Many chronic diseases can be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction, according to Chen Junxu, an expert in natural medicine at Bastyr University. After reviewing more than 500 research papers and drawing on his extensive clinical practice, Chen developed a comprehensive theory about the relationship between mitochondrial health and chronic disease, which he shared in a recent interview on the show “Health 1 1” a NTDTV.
Understanding the vital role of mitochondria
Mitochondria are often called the energy generators of human cells. They transform nutrients such as glucose and fatty acids that we get from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy in our cells, necessary for metabolism.
At the same time, mitochondria they are also the core of human immunity. Mitochondria healthy cells effectively regulate immune responses, while mitochondrial dysfunction can affect immune cells, leading to many chronic diseases and impaired cell differentiation.
Chen claims that seemingly diverse ailments – incl diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, the cancerallergies, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even various mental illnesses – can be understood through a “unified theory” of mitochondrial imbalance. This means that almost every disease can be rooted in mitochondrial imbalance. In other words, if mitochondrial imbalance occurs, it invariably causes problems with the body’s basic metabolism. This perspective suggests that approximately 90% of chronic diseases arise from problems in mitochondrial metabolism.
Chen quoted Dr. Chris Palmer, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University and founder and director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, stating that mental illnesses are metabolic syndromes.
His theory of mitochondria is fully illustrated in his recent publication“Renewal of Mitochondria to Cure Chronic Diseases”. He said that this book is written from a relatively “cutting-edge” perspective of medical investigation, exploring the reasons why people get sick and the human body’s ability to have an infallible health mechanism. He predicts that the study of mitochondria will become a basic tool in empirical medicine in the next three decades.
“Cocktail therapy” that repairs mitochondria
Chen developed a comprehensive “cocktail therapy” approach to restore and improve mitochondrial function. This protocol includes five key components.
1. Optimization of energy sources
Start with a low-carb ketogenic diet, with no more than 30 grams of carbs per day. Switching the mitochondria’s fuel supply from glucose to ketones can lower blood sugar and keep it stable. This can also allow mitochondrial function to gradually return to normal, allowing the pancreas, liver and immune system to return to a healthy state. This is a remedy for mitochondria that have been damaged due to previous long-term dieting high in sugar (carbohydrates), of insufficient sleepand other factors.
If the mitochondria of the pancreas and liver are damaged due to these factors, it will appear insulin resistance or reduced glucose tolerance and can even lead to diabetes.
Once we switch from glucose to ketones, we are freed from the limitations of glucose metabolism. Mitochondria, now unloaded, can efficiently use ketones for energy. This revitalizes organs such as the pancreas and liver, restoring their proper functions.
2. Nutrient supplementation
The next step is to use certain nutrients to repair and renew the mitochondria. This includes supplementing the mitochondria with the main important antioxidant, glutathione.
Since this nutrient cannot be taken directly because it will be destroyed by stomach acid, we can take some of its precursors, including N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and glycine, in supplement form. These will synthesize an adequate amount of glutathione, which will neutralize the free radicals produced by the mitochondria and help them repair themselves, slowly allowing the mitochondria to become healthy again.
3. Grounding and environmental factors
Another approach involves restoration mitochondrial membrane potential – either through direct contact with the earth, or through exposure to Schumann resonances. This natural electromagnetic frequency can help normalize cell membrane potential, preserving up to 20 percent of mitochondrial production capacity.
Mitochondria typically expend 20 percent of their energy each night to restore the normal cell membrane potential. External grounding and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), a non-invasive treatment that uses the electromagnetic field to promote healing and improve various health conditions, can reduce this energy burden on the mitochondria.
This approach, Chen suggests, could not only reverse disease, but also help achieve optimal health and vitality.
4. Quality sleep
Chen emphasized that “mitochondrial cocktail therapy” should be combined with exercise and good rest. It is equally important to avoid mitochondrial damage from environmental pollution, food additives, pesticides and other toxins.
He specifically mentioned that we need to maintain a quality sleep routine and ensure an adequate amount of deep sleep each night. While this may seem like common sense, most people don’t.
5. Physical exercises in “Zone 2”
Chen strongly recommends type exercises Zone 2”which focuses on low heart rate training. This type of exercise uses aerobic breathing but does not produce lactic acid, so it won’t make you feel tired.
Examples of Zone 2 exercise include very slow jogging, brisk walking, or leisurely cycling. You should be able to talk during these activities, and you’ll notice that you’re breathing a little harder. This level of exercise helps improve mitochondrial efficiency, gradually repairing the organs.
Instead, endurance training May intensive it can increase the number of mitochondria, increasing their overall production capacity.
According to Chen, any form of exercise benefits mitochondrial health, whether it improves efficiency, increases the number of mitochondria, or both. However, zone 2 exercises are more manageable for most people. It is less likely to cause injury and can be done indoors or outdoors, making it a more affordable option.
Why do people get sick?
Chen emphasized that disease is often the result of violation of natural principles of health, either through environmental factors or personal choices. He suggests that illness can serve as a warning signal, prompting necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Key preventive measures include:
- avoiding environmental toxins
- limiting exposure to food additives and pesticides
- conscious dietary choices
- maintaining constant sleep patterns
- performing regular physical exercises depending on the individual level of physical training
Chen said that sometimes illness can be a blessing in disguise, reminding people of the need to rest, adjust their lifestyles, rectify past mistakes and return their bodies to a healthy state. .
