The powerhouse within you

Within your body are little 'engines' called the mitochondria - the powerhouse of the cells. These little guys have many functions such as the obvious one of energy production (known as ATP) but they also play a part in immune response, metabolism and calcium balance to name a few. Research is uncovering more each day on the wonders of the mitochondria and therefore the wonders of our life !

For the mitochondria to do it all that it does, Ubiquinol is important. You may know this as COQ10. Ubiquinol makes up about 96% of the COQ10 circulating through our bodies. Cardiomyocytes are specialized muscle cells that make up the heart muscle (myocardium). There are said to be 5000-8000 mitochondria within in each cardiomyocyte (heart muscle cell) whereas the skeletal muscle cell contains roughly 120-160 mitochondria. So you can see, the mitochondria are indeed the workhorses of the heart, helping it to meet the demands of our heart.

Our modern lifestyles can effect the functioning of the mitochondria. For instance too little natural light during the day and too much unnatural light during the night can disrupt mitochondrial function.

Exercise, diet and nutrition, walks in nature, meditation, spending time with friends and within our communites - these are just a few of the many ways we can support the powerhouse (the 'mitochondria') within us. Focusing on empowering our health and wellbeing is a natural and wonderful step towards a happier and healthier life.

I have included here a handout on Tips to Calm. May you be happy, may you be healthy.

Take care

Vicky Mousoulis

Naturopath

Member of NHAA

Tips to calm.pdf

Download PDF • 250KB