Microscopic power plants
A true story of energy
In the last 100 years, research surrounding the function of the human body has led to many astounding conclusions about the organ systems, the specialized cells that make up those systems, and the microscopic organelles that are contained within individual cells.
The human body contains 78 systems of tissues that have a common purpose like the heart, lungs, and eyes. There are 11 major organ systems with complex and synergistic regulatory capabilities that respond to the status of all other systems at once. It is almost inconceivable how connected, dependent and flexible these systems truly are. Tens of trillions of cells make up the human body and their health and function determine the health of the whole organism.
Within each cell, there are tiny organelles called mitochondria that produce the basic energy molecule known as ATP. Without ATP, we would have no energy and cease to function. A typical heart cell can have as much as 50% of the intracellular space taken up by mitochondria. The average human cell has a billion ATP molecules in action at any given moment in time. A planetary level of activity happens at a microscopic level.
Magical Mitochondria
When I was in pharmacy school we learned that the mitochondria were just energy factories. Over the last 10 years, research into the function of mitochondria has put the health of the individual mitochondria and the mitochondrial communication network at the forefront of optimal function and longevity of the human body. In fact, mitochondria dysfunction is now linked to many chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Mitochondria can participate in RNA/DNA synthesis, stem cell maintenance, and trigger cellular apoptosis. There are quadrillions of mitochondria that are constantly dividing and fusing in order to maintain optimal function. The mitochondria also form a complex intracellular network that allows communication with the rest of the cellular organelles within individual cells as well as outside the cell. The network consists of signaling molecules called mitokines. Mitokines are in essence mitochondrial hormones produced in response to cellular stress that triggers effects both internally and externally. Mitokines can even act as a flare or SOS signal letting other mitochondria and other cells that there is a problem.
More isn’t always better
We all want more energy, but more isn’t always the answer. In fact, putting more and more energy into a system requires damage control and comes at a cost. That cost is a buildup of damaging molecules primarily in the form of reactive oxygen species. The mitochondria must balance energy production with cleanup and removal of damaging byproducts. When reactive oxygen species (ROS) build-up, direct damage to proteins and cellular membranes occurs. Therefore, energy production must be balanced with appropriate antioxidant capacity. The intracellular antioxidant function is critical and declines with age and an excess of ROS which can overwhelm antioxidant capability.
Imagine a car engine running at full capacity during a Nascar race. The engine can’t continue to run at max ability without repeat pit stops where technicians must check fluids and tires. Our mitochondria are like the engine of our cells and they run 24/7.
Chemistry
Understanding how to take care of our energy factories throughout our lifespan takes a basic understanding of chemistry. Our body functions on a microscopic chemical level and it may be hard to imagine, but thinking about each individual cell functioning via chemical reactions every single second can help people understand how their lifestyle choices directly influence energy production.
All biochemical reactions have activation energy. You have to give to get to the lower energy state for a reaction to take place. This is basic chemistry. Without lowering the energy, a reaction has a limited chance to occur. ATP carries the energy and delivers it to chemical reactions. ATP-coupled reactions do primarily chemical work, meaning these reactions generate thousands of different molecules needed for the cell to thrive. Tasks such as making protein and DNA, transporting substances out of the cell, and contracting muscle tissue.
These reactions not only need then energy from ATP in the form of high-energy phosphate bonds but also enzymes to lower the activation energy needed for a reaction. Enzymes are proteins that speed up the reaction and they are highly specific and consumed in the reaction. Co-enzymes are required for the enzyme to function. For example, ATP is a co-enzyme as well as an energy donor for every single reaction. Co-enzymes are not specific and can be used in many different reactions. Many co-enzymes are made from B vitamins, which is why optimal B vitamin intake and absorption are critical for cellular function.
Generating ATP is a complex, multistage process that is essentially the breakdown of molecules (fats, carbs, and proteins) into their most basic components and subsequent transfer of electrons across the mitochondrial membrane to generate ATP. It is a magical process and will work exactly by design unless there is a breakdown in the major steps needed for electron transfer.
Breakdown
Energy production in cells can be affected by any number of things like toxins, age, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and even lack of sleep. What do all these things have in common? All of the above are physically damaging to the mitochondria cell membrane and proteins involved in energy production. Lack of nutrients needed during key steps of energy production compounded with lack of nutrients needed for damage control leads to mitochondrial breakdown. Unfortunately, many Americans are caught in a vicious cycle of not enough nutrients for energy, too many environmental toxins that directly damage cells, and not enough nutrients to make endogenous antioxidants needed for cleanup.
Common signs of breakdown can begin years or even decades before western medicine diagnoses a specific disease state. It’s like ignoring the check engine light for 100 miles and maybe even disregarding the smoke coming from under the hood until your car just stops. What are the signs of mitochondria dysfunction? Headaches, mood imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, cravings for sugar and salt, decreased exercise capacity, elevated blood pressure, aches and pains, and of course lack of energy.
Goldilocks
How can you increase energy while increasing the efficiency of cell cleanup? Although this seems like a magical process over which we have no control, there is nothing magical about foundation lifestyle habits that keep our mitochondria running efficiently. Simple concepts like 7 to 8 hours of sleep, vegetable and protein intake for your engine needs, and exercise (not too much and not too little). The goldilocks concept of just right. In fact, we need a just-right balance that is unique and individual for every single human on the planet. It takes some time and effort into finding your balance. A good starting point would be to minimize processed foods (lack of nutrients and damaging oils) and get enough sleep and exercise to allow rest and proper stimulation for mitochondrial function.
