Fatigue and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Are you feeling exhausted?

By addressing mitochondrial dysfunction, you could reduce fatigue.

When a person is fatigued, their quality of life suffers. Morning routines may turn into energy- draining chores, work can be unbearable, and personal relationships might decline.

Tiredness is more common than you might think!

Fatigue statistics illuminate some interesting trends. In the 12 months of 2010, 15% of American women and 10% of men, reported feeling very tired or exhausted in the last three months.

Specifically, women aged 18 to 45 were nearly twice as likely as men of the same age group, to report this symptom. These numbers have only increased over the years and more dramatically during the Covid pandemic.

Reports also suggest that 1/5 of primary care visits involve fatigue as a symptom.

This is certainly my experience of daily general practice.

Fatigue may rank as one of the most frustrating symptoms for both patients and doctors. Under the constraints of time, in the GP consultation room, I find it particularly challenging to address fatigue.

Today, I am sharing an aspect of human health, that is closely related to fatigue and intrigues me clinically. Maybe some of the answers are deep-rooted into our cells.

Often called the “powerhouse of the human cell”, mitochondria take energy from the food in form of metabolites and turn it into a molecule, called ATP. It is the energy currency thatthe cells can use.

Mitochondria are believed to evolutionary originate from independent microorganisms that 2 billion years ago, invaded the human cell. Each cell requires mitochondria to function, but depending on the function, some have more than others.

For example, the muscle and heart cells are packed with mitochondria. I often think of these little organelles as the batteries of the cells. The harder the cells must work, the higher amount of energy it requires.

When mitochondria fail to keep up with the demand for energy, they get damaged. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with more than 3000 symptoms and diseases! It is much more common than we think.There is no clear technical test to prove that mitochondria are inadequate.

In the lack of sufficient energy, in the form of ATP, any aspect of the nervous system can be

affected. Mitochondrial damage can result in loss of balance, lack of mental clarity, seizures,

headaches, dizziness, muscle fatigue, and aches.

The mitochondria are very susceptible to damage. It can be caused by sunlight, toxicity

inflammation, medication such as antibiotics and steroids, a sedentary lifestyle, and more.

Our mitochondria are constantly renewed to produce energy and fulfil the vast energy

demands of muscle and other tissues. As we get older, mitochondrial renewal declines

and dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate in the cells, resulting in significant issues.

Healthy cells rely on a powerful recycling process.

How can we improve mitochondrial function?

1) Fasting is a powerful tool for improving mitochondrial function.

When we fast, our cells are forced to adapt and become more efficient at producing

energy. This process is known as mitochondrial biogenesis.

During fasting, the body produces new mitochondria and repairs damaged ones. This leads to improved overall mitochondrial function.

Start slowly with fasting. There is no one size fits all, below are the variations in fasting.

Start slowly with fasting. There is no one size fits all, below are the variations in fasting.

Intermittent fasting:

This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.

Alternate day fasting:

This involves fasting every other day.

5:2 diet:

This involves eating normally five days per week and restricting calories to 500-600 2 days per week.

Whole-day fasting:

Involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice per week.

2) Eat a healthy diet

Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, good quality meat, and fish as a source of protein.

3) Make sure to drink plenty of water when you’re fasting.

This will help to keep you hydrated and prevent side effects such as headaches and dizziness.

4) Avoid excessive exercise.

While some light exercise is fine, avoid strenuous activity while you’re fasting. This can lead to side effects such as low blood sugar and fatigue.

5) Listen to your body.

Everyone is different, so listening to your body and finding what works best for you is crucial. Finding the underlying cause of fatigue is a critical part of functional medical assessment. This allows the designing of an individualised treatment plan, that addressed the cause and supports the underlying energetic needs of cells, improving the patient’s quality of life.

Would you like to find out more about the Lantern Clinic? You can book a FREE discovery call with Dr Margarita below.