The environment that our cells exist in, across every single facet of our lives, over the past 70 or so years has changed rapidly – the food system has changed from whole to industrial, exposing us to oestrogen-disrupting plastics. Our soil health has steadily deteriorated through the overuse of pesticides, meaning our food has fewer minerals. Ingredients have preservatives to improve shelf life, colourings, E numbers, and added sugar and salt to keep us addicted. We cook with rancid seed oils that add to inflammation, and our air and water are contaminated with harmful chemicals and heavy metals.

Our sleep has become fragmented, with light pollution disrupting our circadian rhythm. Additionally, our movement patterns have dramatically changed – we sit for 80 percent of the waking day. We are exposed regularly to low-grade chronic stress triggers while sitting in long queues of traffic running to meet deadlines, as we strive to match body-perfect architypes portrayed on social media. Additionally, we have temperature control at our fingertips. Hence, we are no longer exposed to the fluctuating temperature that our internal regulation system was once accustomed to – our bodies are not functioning how they once were. All these factors have slowly begun to take a detrimental toll on our health, particularly our cellular health.

With the emerging interest in root-cause medicine, where instead of masking the symptoms with a one-size-fits-all pill, integrative/lifestyle/functional-medicine doctors use a systems-based method, where diet, sleep, lifestyle, and exercise are all taken into consideration as part of a patient’s individualised healthcare plan. Because of this innovative approach to healthcare, cellular health has recently become a central focus in root-cause medicine and medical research. While researchers and healthcare professionals endeavour to understand the root cause of diseases, they have increasingly recognised that cellular dysfunction is at the core of many chronic diseases.

Their focus is mainly on understanding mitochondria – oval-shaped organelles within cells. As you may remember from your biology lessons, mitochondria are often called the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell. This is because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular functions. However, their role extends far beyond energy production. They help metabolise carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and control how the body utilises and stores energy. In simple terms, they are the magic part of the cell that breaks down food and converts it into energy that our body can recognise and use.

These organelles are crucial regulators of metabolism, cell signalling, immune response, inflammation regulation, hormone balance, and even ageing.

Providing some insight into their function will allow you to appreciate their importance.


One key role is ‘apoptosis’, the programmed, cell-death process that eliminates damaged or malfunctioning cells. This function is essential for preventing the accumulation of defective cells, which can contribute to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune conditions. When mitochondrial apoptosis pathways are disrupted, cells may die too quickly (leading to tissue degeneration) or survive too long (increasing the risk of tumour formation). Dr Casey Means, a Stanford-educated physician, states: ‘Apoptosis was thought to be governed by the genes in the nucleus, then in the mid-90s they discovered that mitochondria governed apoptosis, the implication of this was profound, especially related to cancer research.’

Mitochondria are also responsible for generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as by-products of ATP production. While small amounts of ROS are essential for cell signalling and immune function, excessive ROS production leads to oxidative stress, which we have all heard of. Oxidative stress damages DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. This oxidative damage is a major contributor to ageing, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has also been linked to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The body can better manage inflammation and immune responses by maintaining mitochondrial health.

Mitochondria also influence the production of several hormones, including cortisol (stress hormone), oestrogen, and testosterone. In women, mitochondrial function is crucial for ovarian health, affecting fertility and menopause. Dr Felice Gersh, a leading obstetric gynaecologist and integrative medicine practitioner, explains in one of her podcasts that maintaining optimal hormone levels as we age is essential in supporting mitochondrial function.

Mitochondria have a direct impact on ageing. Over time, mitochondrial DNA accumulates mutations due to oxidative stress, decreasing energy production and increasing cellular dysfunction.

Since mitochondria play a key role in metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction often leads to poor metabolic health. Supporting mitochondrial function through intermittent fasting, exercise, nutrition, stress management, deliberate cold exposure, and spending time in nature can help enhance mitochondrial function, thus improving overall metabolic health and potentially increasing lifespan.

The ketogenic diet, characterised by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has garnered attention for its potential benefits on mitochondrial function. This diet may enhance mitochondrial efficiency and resilience by shifting the body’s primary energy source from glucose to ketone bodies. Ketone bodies have been shown to increase the production of antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress, and promote the growth of new mitochondria – a process known as mitochondrial biogenesis. Additionally, the ketogenic diet may improve insulin sensitivity, leading to better glucose regulation and reduced metabolic strain on mitochondria.

Advancements in diagnostic tools now allow for assessing mitochondrial function, enabling personalised interventions. Research focuses on therapies that target mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance mitochondrial DNA repair mechanisms, and reduce oxidative stress. These approaches aim to improve energy production and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Prioritising mitochondrial health through informed lifestyle choices and emerging medical strategies holds the potential to improve a sustained quality of life and promote healthy ageing.

Author

Nirali is a qualified Shiatsu and Hair Mineral Analysis Practitioner. She specialises in coaching women through perimenopause and continues to train in and is passionate about functional medicine.

Nirali Shah-Jackson