Every chronic illness has a mitochondrial component.
When the powerhouses fail, cells can't make energy, can't detox, can't signal properly. The cascade affects everything.
What mitochondria actually do.
We have 10 million billion mitochondria in our bodies. They produce approximately 40kg of ATP daily - more than our body weight in energy currency.
But energy production is just the beginning. Mitochondria also:
- -Regulate calcium signaling
- -Produce steroid hormones
- -Control apoptosis (cell death)
- -Generate reactive oxygen species for signaling
- -Participate in detoxification
Impair mitochondria and you impair everything. This is why mitochondrial dysfunction appears in virtually every chronic condition.
Modern life attacks mitochondria.
Heavy Metals
Mercury, lead, arsenic directly inhibit mitochondrial enzymes
Glyphosate
Disrupts the shikimate pathway in gut bacteria that produce mitochondrial precursors
Medications
Statins, antibiotics, NSAIDs, metformin - many drugs impair mitochondrial function
EMF
Electromagnetic fields may affect voltage-gated calcium channels, stressing mitochondria
Nutrient Deficiencies
B vitamins, magnesium, CoQ10, carnitine - all required for mitochondrial function
Chronic Stress
Cortisol-driven metabolism shifts resources away from mitochondrial repair
The thiamine connection.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase - the enzyme that feeds the citric acid cycle. Without it, mitochondria can't efficiently convert glucose to ATP.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase requires thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) as cofactor
Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase - another thiamine-dependent enzyme
Transketolase in pentose phosphate pathway - also thiamine-dependent
High-dose thiamine protocols have shown benefits in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and neurodegenerative conditions - all linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mitochondria need a support team.
Electron carrier in complex I and II. Depleted by statins. Essential for ATP synthesis.
Forms FAD and FMN - required for electron transport chain complexes I and II.
Precursor to NAD+ - the primary electron carrier. Critical for energy metabolism.
ATP exists as Mg-ATP complex. No magnesium = no usable ATP.
Shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Heart and muscles are carnitine-hungry.
Cofactor for PDH and alpha-KGDH. Also regenerates other antioxidants.
Signs mitochondria are struggling.
- -Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- -Post-exertional malaise - feeling worse after activity
- -Brain fog, difficulty concentrating
- -Muscle weakness or pain
- -Temperature dysregulation
- -Exercise intolerance
- -Sensitivity to medications at normal doses
These symptoms appear across ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, long COVID, Parkinson's, autism, and many other conditions. Mitochondria are the common thread.
Supporting mitochondrial recovery.
Remove the insults
Identify and reduce exposure to mitochondrial toxins - heavy metals, mold, medications where possible, environmental chemicals.
Provide the cofactors
B vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3), CoQ10, magnesium, carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid. These are the building blocks mitochondria need.
Support antioxidant systems
Glutathione, superoxide dismutase pathways. Mitochondria generate ROS as byproduct - they need protection.
Consider light therapy
Red and near-infrared light directly stimulate cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain.
Go slow
Damaged mitochondria can't handle sudden metabolic demands. Gradual increases in activity and supplementation prevent crashes.
Mitochondria are ancient and resilient.
They've survived billions of years of evolution. Given the right conditions - removal of toxins, provision of nutrients, reduction of stress - they can recover.
But they need time. And they need the insults to stop.