Ep. 37: Mitochondria: The MVP in the Game of Energy

Mitochondria play a role in every single function of the body. These powerful, microscopic organelles are like little motors within each cell. Depending on what you eat or how you treat your body, they can increase in density which will give you more energy or they can start to die off and eventually lead to any kind of DIS-ease in the body.

I think it’s important for you to know about mitochondria, as well as how mitochondrial dysfunction happens so that you will be more inspired to stay ahead of the game by realizing that all of the choices you make for your body — through food, activity, and anything health-related — affect your mitochondrial function.

Since the mitochondria are responsible for generating power for your cells, more mitochondria equal more energy. It’s also true that the more active you are (or actively requiring energy from your body) the more mitochondria you will have. Elite athletes usually have a much higher mitochondrial density than anyone else because their bodies are constantly demanding a high level of energy. Anyone will build more mitochondria while they strength train, and as you put on muscle you’re also building mitochondrial density because you’ll have new tissue and new cells in all of the muscle fiber that you build. This is yet another reason why the benefits of strength training far outweigh the benefits of cardio or running.

Having a lot of mitochondria is good, but we also want them to function properly. So this is a case where quantity and quality both matter.

Also discussed in this episode:
• mitochondrial density
• things that keep mitochondria running optimally
• things that deplete mitochondria function
• the chain of events that lead to severe mitochondrial dysfunction
• ATP production and mitochondria
• how environmental toxins affect mitochondria
• how EMFs affect mitochondria
• mitochondria and immunity

Close-up of a singular mitochondrion.

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The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as an intent to diagnose, treat, cure, heal or prescribe.

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