Mitochondria are often called the "energy factories" of the body, but their role goes far beyond just keeping you awake. They influence how well you burn fat, how sharp your mind stays, how quickly you age, and even how strong your immune system is.
When mitochondria function optimally, you feel vibrant and energised. When they don’t, the effects can lead to fatigue, inflammation, and chronic disease.
So, how does mitochondrial function impact overall wellbeing? And more importantly, what can you do to support and strengthen these vital cellular engines? In this article, we’ll break down the science in a simple, digestible way, helping you unlock better energy, metabolism, and longevity through the power of mitochondria.
Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are tiny structures inside almost every cell in your body. Think of them as the "batteries" or "power plants" of your cells. Their main job is to take the food you eat (like carbs, fats, and proteins) and turn it into energy that your body can use to function.
Scientifically, this energy is in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which fuels everything from muscle movement to brain function.
Without the mitochondria, your body wouldn't have the energy to do anything, no thinking, moving, digesting, or even breathing. They are essential for survival.
Besides energy production, mitochondria also:
- Help cells communicate and respond to signals
- Regulate cell growth and repair
- Help control calcium levels in the body
- Guide the immune system triggering an anti-inflammatory response against pathogens.
- Are the gatekeepers of cell death, removing damaged or dying cells (which is crucial for preventing diseases) to regulate ageing.
Mitochondria influence almost every aspect of your health from:
- Energy Levels & Fatigue – If your mitochondria aren’t working well, you may feel tired all the time. Chronic fatigue and low energy are often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Brain Health & Mental Clarity – Your brain needs a lot of energy to function. Healthy mitochondria help with focus, memory, and mood regulation. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Metabolism & Weight Management – Mitochondria help burn fat and regulate metabolism. Poor mitochondrial function may contribute to weight gain and metabolic disorders.
- Longevity & Aging – As we age, our mitochondria naturally decline, leading to slower metabolism, weaker muscles, and increased risk of disease. Taking care of them may help slow down aging.
- Immune System & Disease Prevention – Healthy mitochondria help fight off infections and protect against diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
Red light therapy and Sunlighten Sauna Infrared therapy can be a wonderful tool to support your mitochondrial health in a variety of ways including:
Mitochondrial Biogenesis – Stimulating the production of new mitochondria, increasing the cell’s ability to generate energy.
- Improved Energy Production – Red and near-infrared light enhance ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production by optimising the function of cytochrome c oxidase in the electron transport chain, helping you feel more energised and reducing fatigue.
- Enhanced Mitochondrial Repair & Detoxification – Light exposure triggers autophagy and mitophagy, the processes that remove damaged mitochondria and replace them with healthier ones.
- Reduction of Oxidative Stress – By activating antioxidant pathways like the Antioxidant Response Element (A.R.E.), red light therapy helps neutralise free radicals that damage mitochondria.
- Activation of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) – These proteins protect mitochondria from stress, enhance cellular resilience, and promote longevity.
- Improved Blood Flow & Oxygenation – Increased nitric oxide production enhances circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to mitochondria for efficient energy generation.
Other treatments you can incorporate to support your mitochondria:
- Exercise – Regular movement and exercise helps stimulate mitochondria growth and efficiency.
- Healthy Fats – Ensuring you’re getting sufficient Omega-3s in your diet (found in salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts) to support mitochondrial membranes.
- Antioxidants – Load up on antioxidants found in colourful fruits/veggies, as they help protect mitochondria from damage.
- Intermittent Fasting – Fasting can help to boost mitochondrial function by removing weak, damaged cells.
- Good Sleep – Poor sleep leads to mitochondrial stress so ensuring you get a minimum of 8 hours sleep a night will help support healthy mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria play a vital role in more than just fueling your body, they are central to maintaining energy, mental clarity, healthy aging, and disease prevention. By prioritising activities that nourish and support these powerhouse cells, like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, mindful fasting, and quality sleep, you can unlock significant benefits for your overall wellbeing and longevity.
References:
- Alberts B, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th edition, 2014).
- Wallace DC. Mitochondria and Cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer (2012).
- St. Pierre J, Drori S. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fatigue Syndromes. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism (2019).
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- Lowell BB, Spiegelman BM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome. Nature (2016).
- Lopez-Otin C, Kroemer G. Mitochondrial Decline in Aging. Cell Metabolism (2019).
- Nunnari J, Suomalainen A. Mitochondria: In Sickness and in Health. Cell (2012).
- Whitten, A. (n.d.). Cutting-Edge Science to Overcome Fatigue and Supercharge Your Body: The Top 22 Science-Backed Benefits of Infrared Saunas (And How Infrared Saunas Help You Beat Fatigue and Increase Your Energy). Retrieved from https://www.ariwhitten.com
- St. Pierre J, Drori S. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fatigue Syndromes. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism (2019).
