Have Boundless Energy by Fueling the Mitochondria Fire!

Energy is something that we sometimes seem to have in short supply.

Do you feel like there's an energy leak somewhere in your body and you can never get enough?

When you have a lack of energy it can impact your life in many ways. Perhaps you are not as productive at work. Or when you get home you barely have any energy to enjoy your evening.

Or you feel exercise is out of the question. You feel tired in the morning, during the day and at night. Exercise even though you know it's important for your health . . . unfortunately . . . Right now . . . It's out of the question to implement into your daily routine.

Maybe you're so tired that your day is just a blur, and your only goal is to stay awake.

Imagine . . .

• Where your working days are NOW filled with laughter, enjoyment and excitement because of your regained energy whether you're employed or self-employed.
• Being able to exercise or play the sport you love, maybe it's 18 holes of golf, lawn bowls, cycling, Pilates, Yoga, going to the gym or whatever exercise you enjoy and still have the energy to take your partner shopping, play with your grandkids and have late-night drinks with "the boys/girls."
• Entertaining your friends with your sharp humor… being able to remember jokes, the kind of intellect that comes from having an active, clear mind – regardless of your age
• Jumping out of bed – every morning – with a bright, optimistic view of life.

For you to be able to achieve this . . . what can you do?

One way to boost your energy levels is to fuel your mitochondria fire.

What are Mitochondria?

Mitochondria are often called the powerhouse of the cells because their job is to assist with generating metabolic energy in cells. They generate the most useful energy from carbohydrates and fatty acids.

Every cell in your body needs energy to perform their job from your brain cells to your muscle cells.

Brain cells need to communicate with different parts of your body, as do muscles. Energy from the mitochondria facilitates that communication.

It's similar to the energy from a battery.

Energy generated from mitochondria is called adenosine triphosphate or ATP. Mitochondria produces ATP using the electron transport chain.

So you basically have an assembly line of energy workers in your body pumping an ongoing supply of energy into your cells.

Mitochondrial Disease . . .

Mitochondrial diseases are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that arise as a result of dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. They can be caused by mutation of genes encoded by either nuclear DNA or mitochondrial DNA.

Mitochondrial disease impacts tissues in the body that are highly dependent on energy, which includes the brain, heart and muscles.

Diseases of the mitochondria include:

• Fatigue / Tiredness / Chronic Fatigue / Muscle weakness.
• Diseases of the mitochondria appear to cause the most damage to cells of brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidney and the endocrine and respiratory systems.
• Visual loss and blindness
• Cardiac conduction defects (heart blocks)
• Parkinson's – A progressive disease of the nervous system.
• Dementia / Alzheimer's – A progressive form of dementia that results in memory, cognition and behavior problems
• Fibromyalgia – Disease that affects the muscles and soft tissue; causes fatigue, insomnia and pain
• Diabetes and exocrine pancreatic failure
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Boost Your Mitochondria

So how do you fuel the mitochondria fire? There are several ways to do this through your lifestyle and diet.

Exercise

Exercise has been shown in studies to increase mitochondria volume. The study showed an initial spike in mitochondria formation, after which it leveled out and continued to generate at a steady pace.

The type of exercise is important to note, because it's typically high intensity, aerobic exercise that helps to increase mitochondria. Some examples of this type of exercise are running, cycling, swimming, and skiing.

Foods That Give You Energy

Eating low nutrition foods puts an extra burden on your mitochondria. Instead of generating energy to help your body function, energy is being wasted burning through junk food.

Try avoiding foods sugar laden foods, dairy, gluten and the inflammatory foods. Instead, opt for wild fish, vegetables, fruits, greens, and try coconut milk as an alternative to dairy.

Vitamins to Increase Energy

• CoQ10 - This is produced by our body and plays a key role in the mitochondrial chain
• Riboflavin – This vitamin helps to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane
• Selenium – Preserves mitochondrial function and stimulates biogenesis
• Vitamin B3 – Slows the progression of mitochondrial disease

As mentioned above one of the most important nutrients for Mitochondria Health is CoQ10, but unfortunately levels of CoQ10 start dropping from the age of 20.

In addition to supplying energy, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. Think of an anti-oxidant like a fireman putting out a fire. The fire represents Chronic inflammation and Chronic inflammation is one of the drivers to all disease.

Therefore CoQ10 gives energy and puts out this fire via its antioxidant properties and protects your organs and tissues from damage.

Natural Ways to Increase Energy

• Colon Cleansing – This is a natural way to remove toxins from the body and allow energy to flow more freely
• Movement – They say sitting is the new smoking. If you're sitting for long periods of day, try to get up at least once per hour.
• Mindful breathing – You would be surprised how much energy you can get from a simple deep breath. Oxygen gets that energy moving through your body.

Energy is something that we can all use more of. Making conscious changes to your diet and lifestyle will start you on the path of increased energy, which will improve your overall quality of life.