Mitochondria: the Little-Known Secret to Vitality

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Have you ever felt like your brain's gone on holiday without you, leaving you in a bewildering fog? Or maybe you’ve started to feel like you’re dragging a sack of potatoes around just trying to get through the day? If this sounds familiar, and you’ve been struggling with feeling like you’re wading through glue, then I’ve got good news for you.

I’ve been there too. During my late 40s, I went through cycles of feeling completely out of sorts. I’d go to an exercise class and come home feeling like I’d just scaled Everest, which was abnormal for me. I felt emotionally drained and, despite trying to eat well, sleep well, and stay active, I couldn't shake it.

It wasn’t until I learned about the magical world of mitochondria that I began to unravel the mystery...

What Are Mitochondria, and Why Do They Matter?

Mitochondria are like the little Duracell bunnies of your body. These tiny powerhouses live in your cells and are responsible for generating energy from the food you eat and the oxygen you breathe.

They’re in almost every cell in your body, but the more energy a cell needs—like your brain and muscles—the more mitochondria it has. Essentially, if your mitochondria aren’t working properly, your body’s like a smartphone running on 5% battery, constantly begging to be plugged in.

When they’re under pressure—perhaps from toxins, stress, or a dodgy diet—they can’t churn out energy efficiently, which leaves you feeling like a deflated balloon.

Signs Your Mitochondria Are Under Stress

When your mitochondria are having a hard time, they let you know. It’s like when your car starts making funny noises, except in this case, your body is the one stalling. You might feel constantly tired, struggle to concentrate, experience muscle weakness, or adopt the sprightliness of an oil tanker. Add weight gain and mood swings into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a mitochondrial crisis.

Looking back, I can see now that my mitochondria were waving little white flags, trying to tell me they needed help. But much as I tried what had worked in the past - more sleep, more vegetables, more exercise - it wasn't going away.

How to Support Your Mitochondria

Now I realise my mitochondria are the unsung heroes of my body, I've made it my mission to support them. And the results? Well, let’s just say I no longer feel like I’m dragging a sack of spuds uphill. Here’s what worked for me—and could work for you too:

1. Follow an Unprocessed Keto Diet: Yup, I'll bang on and on about this until you listen. Mitochondria love healthy fats. A low-carb, high-animal-fat diet allows them to produce energy more efficiently, like a well-oiled machine. Plus, by ditching the processed foods, you’re cutting out a whole host of unnecessary toxins. If you’re new to keto and want some tasty meal ideas, my keto cookbook has got you covered.

2. Weight Training: Muscle cells are greedy for energy, so the more muscles you have, the more mitochondria you’ve got working for you. Don’t worry, you won’t need to become the next Schwarzenegger - and nor do I recommend it as it can be too much stress on the body - and you don't even need a gym membership. Resistance bands are an easy, non-intimidating way to start building strength. I do a few reps of some simple exercises once or twice a week in the comfort and privacy of home. These ones on Amazon are like the ones I've had for a few years. I highly recommend them!

3. Take Walks in Nature & Ground Yourself: There’s nothing like a good stroll to get the blood pumping—and when it comes to mitochondria, a bit of fresh air and grounding can work wonders. Grounding, by the way, is just a fancy term for walking barefoot on the grass (or earth, sand, wood, or even concrete!) It helps reduce inflammation and calm those overworked mitochondria. Not keen on going barefoot in the British drizzle? No worries, you can buy grounding shoes like these clogs or these sportier shoes, or 100% leather shoes also do the same job, that let you stay grounded without freezing your toes off.

4. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is like kryptonite for your mitochondria. Finding ways to relax is crucial—whether that’s through prayer and meditation, deep breathing, or using essential oils. I’ve got a lovely line of roll-on mood-enhancing essential oil blends that can help you unwind when life feels a bit too much. Which is often, let's be honest.

5. Hydration and Electrolytes: We all know hydration is key, but your mitochondria also need the right minerals to function properly. I recommend keeping your electrolytes in check by adding a generous amount of a really good Celtic Sea Salt to your meals. Do NOT use ordinary table salt because it's nothing more than sodium! You want a salt that contains a full spectrum of 82+ minerals. Tip: if you take a pinch before drinking water, it helps get the water into your cells instead of you having to keep running to the bathroom!

6. Avoid Toxins and Chemicals: Everyday products—from your cleaning supplies to your skincare—can contain harmful chemicals that bog down your mitochondria. Swap to natural alternatives where you can, and your mitochondria will thank you.

7. Get Enough Sleep: If you’re not sleeping enough, your mitochondria don’t get the chance to recharge. Think of sleep like plugging your phone in overnight—you wouldn’t expect it to last all day on a 10-minute charge, right? Aim for a solid 7-9 hours. Also, the TIME of day matters; the more sleep you get before midnight, the better you'll feel when you wake up in the morning. For example, sleeping 10pm - 6am will revive you way, way more than sleeping 1am - 9am.

8. Cold Showers and Sauna Sessions: I know, I know—cold showers sound like torture but you don't have to overdo it - I'm most certainly not suggesting ice baths! How about getting in the sea or a lake for a swim? Exposing your body to the cold or heat, as long as it's not too extreme, can stimulate mitochondrial function by giving them a bit of a workout. Just think of it as a brief moment of discomfort for long-term energy gains.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

When your mitochondria are running smoothly, it’s like the sun’s come out after a long, dreary British winter. Suddenly, you’ve got more energy, your mind feels clearer, and those mysterious shrinking clothes start fitting again. I’ve felt it myself—the shift from feeling constantly exhausted to waking up energised and staying that way all day until bedtime.

Taking care of your mitochondria isn’t just some wellness trend; it’s a fundamental part of health. It's all about giving those little powerhouses the support they need to keep your engine running.

Happy mitochondria = and a happier, healthier, more energised you!

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