Mitochondria - Do they Age?

Mitochondria are bacteria contained within your cells. They have been called many names, including the battery of your body, the powerhouse of your body among others.

It derives this name because mitochondria convert the food you eat into something known as adenosine triphosphate or ATP.

Do the powerhouse of your body age along with you?

Much like the rest of your body, they can also age depending on your lifestyle and circumstances.

For example, they undergo something known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs in the process of your body using oxygen to fuel itself.

Ideally, your body should remove the byproduct and repair any damage caused in this process. When this process is not efficient, you get stress.

Mitochondria have their own unique DNA. The DNA replicates. When it does, over time, errors creep in causing dysfunctional mitochondria to be produced.

Those damaged or error ridden have to be removed. Just like your body goes through autophagy, in which it removes its dead toxic cells, mitochondria go though mitophagy. If this process is not effective, you build up toxicity in the body.

So what can you do to repair or reduce the damage?

By far, the best thing you can do is spend time in the sun. Light from the sun has unique properties that reduces the effect of oxidative stress.

Exercise plays a role in improving the health not just of mind and body but also your battery cells.

Food, especially those that come with antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables repair the damage helping you produce healthy mitochondria.

Fasting or calorie restriction makes the body undergo autophagy and mitophagy clearing the dead and the unwanted.

You will undoubtedly notice that almost all the things that help you remain in good health revolve around a healthy lifestyle.

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