Natural Ways to Boost Your Mitochondrial Function and Reverse Aging

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Natural Ways to Boost Your Mitochondrial Function and Reverse Aging

Mitochondria are the tiny organelles that serve as a powerhouse for your cells. They generate most of the chemical energy for your body’s biochemical reactions.

Your body uses this continuous energy supply from your mitochondria to carry out all normal functions like breathing and muscle contractions. When mitochondria are damaged, cells don’t have enough energy to properly function and maintain themselves. Also, damaged mitochondria disrupt proper cellular functions, which leads to aging. Each cell has over 1000 mitochondria when we are young, but the numbers are declining as we are aging. As we age, mitochondria become less in number and less efficient. This means your body produces less energy and your metabolism slows down. Improving your mitochondria function is critical to both longevity and weight loss. Let’s talk about natural ways to boost mitochondria productivity.

Methylene blue is a synthetic chemical compound in the medical field and other fields. It has been used as a therapeutic medicine for a variety of purposes throughout history. It was first synthesized in 1876 by Heinrich Caro, a German chemist, and was originally used as a dye for textiles. This dye has been used in treating various health conditions and is known for its versatility and effectiveness in its applications. In the early 20th century, methylene blue was used as an antimalarial drug. During World War I, it was used to treat gas gangrene in soldiers. It was also used to treat urinary tract infections and methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively.

Methylene blue works by acting as a redox agent, meaning that it can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent. Depending on the conditions, this allows it to act as an electron donor or acceptor. Methylene blue therapy has also been shown to have a positive effect on the function of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing organelles in cells. By improving the function of mitochondria, methylene blue can help improve the overall cellular health of the body. One of the most well-known uses of methylene blue is for methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. Methylene blue acts as a reducing agent and helps to convert methemoglobin back to hemoglobin, allowing the blood to carry oxygen more effectively. In addition, methylene blue has also been used to treat cyanide poisoning, as it can help detoxify cyanide and improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Methylene blue is also used as a diagnostic tool in various medical procedures. For example, it has been used to visualize the urinary tract during cystoscopy and to identify bladder cancer cells. It has also been used to treat conditions such as jaundice in combination with light therapy, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The primary ways that methylene blue benefits the body are its role as a nitric oxide inhibitor and an estrogen antagonist. It helps improve thyroid function and increase the metabolic rate and overall energy production. You may not be aware that REDOX (reduction-oxidation) reactions are vital to the electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC allows mitochondria to pump protons out of the mitochondria and generate ATP. Methylene blue makes REDOX reactions more efficient because it can accept and donate electrons. This increases ATP and energy production.

Here are some amazing health benefits of methylene blue.

A blood-brain barrier-permeable antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier and act as an antioxidant in the brain.
Supports mitochondrial functions and boosts energy production.
Improves memories and helps treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Helps relieve depression, emotional traumas, and PTSD.
Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties that help treat urinary tract infections and sepsis.

Regarding the dosage of pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue,0.5–2 milligrams daily per kilogram of body weight is a common dose. Adverse effects of methylene blue can come from chemical impurities, so it’s important to use only pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue. At excessive dosages, Methylene Blue transforms from an antioxidant to an oxidant, so less is more with this one. Larger doses may also harm your gut bacteria, and it is not recommended if you have high blood pressure.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) are two molecules that have gained lots of attention in the health community recently. NMN is a molecule that naturally occurs in all living cells. It is a derivative of niacin (vitamin B3) and is particularly involved in energy metabolism. NMN serves as a precursor to NAD and boosts levels of NAD. NAD is a necessary cofactor and enzyme that cooperates with essential biochemical processes in our bodies. NADH and NAD+ are essentially divergent models of NAD, one contains bonus electrons and one does not, with electrons exchanged between the two as a catalytic chemical reaction. NAD+ is the active form of the coenzyme and NADH is the reduced form, which means NAD+ accepts hydrogen atoms and electrons from the breakdown of glucose and other fuels and becomes reduced to NADH. NAD+ is involved in various enzymatic reactions. These metabolic pathways are responsible for generating ATP, the primary energy source of cells. NAD+ plays a critical role in maintaining cellular energy levels by facilitating these processes. Decreased NAD+ levels often lead to a complete breakdown within this chemical reaction. NAD levels normally fall with age, affecting our health in many ways, including decreased energy production because NAD participates in redox reactions involved in converting nutrients into energy. The mitochondria are the powerhouse for energy production low NAD levels can cause mitochondrial dysfunction.NAD is also involved in repairing damaged DNA. Low NAD levels can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of developing cancers and other health challenges such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and weakened immunity. NAD is also involved in the energy production for physical activity. Low NAD levels can affect our endurance for intensive exercises due to a decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength.

