Protect your mitochondria to help boost your immune system
Mitochondria are your body’s batteries. They generate the energy your cells need in order to function properly by taking in nutrients and breaking them down, much like your digestive system. This energy is called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, and it supports all of your body’s functions, including metabolic and immune system activity. When our mitochondria are not taken care of or they no longer work properly, this directly impacts the rest of our body’s ability to function.
Do
- be mindful what you eat
- get some exercise
- be aware that some medicines affect mitochondria
- take supplements that support mitochondrial function
Don't
- expose yourself to pesticides and chemicals
- let yourself reach an unhealthy weight
- skip out on sleep
- forget to look after yourself
Do be mindful what you eat
Foods with high levels of sugar put your body under increased oxidative stress and put your mitochondria under pressure. Over time, high levels of sugar will impact how well mitochondrial work and excess sugar accelerates the decline in mitochondrial function as we age.
Do get some exercise
Exercise supports mitochondrial function and increases numbers of mitochondria in your skeletal muscle. More mitochondria equals more energy and it also means your metabolic rate is higher, enabling you to enjoy a few extra calories without worrying about putting on weight.
Do be aware that some medicines affect mitochondria
Medicines, like statins, that reduce the amount of CoQ10 (natures mitochondrial antioxidant) can affect mitochondria. Some antibiotics, pain killers, anti-depressants and HIV/AIDS medicines also affect mitochondria. If you take these medicines, it is important that you take a supplement that supports mitochondrial function.
Do take supplements that support mitochondrial function
Supplements like CoQ10 support mitochondrial function and help fend off the effects on mitochondria associated with excess oxidative stress, certain medicines, and age related mitochondrial decline. All organs and body systems, including your immune system, benefit from the additional cellular function associated with optimal mitochondrial energy production. Consider speaking with your primary care doctor to help you choose the right supplement for your situation.
Do not expose yourself to pesticides and chemicals
Avoid exposure to pesticides and chemicals. Many are toxic to mitochondria, and over time the effects can manifest as disease. Long term exposure to certain pesticides appears to be linked with an increased chance of brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and can affect your immune system.
Do not let yourself reach an unhealthy weight
There are so many benefits to keeping your body in a healthy weight range, including reducing a risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, arthritis, and the list goes on. Obesity puts your body under both oxidative and inflammatory stress. Mitochondria do not operate well in this environment and can actually increase the generation of free radicals to further increase oxidative stress.
Do not skip out on sleep
During sleep your energy production continues, but the consumption of energy is reduced. Lack of sleep can make you feel fatigued, and long term sleep deficits are associated with a number of serious health conditions as well. If you are over 18 years of age, you should be getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night. If you are having trouble sleeping, you should speak with your doctor so that they can diagnose and treat your specific situation.
Do not forget to look after yourself
Your body really is your temple. If you look after your body by fuelling it with healthy food, scheduling time for exercise, and taking supplements that support optimal mitochondrial function and energy, you will give yourself the best opportunity to have good health and an optimal immune system.
Summary
Mitochondria, also known as your cellular batteries, are tiny organelles in every single one of our cells. Mitochondria take the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe and convert to an energy source for our cells. When mitochondria are working optimally you literally feel the difference with increased energy and well being.
Having your immune system powered up with healthy mitochondria will benefit your immunity from a range of conditions associated with aging and mitochondrial function decline.
