So many magical things happen within human physiology that we are blissfully unaware of…yet are vital to our health and well-being.
One example is the mitochondria…those microscopic powerhouses the provide cellular energy, neural and mental health and so much more. Did you know (OK, conjure up those dusty memories from bygone days of chemistry and physiology classes) that the average weight of ATP cycled through our cellular engines equals the approximate weight of the human body?
About 70 kilograms per day! Over 150 pounds of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is utilized (and recycled) to keep the motors running, the cellular communication, reproduction and repair that must occur continuously each and every day to keep us smart and healthy!
This of course when everything is running smoothly. Many neural deficits, dis-eases and disorders have mitochondrial dysfunction as either the primary or contributing cause. This well-oiled energy production machinery can become derailed with nutritional deficits and other sources of cellular stress.
CoQ10, glutathione, Vit. E (of course I recommend the tocopherol-free desmethyl isomers, the tocotrienols), short and medium chain fatty acids (coconut oil is a good one), L-carnitine, resveratrol…to name a few can come to the nutritional defense of our mitochondria and give us natural protection from the oxidative stress that decreases mitochondrial function. Gingko biloba can help counteract the negative effects of pharmaceutical and environmental toxins. Resveratrol helps protect against pesticide poisoning that is an increasing threat from our agricultural practices and carelessness.
Endothelial function, and of course nitric oxide balance for cardiovascular health, depends greatly on proper mitochondrial function (Kluge, Fetterman – Univ. of Boston). This co-relationship is especially sensitive to environmental stressors that when upset, can initiate inflammatory responses that lead to decreased circulatory wellness.
Foods high in antioxidants, resveratrol, CoQ10, B vitamins, Vitamin E, nitric oxide precursors…help preserve the health of our intracellular energy factories. Minimizing toxins (inside and out) is favorable to preserving our little mitochondrial friends. Long-term use of pharmaceuticals, particularly when non-drug alternatives are available, can lead to disorders now associated with compromised mitochondrial function. Dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, early aging, ALS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines…to name a few.
This is continuing information on the importance of optimal nutrition, minimizing sources of stress to the cell such as toxins, free-radical damage, balanced exercise, health modalities that optimize neural function (e.g. chiropractic, mediation, massage, etc.)….all of these and more can assist us in navigating a world increasingly hostile to optimal wellness.
We now know that mitochondrial dysfunction leads to the major issues of poor health we deal with today. Chronic disease in many forms, chronic fatigue, early aging and neurological degeneration in its varied manifestations…all can be helped with nutritional approaches that improve mitochondrial health and function.
We each have the knowledge and ability to assure a healthy life and functional aging process…if we do the work and make smart decisions on a daily basis. Many of these wise choices can be expressed at the grocery store check-out line and that period of time it takes to move food from plate to mouth…whether we make them is up to us!
IN-JOY your health!
Perry
He is a board member of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society and an independent distributor with Kyani nutritionals. Dr. Chinn is the co-creator of the nutritional cardiovascular formula Acctrix (www.Acctrix.com) available on Amazon, co-founder of Unisal Wellness Technologies,, and is the author of Symphony of Wellness and Soaring Beyond Fear ( www.PerryChinn.com). His book Symphony of Wellness (now in an expanded 3rd edition) focuses on the science and benefits of the Nobel Prize winning science of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and whole body wellness as well as the new understanding of Vit. E tocotrienol fractions for enhanced immune response and cognitive function. He can be reached at DrPChinn@gmail.com
Dr. Chinn is a 1986 Life University graduate (Marietta), has been practicing for 37 years, currently in NW Montana. He has served as a board member and vice-president of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. As a Gonstead technique diplomate, Dr. Chinn is authorized to teach and coach the Gonstead system to other doctors of chiropractic. He is the author of Symphony of Wellness and Soaring Beyond Fear (www.PerryChinn.com), his book Symphony of Wellness (now in an expanded 3rd edition) focuses on the science and benefits of the Nobel Prize winning science of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and whole body wellness. He is available for keynote speaking and coaching. Dr. Chinn can be reached at DrPChinn@gmail.com