Sirtuins are a group of proteins that play a role in cellular responses related to aging and stress. NAD+ serves as a cofactor for sirtuins, and higher NAD levels can activate these proteins. Sirtuins are involved in many functions in the body such as gene expression regulation, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function, etc.

NAD and NMN are considered Cellular Energy Booster for the following reasons.

Enhance cellular energy production.
Improve mitochondrial activity and function.
Support DNA repair and reduce the risk of DNA damage and mutations.
Enhance glucose metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy lipid metabolism.
Support brain health and cognitive function with neuroprotective effects.
Improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular function.
Reduce aging-related cellular damage.

NAD doesn’t have a direct way of entering the cells, so it must be converted to NMN or Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) before it can be absorbed and then converted into NAD once again in the cell. NMN is more easily absorbed by the body due to natural pathways in the cells that allow it to be absorbed and then converted to NAD. NMN has more physical effects, while NAD has more effects on mental health and brain health.

Regarding supplementation of NAD and NMN, NMN dose recommendations may change based on several variables such as age, weight, and general health. Most generic supplement products on the market recommend dosages between 250 and 500 mg daily. There is also no official dosage recommendation when it comes to NAD. Clinical studies have used similar amounts to NMN, and most NAD supplements suggest a dosage range of 200-300 mg daily.

How to boost your NAD levels naturally?

Consume Niacin-Rich Food
Eating a healthy diet includes foods rich in niacin, such as meat, fish, poultry, hemp seeds, and peanuts. Niacin-rich foods can naturally raise NAD+ levels. Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3, is a necessary nutrient important for NAD+ metabolism.

Increase Physical Activities
Physical activities increase a critical enzyme in the NAD+ salvage pathway known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). Nicotinamide is recycled in the NAD+ pathway to create NAD+. The upgraded expression of this enzyme during exercise increases NAD+ production. Physical exercise also helps boost mitochondrial production, which is crucial for energy metabolism.

Improve Sleep Quality
Sound sleep has been linked to increased NAD levels. NAMPT, which is the NAD+ salvage pathway’s main enzyme, increases its expression during sleep. During sleep, NAMPT expression rises, which increases NAD+ synthesis. NAD+ serves as a cofactor for DNA repair and DNA repair requires sufficient amounts of NAD+. Because NAD+ levels rise during sleep, therefore, good sleep quality facilitates DNA repair.

Here are more natural solutions to improve your sleep quality.

Reduce Stress
Long-term stress can lower NAD levels with increased inflammation in the body. Reducing stress through a mindful approach such as meditation or yoga can help sustain healthy NAD levels. Lowering stress levels also reduces inflammation, which will raise NAD levels. Reduced stress also increases NAMPT expression, which helps increase NMN production.

Fasting
Fasting or calorie restriction has been shown to stimulate the body to produce more NAMPT, which leads to increased NAD levels. Calorie restriction has also been shown to activate SIRT1, which is a protein deacetylase that is essential for NAD+ metabolism. SIRT1 enhances NAD+ production and activates NAMPT. Studies have shown that fasting or calorie restriction improves mitochondrial activity, which helps increase NAD+ levels because mitochondrial respiration requires more NAD+. By improving mitochondrial performance through fasting or calorie restriction, NAD+ levels can increase due to increased NAD+ demand from mitochondria performance.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete NAD levels in the liver. Alcohol has also been shown to decrease NAMPT and increase oxidative stress levels, which creates free radicals, they contribute to the depletion of both NMN and NAD levels in the body.

Astaxanthin is derived from a word meaning “yellow leaves” and belongs to carotenoids; it is a lipid-soluble pigment that has a bright color, just like other carotenoids. Astaxanthin is among the most powerful antioxidants that provide health benefits in a wide range.

Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, salmon, trout, and shellfish. It gives the vibrant red color of salmon meat and cooked shellfish such as shrimp. Currently, the primary natural source for Astaxanthin is microalgae, which seems to have higher levels of natural Astaxanthin.

Research shows that Astaxanthin has potent antioxidant activity, which may be beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Astaxanthin has a positive effect on mitochondria, it is a powerful agent that cleans free radicals from muscle tissue and helps reduce oxidation stress. It also reduces inflammation, increases blood flow, improves energy levels, relieves pain, and improves insulin sensitivity. Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier and protects the brain tissue, which makes Astaxanthin a “Natural Brain Food”. The human retina naturally contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are closely related to Astaxanthin in molecules. Astaxanthin crosses the blood retina barrier and brings anti-inflammatory protection to the eyes. Astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and protects against ultraviolet radiation and reduces the risk of skin cancer. It protects your skin from the sun and reduces the signs of aging.

