. You may find exertion that wouldn’t normally cause a problem is now leaving you breathless.

Mitochondria are also essential for making cholesterol. Although we are led to believe that cholesterol is bad, and high levels of cholesterol do cause problems, it is also the building block of every hormone and steroid. It is essential and is found in the wall of every cell in our body.

Those with low cholesterol levels (endurance/elite athletes and those on a very restrictive diet) often have hormone issues as a result.

Unfortunately one of the side effects of statins is that they block the enzyme that makes cholesterol. Unfortunately this enzyme is also a key step in (mevalonate pathway) making CoQ10. CoQ10 is an important co-factor in energy production that can become diminished. Statins have pros and cons and this is also the reason they can cause muscle aches.