We live in an amazing time of technological advancement. Knowledge of any topic is within fingertip reach and connecting with another human across the world can now be done easily. Our access to innovative and exciting new technology makes many aspects of our lives easier, and not surprisingly – we share many similarities to our favorite electronic devices. Humans also generate and use electricity. However, we are powered not by batteries but by an impressive organelle with an even more mysterious origin story.
If you haven’t guessed it, we’re talking about the all-powerful mitochondria. They are our foundational generators that provide our cells - and ourselves - the energy we need to move, adapt, and evolve.
Thank Your Mother
When scientists began studying evolution and what key factors promoted change, they found answers hidden inside our mitochondria. One theory behind where this small but mighty organelle came from was actually no further than the bacteria in our environment. Not unlike the microbes that thrive in our gut, scientists believe that we evolved a close companionship with miniscule bacteria that could tap into a far more efficient energy production model than our far-off microscopic ancestors.
This spike in energy allowed ancient organisms to suddenly have the liveliness to do more tasks. It may have been a major contributing factor toward the development of greater, larger, more complex creatures.
These days, how efficient your mitochondria is, is passed down from your maternal line of DNA (most of the time). Interestingly, mitochondria are the only other organelle in the cell (outside the nucleus) to contain a copy of your genetic code. This has inspired scientists to improve their understanding of mitochondria and its roles outside of energy production. Turns out, your mitochondria are responsible for quite a few other things.
Multifunctional Masters
Mitochondria perform a diverse array of tasks that help maintain the integrity of a cell. The energy it produces is used for growth and cell functions but is also targeted to help heal and recycle other outdated parts. They are also known to help activate various antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways to help fight pathogens. Moreover, they’re a key player in regulating cell death – an essential system designed to help destroy infected or damaged cells.
Without a healthy set of mitochondria, your ability to lead a healthy life can be greatly reduced. This is why establishing a healthy, resilient line of mitochondria is so important to optimizing your wellbeing.
If you’re ready to buckle down and get your powerhouses pumping, there are a few tricks you can take home to improve your mitochondrial health.
1. Get active!
Did you know you can actually increase the number of mitochondria within you simply through regular exercise? When your body notices a new routine in your fitness, it works to generate more energy and help your body adapt to the changes in stress and environment. More mitochondria means more stamina, and a greater ability to allocate resources to healing after a heavy workout.
2. Eat the Right Foods for Mitochondrial Health!
Your diet is so important – and at Viome we cannot stress the importance of nutrient-rich foods enough. When you provide your body healthy foods—especially superfoods that are specifically right for your body, as well as avoiding foods which may cause you harm—you’re improving the natural resources used to create energy from your mitochondria. This provides it access to antioxidants that help neutralize the sometimes-toxic byproducts associated with normal energy production.
3. Check Your Inflammation
Inflammation can have a very destructive effect on your mitochondria. Issues of inflammation may stem from gut dysbiosis that can promote an inflamed state within your body. By focusing on changing your dietary patterns, you can help balance your gut and adjust the inflammatory levels inside you. This can be a true game-changer in promoting healthier mitochondria throughout your body.
4. Focus on Quality Sleep
Mitochondria are incredibly active organelles and require constant care. Because of this, engaging in healthy sleep habits is essential to supporting a restorative period for mitochondrial health to clear out waste and repair. Make sure you aim for 7-8 hours of sleep and learn more about practicing good sleep hygiene.
5. Keep Track of Your Mitochondrial Health
Take out the guesswork with your mitochondrial health and check out
Viome’s Health Intelligence Service that analyzes how well your mitochondria are functioning. When your mitochondrial function is not optimal, it could mean that your cells are not receiving enough energy to function efficiently, resulting in accelerated aging, and poor metabolism, cardiovascular, and brain health.
Health Intelligence gives you over 30 specific health scores like Cellular Health, Mitochondrial Health, and Gut Microbiome Health, along with precise nutritional recommendations, based on their unique needs, delivered straight to their Viome app. These recommendations also include our new, world-first Viome Precision Supplements recommendations that are now listed in your Health Intelligence results to support and maintain your scores. It’s an opportunity to improve your health – at the cellular, mitochondrial, and Gut Microbiome level – and keep track all on one platform. Viome isn’t just offering a one-size-fits-all plan, we’re helping you take back control of your future by measuring your health, helping you nourish yourself with the right food and supplements, and improving your life!
The information on the Viome website is provided for informational purposes only and with the understanding that Viome is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendations. Viome provides this educational information to share the exciting developments being reported in the scientific literature about the human microbiome and your health. Viome products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