Ah, mitochondria! Those little powerhouses of the cell that sound like a fancy Italian restaurant but actually do all the heavy lifting in your body. Just imagine your cells as a bustling kitchen, with mitochondria as the chefs turning raw ingredients—like glucose and fatty acids—into the gourmet delicacy known as ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of your cells. Well, according to Chen Junxu, the expert in natural medicine who’s been busy reviewing over 500 research papers (that’s more than I read in my entire secondary education), mitochondrial dysfunction could be behind many of our chronic ailments.
So, what’s the scoop? Well, Chen has taken us down a rabbit hole that connects diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even mental health issues through a teleshopping-style “unified theory of mitochondrial imbalance.” It’s like discovering that every time your heart skips a beat, it’s just your mitochondria having a party—albeit one that spirals into dysfunction and ultimately comes crashing down like a poorly timed punchline.
And speaking of humour, how is this for a punchline? Mental illnesses are now being pitched as metabolic syndromes! Yes, folks, it’s not just your diet that can mess with your head; it’s how your cells are producing energy too. Chen quotes Dr. Chris Palmer from Harvard, putting a new spin on mental health that could potentially revolutionize how we view everything from anxiety to depression… Think about that the next time your anxiety kicks in at 3 AM—you’re not just anxious; you’re metabolically confused!
But wait, there’s more! Chen has blessed us with a “cocktail therapy” that promises to rejuvenate our poor, beleaguered mitochondria. And let’s be honest, we could all do with a little cocktail therapy right about now, especially if it involves helping us recover from that hangover induced by life’s little stresses!
So, what’s in this ‘cocktail’? First up, a low-carb ketogenic diet—no more than 30 grams of carbs a day. Our friends, the mitochondria, are switching from glucose to ketones. It’s like trading in a clunky old car for a sporty little number—suddenly, everything runs better! Goodbye to unstable blood sugar levels and hello to a liver and pancreas that can actually cooperate for once.
Next, we need some nutrient supplementation. Chen suggests loading up on antioxidants like glutathione. But hold on! You can’t just pop a glutathione pill. No, no, it’s way too fragile for that. You need to get its precursors, think of them like the opening act before the main show. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and glycine are essential players in this saga; they’ll help create the antioxident, fight free radicals, and give your mitochondria the glow it desperately needs.
Now let’s talk about grounding and environmental factors. Feeling disconnected? Time to hug a tree! Seriously. Getting in touch with Mother Nature—or at least the ground beneath your feet—can help restore mitochondrial production capacity. I’m not saying you need to join a new-age retreat just yet, but every little step helps!
Then, there’s the emphasis on quality sleep. Ah, sweet sleep, a concept so elusive it feels like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. Chen insists we need our beauty sleep—no more binge-watching shows until 2 AM unless you want your mitochondria to also start bingeing on dysfunction!
And last, but certainly not least, exercise in “Zone 2.” This is where you can leisurely jog while still being able to chat about last night’s episode of your favorite show without losing your breath. Chen recommends low-intensity workouts for mitochondrial efficiency. So yes, slow your roll, people! You don’t need to sprint like you’re running away from your problems; just keep it casual.
In summary, Chen argues that chronic disease stems from violations of natural health principles—sort of like breaking the rules of a game you didn’t even know you were playing. His advice is a mix of avoiding environmental toxins, eating wisely, sleeping like a log, and exercising the right way. So, if you find yourself feeling under the weather, it might be a sign to recalibrate your lifestyle—not just pop a few pills and hope for the best.
And who knows? You might just find that illness isn’t the enemy; it could be the universe’s quirky way of sending you a memo about tuning in to your body’s needs. Who knew getting sick could come with the added perk of self-discovery? Isn’t life just full of surprises!
What is grounding
—this might sound a bit out there, but hear me out! Grounding involves making direct contact with the earth—like walking barefoot on grass or soil—to help re-establish your body’s natural electrical charge. Chen highlights that exposure to Schumann resonances, which are natural electromagnetic frequencies, can also play a role in normalizing cell membrane potential. Think of it as plugging your phone into a charger after a long day; you’re restoring energy levels to keep everything running smoothly!
Next on the agenda is quality sleep. Chen underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep routine and ensuring an adequate amount of deep sleep each night. It’s one of those things that sounds simple but is often neglected amidst our busy lives. Good sleep helps the body repair, including the mitochondria, so prioritize your Zs like they’re the hottest trend!
Then we have Zone 2 physical exercises. Chen advocates for this type of low-heart-rate training, which promotes fat oxidation and enhances mitochondrial efficiency without making you feel completely wiped out. We’re talking about gentle activities like brisk walking or leisurely cycling—definitely manageable and you can still chat with a friend while doing them. It’s all about gradually repairing those energy-producing cellular engines and boosting organ functionality.
And what’s the underlying message here? Chen makes it crystal clear that poor health often stems from breaking the natural principles of living, whether due to environmental toxicity or personal lifestyle choices. Each illness might just be your body sending a warning signal—a cue to make necessary changes for better health.
In a nutshell, this holistic approach aims not only to address existing health issues but also to promote optimal health and vitality. By combining dietary changes, exercise, nutrient supplementation, and environmental adjustments, we can all take strides toward reclaiming our health. So, next time you’re feeling off, remember: it could just be your mitochondria throwing a cheeky tantrum—give them the love and support they need, and they’ll get back to producing that glorious ATP in no time!