Astaxanthin-rich food sources: shellfish, trout, salmon, fish eggs, red pigmented fruits, and vegetables such as carrots and red peppers. Wild salmon has relatively high Astaxanthin, but you have to eat about 6 ounces (165 grams) of salmon to get 3.6 mg of Astaxanthin, dietary supplements may offer a sufficient amount to benefit health.

Cordyceps Fungi – An Ancient Antiaging Superfood
Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in the East for thousands of years and it t has long been known as an energy booster. Cordyceps is highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM traditionally used Cordyceps as an immune modulator and adaptogen, to support the kidney and lung systems. Due to its unique nature, the Chinese named it “winter worm summer grass.” recently, cultivated varieties have been developed around the world.

Here are a few featured health benefits of cordyceps.

Contain an important nucleic acid – adenosine needed to make ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that improves endurance and stamina.
Treat arrhythmia, lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve heart health.
Improve liver functions and reduce liver damage.
Increase oxygen intake by the lungs and prevent respiratory illnesses.
Rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles and age spots.
Balance blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.
Strengthen immune function and prevent cancers.

Ginseng – A Longevity Booster
Ginsenosides are responsible for most immunological and pharmacological activities of ginseng, which is a highly praised powerful herb in Asia with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. Studies have shown that ginsenosides in ginseng help regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, biosynthesis, apoptosis, mitophagy, etc. Research suggests that ginsenosides exert preventive effects against mitochondrial dysfunction, increase energy levels, improve brain function and cognition, and enhance cell longevity.

Alpha-Lipoid Acid (ALA) – A Potent Antioxidant
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a mitochondrial compound involved in energy metabolism and it is a potent antioxidant. It is a disulfide-containing compound that is found inside every cell of the body. It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that is derived from plants. It is found in high amounts in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil.

The amazing health benefits of ALA include the following:

Reduces complications of diabetes.
Functions as a heavy metal chelator to detoxify toxic heavy metals.
Protects and repairs liver cells.
Reduces inflammation and regenerates nerve cells due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Protects the myelin sheath and fat layer surrounding the nerves.
Boosts energy production of the mitochondria.
Promotes weight loss and reduces skin aging.

Food resources of alpha lipoid acid: red meat, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Other nutrients include: B vitamins play an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial function and your mitochondria will be compromised if you have a deficiency of any B vitamin. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant found in every cell of your body and it is particularly concentrated in the mitochondria.

It also protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage. Without CoQ10, your body cannot synthesize ATP because CoQ10 is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Supplementing with CoQ10 can increase your mitochondrial energy production and reduce chronic fatigue. Food sources of natural concentrations of CoQ10 include meat, fish, nuts, oils, and dairy products. However, the average dietary intake of CoQ10 is only between 3-6mg, making supplementation important to produce energy and boost mitochondrial function.

Exercise can strengthen your mitochondria function by increasing oxygen and blood flow and activating biochemical pathways that produce new mitochondria. Runners have more high-functioning mitochondria than non-runners. Strength training and high-intensity interval training also increase the number of mitochondria and improve the efficiency of your existing mitochondria.

Let’s dive into the ancient practice of “8 Pieces of Brocade” from TCM to heal your body from the moving medicine.

Fasting or calorie restriction is one of the best ways to improve mitochondrial function. Studies have shown that calorie restriction reduces the demand and damage to your mitochondria. Fasting activates your mitochondria and triggers autophagy, which is a cellular repair and regeneration process that allows your mitochondria to clean themselves by removing unwanted and damaged ones.

Last but not least, a clean and healthy diet is fundamental to sustaining and optimizing your mitochondrial function. Detoxification is more important than nutrition, what do you think?

I hope you enjoy the information, I offer a variety of healing modalities to improve your health holistically and naturally, please check my services here.

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About the author: Lucy Liu

As a Holistic Health Practitioner, Registered Dietitian, TCM Practitioner, Energy Healer, Master Hypnotist, Reiki Master, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, Author and Speaker, Lucy Liu, the founder of optimalhealthsolutions.ca, has gained a good reputation in holistic health after many years of serving patients and clients as a holistic health practitioner. Lucy has developed a unique and comprehensive approach, which combines Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, and Alternative Medicine together, to help others achieve optimal health by creating harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, and maintain long-term success for healthy lifestyle changes.
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