Mitochondria Protect Your Brain

Mitochondria are in every cell in your body.  Their job is to make energy, and together they make the energy for your entire body.   When cells run out of energy, they work poorly, and eventually may die.  It’s one thing to be losing relatively unimportant cells in your body, it’s quite another thing to be losing brain cells.  Researchers link dying brain cells to illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  New research suggests that you may be able to protect your brain mitochondria with your lifestyle, your diet, and certain supplements.

Eat Less Carbs

Reduce carbohydrates to diminish metabolic stress on brain mitochondria.    Excess carboydrates damage  mitochondria with too much oxidative stress and inflammation.  Currently, scientists hope to develop treatments for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases by way of  improving the metabolic problems that damage brain cells.

Move More

Exercise.  Interval training in particular has been shown to actually increase the formation of  new mitochondria.  In this kind of exercise, you exercise very intensely for 30 seconds and then rest for 90 seconds.  Repeat for six to eight cycles.

It certainly more beneficial to start an exercise program well before you might develop a brain illness, but researchers continue to study the positive impact of physical activity even in those who have already been diagnosed.

Switch On Your Antioxidant Defenses

New research pinpoints the NRF-2 gene pathway as central to the protection of mitochondria in the brain.   The NRF-2 gene is the “on switch” for your brain’s own antioxidant system.  It is vital and it is powerful. Substances that activate this pathway include broccoli sprouts and curcumin.

Free Rad Bio Med 2008  Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2011. Ann NY Acad Sci 2011. Z Gerontol Geriatric 2012. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2007.

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