January 2023 Newsletter | You and Your Mitochondria
My mission is to be the first woman in 4 generations to not develop Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). On my journey of discovering ways to mitigate my risk, I pass this information on to you in this Brain-Body-Health (BBH) Newsletter.
Energy is defined as the ability and strength to do active physical things and the feeling that you are full of physical power and life. Maybe you’ve noticed as I have, that your energy level is not what it used to be. Our body's energy is created by specialized organelles called mitochondria in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), which are in every single cell of our body. Of all our organs the brain requires the most energy—estimated at 20%—making it more vulnerable to damage. If mitochondria are not working properly then brain energy is the first to be affected. As we age, mitochondria change and decrease based on genetics and lifestyle habits.
Scientists have known for a long time that mitochondrial health is a factor in neurodegenerative disease and aging. In the new book “Brain Energy” Harvard psychiatry professor, Dr. Chris Palmer, makes the case that mental illness, like neurodegenerative disorders, is the result of metabolic disorders due to dysfunctional mitochondria. If you improve metabolism by altering diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits you can change the course of mental disorders. He gives solid evidence for this refreshing new look at mental illness with a focus on the ketogenic diet—a diet that has been used to treat seizure disorders before the advent of anti-seizure medicine because of its effect of quieting neuro-circuitry. Dr. Dale Bredesen authored the book, “The End of Alzheimer’s Disease” BBH Resources which provides a similar approach for treating Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Both doctors are pioneers in the field of brain health, proponents of nutritional ketosis, exercise, intermittent fasting, and modifying lifestyles that optimize brain metabolism.
What improves energy and mitochondrial health? All the areas we are now familiar with in our model examining SLEDSS: Sleep, Learning and Laboratory work, Exercise, Diet, Socialization, and Stress.
As this New Year begins, let's work together to optimize these incredible bodies and brains by taking good care of our mitochondria, paying attention to our energy levels, and developing your own personal awareness of the relationship you have with SLEDSS. You can always reach out for an appointment with BBH for some added ideas as to how to optimize your Brain Health.
LESSONS FROM COACHING
In recent months, I’ve noticed some word-finding challenges that have been concerning. In addition, my brother, 18 months younger, was diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), which can be a precursor to AD. I’m a bit overdue for my bi-annual brain checkup with my functional medicine doctor. Rather than get stuck in the mind loop of these symptoms, I made an appointment with my doctor who specializes in brain health. In her practice like my coaching sessions, we focus on metabolic health recognizing that all cells and the hormones, proteins, and neurotransmitters they produce are influenced by one another.
Check off for your Metabolic/Mitochondrial health:
Labs to check: See the BBH testing recommendations under Coaching November Newsletter
Hearing test: On my list
Vision test: Need to schedule
Sleep oximeter test: done
Begin daily Brain HQ to increase stimulation: done
Restart daily Ukulele practice: For improved memory/attention/ and more happy time ;)
LESSONS FROM SCIENCE
Mitochondria could be the answer to better brain health.
Healthy diet had the strongest effect on slowing memory decline.
Ultra-processed foods increase the risk of dementia.
BITTER TRUTH About Sugar & How It Causes INFLAMMATION.
ALCOHOL: Even one drink a day is linked to smaller brain size.
High-intensity exercise for less than 6 minutes improves brain health.
To our optimized health!
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“If you want to go FAST, go alone. If you want to go FAR, go together."
- African proverb