Mitochondria may be the key to healthy aging – Part 1 of 2

A new perspective on aging

Aging is indeed a scientific, biological, and physiological process. Until recently, the scientific community believed that the aging process and age-related diseases could not be prevented. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize aging as a condition, and therefore, does not approve drugs that would be indicated for the “condition of aging.” But one field of science – geroscience – is attempting to prove this wrong and has been working hard to find ways to delay the onset of age-related conditions and extend the human lifespan.

The health of our cells is the key

Remarkable advances have been made in the last several years alone, and many of these have focused on mitochondrial health. Mitochondria, the organelles inside our cells responsible for producing energy, deserve this attention as they are proving to be a significant and literal player in our lives. In addition to generating cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), they also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is analogous to a car’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) when the engine is running.

Minimizing cell damage

Despite our mitochondria having compensation systems to neutralize free radical damage, as cells age, this mitochondrial protection weakens. With the aging process comes reduced ATP production and increased free radical generation. Think of an old, worn-out car; its engine becomes sluggish and its exhaust more noxious as it ages.

Recycling of mitochondria

There must also exist a balance between mitochondrial creation and recycling. The scientific term for this is “mitophagy,” which can be described as a quality control check that helps the degradation of damaged mitochondria.¹ Evidence from in vitro studies suggests that enhanced mitophagy promotes healthy aging and can delay the onset and progression of various age-related concerns.²

The role of mitochondria and our health

When it comes to aging, optimizing the health of mitochondria is important for every cell in our body, from muscle cells to brain cells and everything in between. Let’s now look at how mitochondrial health is connected to common health conditions, and how understanding the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction may hold the key to preventing many age-related conditions.

Cardiovascular health

Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to be associated with numerous cardiac diseases.³ Poorly controlled blood sugar, cigarette smoking, and stress can accelerate the aging process in blood vessels by damaging mitochondrial DNA and increasing free radicals.

Muscle health

Muscle cells are some of the most active cells in the body, and so they contain a large number of mitochondria – up to 30,000 per cell! As in other tissues, mitochondria generate energy in our muscles, a key element in the contraction and relaxation of muscles.⁴ Sarcopenia, defined as an age-dependent loss of muscle mass and strength, may be a major consequence of poorly functioning mitochondria.⁵

To help keep our muscles strong and healthy as we age, be sure to consume enough protein, engage in weight-bearing and strength-training exercises, and remember to warm up and stretch your muscles when being active.

Cognition and memory

The human brain constitutes only 2% of the body’s weight but requires 20% of the metabolic output in the body.6 With this high energy demand, it is particularly sensitive to poorly functioning mitochondria.⁷ Although not proven in human clinical trials, it is suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction is connected to age-related brain degeneration.⁷

Metabolic health

Metabolism and metabolic health revolve around a balance between having fuel and burning it. This balance is also necessary for optimal mitochondrial function. In metabolic conditions, such as blood sugar imbalance, there is generally too much fuel in the form of sugar and fat, and a lack of energy burning as we see in sedentary lifestyles. Although mitochondria can compensate in this environment, eventually they fail, and their dysfunction will end up propagating blood sugar imbalances, and other metabolic concerns.,⁸

Energy levels

A hallmark symptom of diagnosed mitochondrial conditions is fatigue. In these cases, poor energy is likely correlated with a loss of mitochondrial function and production of ATP.9 With chronic fatigue being the most common complaint of patients seeking general medical care, targeted mitochondrial support may serve to help many people.¹⁰ Instead of fuelling your energy with endless cups of coffee, supporting mitochondria to optimize production of ATP and quench free radical damage may prove beneficial.

In the span of only a decade, accumulating evidence has revealed exciting links between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related conditions. What were once ideas and concepts are now preclinical and clinical approaches to stalling the aging process through mitochondrial support. In Part 2, we will dive deeper into the main pathways of mitochondrial damage and share how lifestyle tips and nutraceuticals, including plant extracts and antioxidants, can help support the generation of ATP, improve mitochondrial turnover, and ultimately support healthy aging from within.

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