Improving Your Mitochondria Function to Reduce Cancer Risk

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By Dr. David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS
February 26, 2016
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Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse for their role in generating the energy supply for cells. However they have lacked the spotlight for their important role in a variety of other biological functions. Researchers at the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation have learned that only 3% of the genetic material contained in a single mitochondrion is designed to produce cellular energy. So what are the primary responsibilities of mitochondria and how do they promote health?

What Are Mitochondria?

Mitochondria are organelles found in every cell within the body except for red blood cells. Mitochondria are unique because they contain their own copy of DNA. The 3% of DNA responsible for producing cellular energy generates 90% of a cell’s energy in the form of ATP or adenosine triphosphate. Perhaps more importantly, mitochondria have critical roles in regulating major metabolic pathways in the body.

Genetic factors and environmental stimuli impact how mitochondria are differentiated for use within an organism. For example, mitochondrion in various parts of the body have unique functions. They are concentrated in different numbers such as breaking down ammonia in the liver or appearing in high concentrations of the breast muscle of flying pigeons.

Mitochondria Sustain Life’s Functions

Mitochondria are not only energy generators but are key organelles in supporting everyday metabolic processes such as:

• Maintaining lipid levels
• Provide the energy needed for blood circulation
• Buffers ion concentrations required for physiological communication
• Supporting glucose and insulin transportation
• Removing health hazards including damaged cells which can wreak destruction on health

The destruction or weakening of mitochondria can lead to severe health complications including multiple sclerosis, autism, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Mitochondria Dysfunction Associated with Cancer

Specific sites within mitochondria undergo a high rate of respiration when producing energy. Where change is taking place, cancer risks increase. High rates of respiration are associated with the generation of free radicals which are within close proximity to damaging the mitochondria’s own DNA. Incidences of lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer increase as a result of mutations occurring within mitochondrial DNA.

As a result of excessive free radical production, mitochondria create oxidative stress which inhibits antioxidants from defending the body from cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a potent type of free radical which can deplete vitamin C levels and stimulate systemic inflammation. As inflammation in the body increases, the central nervous system has been shown to leak signals to the brain and gastrointestinal tract. This results in an autoimmune response from the body. Available antioxidant sources become depleted as the immune system attempts to defend the body from an unknown threat.

Individuals with mitochondrial dysfunction have been found to have low levels of antioxidant support including carnitine, glutathione, and thioredoxin. Cancer is characterized by numerous factors which lead to depression, a weakened immune system, and chronic oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with promoting every one of these factors.

Strengthen Your Mitochondrial Function

Many strategies can help improve the function of mitochondria and reduce your risk of developing cancer. Start making healthy lifestyle habits part of your regimen today. Your first step can be to make sure you receive adequate amounts of exercise every day which improves circulation and increase mitochondrial activity.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has been shown to remove damaged mitochondria from the body through a process known as mitophagy. This process allows mitochondria to remove waste, free radicals and unfolded proteins which weaken immunity and promote cancerous conditions.

Ketogenic Diet

A diet rich in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates is an excellent way to circumvent mitochondria in order to produce energy. A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve the health of individuals experiencing epilepsy and muscle weakness.
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A Nutritious Diet Supports Mitochondrial Function

Key proteins, enzymes, and vitamins are critical for the health of mitochondria and reducing your risk of cancer. The supplementation of the following nutrients has been shown to promote mitochondria function:

• Acetyl-Carnitine: Found in red meat, this amino acid is responsible for the transportation of compounds in the body and has also been shown to increase glutathione production.
• B Vitamins: Both biotin and vitamin B-12 have been shown to improve mitochondria function. These vitamins are designed with unique purposes to promote glutathione synthesis as well as other antioxidants.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: (ALA) Alpha-lipoic acid improves mitochondria function within the brain and stimulates an individual’s cognitive abilities.
• Coenzyme Q10: Also known as CoQ, this potent antioxidant is a critical component to the electron transport chain in mitochondria which generates energy. Antioxidant deficiency, specifically a deficiency of CoQ can prevent the mitochondria from producing ATP. CoQ supplementation has been clinically shown to improve adverse health symptoms.

Avoid Environmental Toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins increases the risk of mitochondria dysfunction, severe health illnesses, and cancer. Environmental toxins such as heavy metals from pesticides and carcinogens in smoke contribute to chronic oxidative stress. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins by controlling what you can and choosing to eat healthy foods, practicing detoxification techniques, and practicing stress-reduction exercises.

Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Researchers are beginning to understand how important the formation of new mitochondria is in a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis. Key factors which affect the ability for mitochondria to grow and divide healthily includes exercise, limiting oxidative stress, temperature, and caloric restriction.

More results from human clinical trials remain a necessity to fully identify the therapeutic strategy for mitochondrial biogenesis to improve the severity of disorders and cancers associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Reduce your risk of cancer and participate in your own technique of forming new mitochondria.

Make the choice every day to limit your exposure to environmental contaminants; exercise, and reduce oxidative stress in your body by eating a nutrient dense diet.

