Mitochondrial Health
TLDR - Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP (energy), cellular signaling, metabolism regulation, apoptosis, and much more. Healthy mitochondria are critical for maintaining a charged and supported “body battery“.
Expanded
Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as a source of chemical energy. They are also involved in various essential cellular processes, including signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, and the control of the cell cycle and cell growth.
Examples of How Healthy Mitochondria Promote Health
Energy Production: Healthy mitochondria efficiently produce ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. This energy is crucial for all cellular functions, from muscle contraction to brain activity.
Regulation of Metabolism: Mitochondria play a key role in various metabolic pathways, including the Krebs cycle and fatty acid oxidation. These processes are essential for converting nutrients into usable energy.
Cellular Signaling and Homeostasis: Mitochondria help regulate intracellular calcium levels, which are vital for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.
Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): Mitochondria are involved in the pathway of apoptosis, helping to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells.
Much more: I encourage you to search and discover more!
Examples of How Dysfunctional Mitochondria Can Result in Disease
Energy Deficiency: When mitochondria are dysfunctional, they produce less ATP, leading to energy deficits in cells.
Metabolic Disorders: Dysfunctional mitochondria can disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to the accumulation of metabolic intermediates and oxidative stress.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons can lead to impaired calcium regulation, increased oxidative stress, and cell death.
Cardiovascular Diseases: The heart is highly dependent on efficient mitochondrial function due to its constant energy demands.
Cancer and Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Mitochondria play a role in regulating cell death. Dysfunctional mitochondria can fail to trigger apoptosis, allowing damaged cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
Diving Deeper
What is ATP?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a molecule that provides the necessary energy for numerous cellular activities, making it essential for cell function and survival. ATP consists of adenine, ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups. Energy is created by breaking the bonds between these phosphate groups and releasing energy in the process.
How is ATP Produced?
Mitochondria produce ATP through a process called cellular respiration. This process occurs primarily in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the electron transport chain (ETC) is located. The ETC is composed of a series of protein complexes and molecules that transfer electrons through redox reactions, generating the energy needed to power the body.
Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
Complex I: NADH donates electrons to the ETC.
Complex II: FADH2 donates electrons to the ETC.
Complexes III and IV: Electrons move through these complexes, ultimately reducing oxygen to water at Complex IV.
Proton Gradient: As electrons pass through the ETC, protons (H⁺ ions) are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating an electrochemical gradient.
ATP Synthase: Protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, driving the production of ATP from ADP and Pi (inorganic phosphate).
This coordinated series of events within the mitochondria ensures the efficient production of ATP, supplying the energy necessary for various cellular processes and overall body function.
How To Enhance Electron Flow (to support the ETC)
Grounding/Earthing: Gaining electrons from the Earth can support the ETC.
Exercise: Physical activity generates electrons and supports mitochondrial function.
Food: Certain foods can also provide electrons for the ETC.
Hydration
99% of the human body, by molecule count, is composed of water. Most of this water is produced by our mitochondria, not just from what we drink. When sunlight touches our skin, it structures this water into Exclusion Zone (EZ) water. EZ water, which forms next to almost all biological surfaces in the body, works like a battery, creating a highway for electron flow. Proper hydration is crucial for efficient electron flow and cellular function.
EZ Water May Also Influence the Mitochondria
Enhanced Proton Gradient:
EZ water is known to exclude solutes and particles, creating a charge separation. This charge separation can contribute to the formation of a proton gradient.
The proton gradient is essential for ATP production in mitochondria. During the electron transport chain (ETC) process, protons are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.
If EZ water helps to maintain or enhance this proton gradient, it could theoretically improve the efficiency of ATP production.
Improved Hydration and Cellular Environment:
Proper hydration is crucial for mitochondrial function. EZ water is believed to have a more ordered structure, which may improve cellular hydration.
Better hydration can enhance mitochondrial function by ensuring that enzymes and other molecular processes operate more efficiently.
