Developing Healthy Metabolism and Mitochondria

Metabolism is the process by which we convert the potential energy (calories) in the food we eat into actual energy our cells can use to operate. This process takes place inside tiny organelles known as mitochondria (singular—mitochondrion). The Krebs or citric acid cycle is the biochemical process that extracts this potential energy from food and converts it into a molecular storage device called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

In this month's Herbal Hour, we'll explore the process of how carbohydrates, fats and proteins get converted into cellular energy in the mitochondria as well as the growing research that shows mitochondrial dysfunction may be at the roots of many chronic and degenerative diseases. 

Since mitochondria produce energy, severe, chronic fatigue is definitely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. There are also strong link for mitochondria being involved in diabetes, deafness, neuropathy and many other neurological problems, especially neurodegenerative disorders. There is a lot of evidence suggesting that the excessively large amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates people are consuming is damaging the mitochondria. So, we're going to explore why this appears to be the case.

We're also going to talk about fuel sources for the body and the process of ketosis. We'll discuss how ketogenic diets and supplements can be used to help restore mitochondrial function to improve energy, promote effective weight loss and help to improve brain and nervous system function.