Fatigue, Energy and Mitochondria:   Powering Life from Inside the cell in 2025,  Part 1

Introduction:

 

We at Kessmann Functional Medicine in Dallas understand how important cellular health is to the health of every individual.    In the vast and intriate world of cellular biology, few structures are as fascinating or as vital as the mitochondria.     Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell”.    Their story goes far beyond that simple nickname.   In this blog, we will explore how mitochondria generate energy, why they matter and what happens when they don’t function properly.

 

What are Mitochondria?

 

Mitochondria are small, double-membraned structures found in the cells of nearly all organisms.   Their primary role is to produce molecules of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the chemical currency of energy in our biological systems.   While we usually think of ATP fueling muscle tissue, the ATP is used as a fuel source for every cell including nervous tissue and gut tissues alike.   Without energy life simply ceases to exist.

 

How are Mitochondria Unique?

• Mitochondria have their very own DNA!
• They replicate independently inside the cell (the more the better!).
• It is widely believed that they originated from symbiotic bacteria.
• They can control cell death when exposed to excessive amounts of inflammation.

 

The Role of Mitochondria in Energy Production:

 

Mitochondria are essential for aerobic respiration, a process that utilizes mostly glucose in the presence of oxygen to generate ATP.

Main Steps:

1. Glycolysis- Converts glucose into pyruvate.
2. Krebs Cycle- produces ATP and NADH which are both energy molecules
3. Energy is derived from the electron transport chain that happens on the inner membrane of these spectacular organelles.

Approximately 3-32 molecules of ATP are produced from each glucose molecule being converted to used energy in these processes.

 

Mitochondria and Your Bodies Energy

High energy demand tissues like the brain, heart and muscles contain more mitochondria.

•      Neurons require ATP to maintain electrochemical gradients that facilitate their function and transmitting electrical signals.
•      Cardiac cells rely on Continuous ATP for Contraction and relaxation
•      Skeletal musle uses ATP for movement.  Interesting that contraction is the default state if no energy is being produced which causes things like cramping.
•      Heat production and thermogenesis, especially in brown adipose fat tissue, is produced by mitochondria.

 

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

When mitochondria fail to produce enough energy, cells, especially energy demanding organs – begin to malfunction.

Sometimes, rarely, genetic conditions cause the dysfunction and underproduction of mitochondria.    These are often caused my mutations in DNA that regulate their function.    Many diseases are often contributed to by dysfunction of mitochondria.   Things like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and insulin resistance and even just aging.  In order to maintain optimal health it is vital to pay close attention to these tiny organelles!

 

Conclusion:

Mitochondria are some of the most important organelles for maintaining and optimizing your health.    Stay tuned for our part two mitochondrial blog to include ways to encourage and support your mitochondria!!

 

 

Dr. Jennifer Kessmann is a longtime advocate for natural health.   Beginning her career by graduating Magna Cum Laude in nutrition field at Texas A and M University and then becoming a Board Certified Family Physician in 1996, she is able to use her diverse experience and background to help you.   Also trained and certified in Integrative Medicine in 2012 and became a certified provider of Functional Medicine in 2018 https://www.ifm.org/about.   She had the opportunity to work alongside the late expert, Dr. William Rea of Environmental Medicine, and is also proudly over a 500 hour yoga teacher.   She will use her diversified experience to help you in interesting and new ways as well as traditional.

Kessmann Functional Medicine

 

 

 

 

Come see us at Kessmann Functional Medicine to help you feel your best.

 

disclaimer:   None of this information is intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.   Please always seek the advice of a personal medical professional for your concerns.    

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