Inside the body is a source of energy on which our physical and mental health depends. The state of the mitochondria even affects the aging process and whether it is easy for us to lose weight. What are these magical organisms and how to take care of them?
It is known that thousands of microorganisms live in our body on a permanent basis, which make up our microbiota – an internal ecosystem. But few people know that billions of years ago, our cells became related to some microorganisms, merging with them together. This is how mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production, appeared in the cells that make up each of us.
For this, they are often called “cellular power plants” – without mitochondria, the cell cannot exist. Lee Know, in The Selfish Mitochondria, writes that due to such an interesting origin, these organelles have their own DNA, different from the DNA of the cell – not surprising, because they were once separate organisms.
Interestingly, mitochondrial DNA is transmitted only through the maternal line – including why experts advise taking care of the mother’s health ahead of time when planning a pregnancy. The more mitochondria in a cell, the more active and healthy it is – the reverse situation leads to weakness and sickness of the cell.
Surely fans of the Star Wars multi-part saga remember the “midi-chlorians” in the blood of the Jedi, thanks to which they favorably differed from people in vitality, strength and other talents. Here you can draw a funny parallel: in reality, the same is true – the more mitochondria, the healthier and more resistant the body to all sorts of adversities.
Most mitochondria are found in muscle, liver, brain, and brown adipose tissue cells. The task of these organelles is the oxidation of fats, due to which the energy needed by the cells is released.
In The Cell on a Diet, Joseph Mercola writes that weight gain and the problem of getting rid of it tend to go hand in hand with “weak mitochondrial status” – in other words, with a lack of mitochondria and with their small activity.
Problems with mitochondria cause many diseases – diabetes, depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer.
It is worth adding that this is connected not only with how much we weigh, but also with how quickly we age and how long we live. Simply put, experts do not advise underestimating mitochondrial health.
Mitochondria are constantly in the process of dividing or, conversely, connecting. It depends on how much nutrients that need to be utilized enter the cell. If more of them are consumed than spent, then the mitochondria will go into a divided state, but if the cell is hungry, they will begin to unite back. Thanks to this, the so-called homeostasis is maintained – a balance in which the cell is in an optimal state for it.
About what harms the health of mitochondria, and what, on the contrary, strengthens it, they still argue. A growing body of research shows that excessive oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, excess sugar and simple carbohydrates in the diet, and a lack of healthy fats reduce the number of mitochondria and reduce their efficiency.
A number of experts are sure that it is problems with mitochondria that cause many diseases – diabetes, depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. And a great contribution to this was made by the popularization of the idea that fat in the diet is harmful and leads only to extra pounds and cardiovascular disease.
The latest data show that the situation is radically different: healthy high-quality fats – animal and vegetable – have a positive effect on the health of mitochondria and the whole organism as a whole. It is worth remembering that we are talking about natural fats – trans fats, which the food industry loves to use, do not apply to them.
To strengthen mitochondria, cut out all added sugars and simple carbohydrates from your diet, go easy on fruits and grains, lean on non-starchy vegetables, quality fish, meats, and organ meats, and cook meals with good oils.
Quality sleep and a measured regular daily routine are also important, as is a sufficient amount of physical activity – walking, running, swimming, unobtrusive strength exercises, and so on. Finally, the amount of stress – especially if it’s chronic – also matters. The less it is in our life, the more opportunities for mitochondria to keep our body healthy and our mood good.