Energy is the currency of life and every single one of us has some kind of desire for more. Plants create energy to fuel their life and growth by transforming the sun’s energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Humans create energy from the food we eat with the help of mitochondria, the energy-producing compartments in the cells of our body.
If the chemical process of mitochondria function interests you...google up and dive in as deep as you would like. Otherwise, let's just examine how we can enhance our ability to create this miraculous energy.
Mitochondria produce energy from the food we consume and the oxygen that we breathe. They circulate the energy in the form of a chemical known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). How much ATP the collective mitochondria produce not only determines a person’s overall energy levels, but also how well their brain functions, how quickly they age, the degree of inflammation they have throughout their body, and whether they develop chronic diseases associated with aging, including dementia, arthritis, muscle mass and bone loss, and diabetes. And decreased mitochondrial function impacts our ability to cope with Covid-19. Mitochondrial function impacts how we feel constantly. At low levels of mitochondrial function, most people barely have enough energy to make it through the day and feel the impact cognitively. In contrast, when your cells are flush with energy, everything is brighter, especially your mind. And that is our goal in treating long COVID. So, what can we do to enhance this function?
Provide all essential nutrients.
Use specific dietary supplements to support energy function.
Reduce exposure to damaging factors (e.g., cigarettes, environmental toxins [pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.), drugs [prescription, over the counter (OTC), and illicit]).
Mitochondria require the basic building blocks of nutrients to function properly: adequate protein, the right fats, quality carbohydrate sources, vitamins, minerals, and good hydration.
They also require several special phytochemicals from plant foods, like flavonoids and carotenoids, for protection.
So, eat healthy with lots of plant foods in your diet, take your multiple vitamin and mineral formula, and your omega-3 fatty acids and consider the addition of the following.
NAC, (N-acetylcysteine) boosts the levels of the key antioxidant protector of the mitochondria glutathione. It has long been known that low levels of glutathione lead to acceleration of the aging process and increases the risk of aging-related disorders such as memory loss, insulin resistance, and almost every chronic degenerative condition.
CoQ10 and PQQ are two important dietary supplements for boosting mitochondrial function – and protecting them. The mitochondria cannot produce energy without either CoQ10 or PQQ.
Carinitine functions as the part of the transport system for the long-chain fatty acids that are the fuel used in energy production.
Alpha lipoic acid plays an important role as the necessary cofactor in two vital energy-producing reactions in the mitochondria involved in the production of ATP. Lipoic acid promotes improved liver health and metabolism.
As a final thought, avoid acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) as it can cause glutathione levels to plummet leading to mitochondrial damage. That can result in lower energy levels to the brain and vital organs, the immune system, and every cell throughout the body. It is a cellular poison that has been exposed by informed authorities like Dr. Michael Murray for years and years. In his words, "Nature has better tools for health and dealing with disease..."
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