Mitochondria are specialized micro-structures unique to the cells of animals, plants, and fungi. In short, mitochondria serve as living batteries, powering various functions of the cell and thus the organism as a whole.
The main function of mitochondria is to metabolize or breakdown carbohydrates in order to generate energy. Specifically, they convert bloodborne NADH and NADPH into ATP (adenosine triphospate), the common energy currency of cellular machinery.
The average cell has over 2,000 mitochondria, which occupy about 20% of the cell’s volume. Mitochondria pay critical roles in many aspects of metabolicm. When certain mitochondria break down due to genetic mutations, mitochondrial diseases result.
Mitochondria are unusual because instead of inheriting half their genetic material from the father and half from the mother, mitochondrial inheritance is exclusively maternal.
Mitochondrial degeneration plays a critical role in the aging process, and is considered to be one of the seven primary causes of aging.
In this video, Dr. Terry Wahls outlines how she learned to properly fuel her body. Using the lessons she learned at the sub-cellular level, she used diet to cure her MS and get out of her wheelchair.
Video Outline
Summary of brain healthy nutrients:
These protect the brain: 1:18
Creatine
Fish Oil
Co-enzyme Q 10 (coQ10 for short)
Myelin protects the brain, it needs: 2:14
Vitamins:
B1 – thiamine
B9 – folate (folic acid)
B12 – cyanocobalamin
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Iodine
Neurotransmitters need: 3:06
Sulfur
B6 – pyridoxine
To make mitochondria to thrive: 3:20
B vitamins
Sulfur
Anti-oxidants
Generalized arguments for a more nutrient rich diet. – 4:08
Where to get these nutrients from food? (~9:00)
9 cups of veg and berries a day before, grain, potatoes, dairy, and meats
3 cups of green leaves – 9:15
Kale being a big deal (kale chips, juiced, salad, in soups etc.), parsley, cilantro, dark leafy greens.
3 cups sulfer rich vegetables: – 10:15
The cabbage family (that explains the smell when you cook it) including, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, rutabaga, & radishes.
The onion family: onions, garlic, leeks, chives, shallots Mushrooms and asparagus
3 cups bright colored veg/fruit – 10:54
Colors are high in flavonoids and anti-phenols (antioxidants)
Some veg: Beets, carrots, cabbage (red), peppers (sweet and spicy), etc.
Some fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, peaches, oranges, rasberries, blackberries, etc.
Animal protein profile – 11:25
Daily, unknown quantity:
Wild fish = omega 3 fatty acids = Myelin and straight teeth
Salmon and herring
Grass fed meat
Once a week, unknown quantity:
Organ meats = vitamins, minerals, and coenzyme Q (coQ10) liver, heart, tongue, gizzard, sweat breads.
Iodine – 12:15 necessary for removing heavy metals low levels increase cancer risk
Once a week: seaweed (sushi anyone?) – Iodine, and selenium
Her personal testimony – 14:39
About Dr. Terry Wahls
Dr. Terry Wahls is an Assistant Chief of Staff at Iowa City VA Health Care and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa. She teaches internal medicine to residents, sees patients in a traumatic brain injury clinic, and conducts clinical trials. Whe has been diagnosed with a chronic progressive neurological disorder and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.