Did you know cancer has natural predators?

Go here to discover how experts are eliminating cancer!

Article Summary

• Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse for their role in generating the energy supply for cells. They are also key organelles in supporting everyday metabolic processes.
• The destruction or weakening of mitochondria can lead to severe health complications including multiple sclerosis, autism, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
• Many strategies can help improve the function of mitochondria and reduce your risk of developing cancer. These include exercise, intermittent fasting, and a ketogenic diet.
• Supplementing the following nutrients has been shown to promote mitochondria function:
  • Acetyl-Carnitine
  • B Vitamins
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid
  • Coenzyme Q10
• Support healthy mitochondria function by making the choice every day to limit your exposure to environmental contaminants; exercise, and reduce oxidative stress in your body by eating a nutrient dense diet.

This Scientist May Have Just Found A Cure For Multiple Sclerosis

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As of now, multiple sclerosis does not have a cure, but Dr. Su Metcalfe from Cambridge University is out to change that.

By Chandni Ganesh

February 18, 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling, long-lasting auto-immune disease of the brain and spinal cord. When someone has MS, their immune system attacks the protective covering, known as myelin, that sheaths their nerve fibers. This causes serious communication problems between their brain and the rest of their body. In due time, the illness can cause the nerves themselves to become deteriorated, thereby leading to permanent damage. Though certain treatments have been developed in order to help patients recover more quickly from attacks, slow down or ease the course of the disease, and manage symptoms, no cure exists as of now. But Dr. Su Metcalfe from Cambridge University is out to change that. Her recent research may finally lead to the desperately needed cure for MS.

In an interview with Cambridgeshire Live, Dr. Metcalfe explained, "Some people get progressive MS, so go straight to the severe form of the disease, but the majority have a relapsing or remitting version. It can start from the age of 30, and there's no cure, so all you can do is suppress the immune response, but the drugs that do that have side effects, and you can’t repair the brain. The cost of those drugs is very high, and in the UK there are a lot of people who don’t get treated at all."

Dr. Metcalfe may soon be responsible for helping millions of people around the world, as multiple sclerosis currently affects about 2.3 million globally. She discovered the possible cure when working at the university’s department of surgery. She joined together a stem cell particle called a LIF (Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor) with some cutting-edge technology. She revealed, "I discovered a small binary switch, controlled by a LIF, which regulates inside the immune cell itself. LIF is able to control the cell to ensure it doesn’t attack your own body but then releases the attack when needed."

She continued, "That LIF, in addition to regulating and protecting us against attacks, also plays a major role in keeping the brain and spinal cord healthy. In fact, it plays a major role in tissue repair generally, turning on stem cells that are naturally occurring in the body, making it a natural regenerative medicine, but also plays a big part in repairing the brain when it’s been damaged." Stem cells, cells that can differentiate into other types of cells as well as divide in self-renewal processes to produce more of the same type of stem cells, have long been studied for their ability to cure certain diseases, including cancer.

"So I thought, this is fantastic," stated Dr. Metcalfe. "We can treat auto-immune disease, and we’ve got something to treat MS, which attacks both the brain and the spinal cord. So you have a double whammy that can stop and reverse the auto-immunity, and also repair the damage caused in the brain." However, the stem cell in and of itself in its natural state, as the researcher soon discovered, could only survive outside the cell for 20 minutes before being broken down by the body. This meant deploying it in therapy would prove to be difficult.

To overcome this, Dr. Metcalfe used the help of technology - in the form of nanoparticles, in particular. She disclosed, "They are made from the same material as soluble stitches, so they’re compatible with the body and they slowly dissolve. We load the cargo of the LIF into those particles, which become the delivery device that slowly dissolves and delivers the LIF over five days. The nanoparticle itself is a protective environment, and the enzymes that break it down can’t access it. You can also decorate the surface of the particles with antibodies, so it becomes a homing device that can target specific parts of the brain, for example. So you get the right dose, in the right place, and at the right time."

This process is a part of nanomedicine, a division of medical science that utilizes the knowledge and tools of nanotechnology and applies it to the prevention and treatment of various diseases. "Nanomedicine is a new era, and big pharma has already entered this space to deliver drugs while trying to avoid the side effects. The quantum leap is to actually go into biologics and tap into the natural pathways of the body," Dr. Metcalfe stated. "We're not using any drugs, we’re simply switching on the body’s own systems of self-tolerance and repair."

As for how safe this treatment is, she is certain that it will not have negative repercussions. She said, "There aren’t any side effects because all we’re doing is tipping the balance. Auto-immunity happens when that balance has gone awry slightly, and we simply reset that. Once you’ve done that, it becomes self-sustaining and you don’t have to keep giving therapy, because the body has its balance back." Dr. Metcalfe currently conducts her research through LIFNano, a nanomedicine company specifically focused on targeted delivery of LIF. The company has already attracted two major funding awards and hopes to start clinical trials by 2020.

Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.