Stabilization of Mitochondrial Membranes:
The structured nature of EZ water may help stabilize the membranes of mitochondria. Stable membranes are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the proton gradient and the overall efficiency of the ETC.
This stabilization can protect mitochondria from damage and improve their overall health and longevity.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
EZ water may have antioxidant properties, which can reduce oxidative stress within cells. Oxidative stress is a significant factor in mitochondrial dysfunction and damage.
By reducing oxidative stress, EZ water could help protect mitochondria from damage and enhance their function.
Improved Energy Transfer:
The unique properties of EZ water could facilitate more efficient energy transfer within cells. This can improve the overall energy metabolism and support better mitochondrial function.
EMFs
There are many ways EMFs can be harmful to mitochondria and the effects can vary based on intensity and duration of exposure.
Dehydration of Cells and Mitochondria
Cellular Dehydration: EMFs can lead to dehydration at the cellular level. Just as food becomes dehydrated in a microwave, prolonged exposure to EMFs can dehydrate cells and mitochondria.
Real World Scenario: A common example is the dehydration people experience after flying. Airplanes are environments with high levels of EMFs from various electronic systems. Passengers often feel thirsty or dehydrated because the EMFs act similarly to a microwave, causing cellular dehydration. This dehydration can impair mitochondrial function and overall cell health.
Oxidative Stress
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): EMFs can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. Excessive ROS can cause oxidative stress, damaging cellular structures, including mitochondrial membranes, proteins, and DNA.
Mitochondria are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress. High levels of ROS can impair mitochondrial function, leading to reduced ATP production and increased cell death.
Disruption of Cellular Communication
Our bodies constantly send bioelectric signals to communicate. EMFs can disrupt these signals, such as by affecting calcium ion channels in cell membranes. This disruption leads to an influx of calcium ions into cells, which can interfere with mitochondrial function and contribute to mitochondrial damage.
EMFs can also affect signal transduction pathways that regulate mitochondrial function. Disrupted signaling can lead to impaired energy production and cellular dysfunction.
Damage to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
EMFs can induce mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Unlike nuclear DNA, mtDNA has limited repair mechanisms, making it more susceptible to damage.
Mutations in mtDNA can impair the production of proteins essential for the electron transport chain, leading to reduced ATP production and compromised energy metabolism.
Membrane Potential Disruption
Mitochondria rely on a proton gradient across their inner membrane to produce ATP. EMFs can disrupt this gradient by affecting the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane, leading to decreased efficiency in ATP synthesis.
EMFs can alter the lipid composition of mitochondrial membranes, affecting their integrity and function.
Apoptosis and Cell Death
Increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage can trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death). Excessive apoptosis can lead to tissue damage and contribute to various diseases.
EMF induced damage can also lead to cellular senescence, where cells lose their ability to divide and function properly, contributing to aging and degenerative diseases.
If you search on Google, you'll find countless research studies on the potential negative impacts of EMFs, not just on mitochondria. I would highly recommend the EMF 101 and 201 courses from Tristan Scott.
Deuterium
Hydrogen is used in many biochemical processes, including the electron transport chain. Hydrogen usually consists of one proton and one electron. In some instances, hydrogen will have a proton, electron, and a neutron, and in this scenario, the hydrogen is called deuterium. This additional neutron slows down the electron transport chain and increases free radical production.
Deuterium comes from the food and water we consume.
While deuterium has some uses in the body, lower deuterium levels are generally better for energy production. High deuterium levels slow down the ETC, reducing energy production.
The body naturally depletes deuterium, and getting sunlight helps this process.
Modern processed foods are significantly higher in deuterium.
Recap
Healthy Mitochondria: Critical to power the human body.
Electrons: Gained from earthing, exercise, and food, are necessary to feed the ETC.
Cellular Hydration: Needed for electrons to flow through the body.
Sunlight: Powers the mitochondria through EZ water and helps deplete deuterium.
EMFs: Dehydrate the mitochondria, disrupt cellular signaling, and more.
Deuterium: High levels slow down the ETC, reducing energy production.