May 27, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of Mindful Objective, we’re diving into a hidden yet foundational cause of fatigue, brain fog, and chronic burnout: mitochondrial dysfunction.
Your mitochondria are the engines of your cells, and when they’re underperforming, everything from your energy to your mood, metabolism, and mental clarity suffers.
We explore:
- What mitochondria are and why they’re vital to health.
- The symptoms of low cellular energy most people ignore.
- What silently damages your mitochondria (meds, mold, stress, toxins).
- Functional lab tests that reveal energy blocks at the cellular level.
- Supplements, foods, and lifestyle tools that restore energy naturally.
- A real-life strategy to rebuild your body’s energy from the ground up.
This episode is packed with insights, real client stories, and practical steps to help you stop guessing—and finally feel like yourself again.
✨ If you’ve ever said “I’m just tired all the time,” this episode could be the missing piece.
🎧 Tune in now—and if you’re ready to get real answers, visit MindfulObjective.com to explore functional gut testing and personalized healing protocols.
📝 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this disclaimer.
📍If today’s conversation helped reframe your symptoms or sparked a question of your own, share the episode with someone who could benefit. For more insights, resources, and ways to connect, visit mindfulobjective.com or follow along on social media @mindfulobjective.
📍Submit a show question at https://mindfulobjective.com/podcasts
Healing doesn’t happen all at once, but each question, each step, and each small win adds up. This episode is a reminder that the answers you’re seeking often begin by asking the right questions.
Stay Well!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Mindful Objective, the podcast where we explore the
root causes of health concerns and uncover holistic tools to
restore balance. I'm your host, Doctor Daniels
Pearl, Integrative health practitioner professor, and
today we're diving into something foundational that
doesn't get enough attention. Your mitochondria.
These microscopic powerhouses are responsible for producing
energy in every cell of your body.
(00:22):
When they're sluggish, you feel it.
Fatigue, poor focus, slow metabolism, hormone issues, even
on mood imbalances. Yet most people never think to
look on what's going on at the cellular level.
In this episode, we'll explore the role mitochondria plays and
energy, mood and metabolism. Hear real life stories.
Understand symptoms that suggestyour mitochondria knee Support
(00:46):
functional lab tests to reveal mitochondria dysfunction.
Natural waste. Improve cellular energy from
supplements to lifestyle and howchronic stress, toxins and
nutrient depletion slowly wraps your cells of vitality.
If you're always tired, no matter how much you sleep or if
you plateaued in your healing journey, this episode's for you.
(01:06):
As always, this shows for educational purposes only.
We do not diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease.
Let's get into it. So let's start with the simple
but powerful truth. If your mitochondria aren't
working well, nothing your body works well.
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell, and
for a good reason. These reside nearly in every
(01:29):
cell of the body and are responsible for producing ATP,
the energy currency your cells need to function.
From pumping your heart to firing neurons in your brain,
synthesizing hormones, detoxifying harmful substances,
repairing tissues, digesting food, none of it happens
efficiently without mitochondriaenergy.
(01:49):
So now if you're thinking that sounds important, but what does
it have to do with me feeling tired all the time, here's a
connection. When your mitochondria aren't
functioning properly, your cellsdon't get the fuel they need.
And when the cells don't have the energy, your organs and
systems begin to underperform. That's the wired but tired
feeling, the brain fog, the chronic muscle soreness.
(02:10):
Reduce tolerance for exercise, even hormonal symptoms like poor
libido. Mood swings are disrupted
cycles. Many of these trace back to the
cellular level, and often it's mitochondria.
Let's look at just a few higher energy systems that depend
heavily on mitochondria output. 1 would be your brain.
Neurons are energy intensive. Mitochondria dysfunction can
(02:33):
impair neurotransmitter production, leading to mood
disorders, anxiety, and cognitive fog.
Another one would be your heart.The heart never stops a beating.
You hope, right? Mitochondria ensures constant
energy availability. Fatigue or shortness of breath
can be signs your heart's cellular engines are
underpowered. Another one would be your
(02:55):
muscles. Right?
Muscle tissues rely on ATP to contract and recover.
If you feel sore easily or you can't bounce back after workouts
like you used to, it's worth looking at mitochondria
function. Another one would be liver and
detox pathways. Detoxification, methylation, and
other metabolic processes all depend on ATP.
(03:15):
Whether mitochondria falter, detox slows down, allowing toxic
burns to slowly build up in yoursystem.
It's not just physical symptoms either.
When your body is low on energy,it reroutes resources toward
basic survival, not optimization.
This is why people struggle withmitochondria dysfunction.
Also experience poor motivation,mental burnout, or general sense
(03:37):
of just not feeling myself. I think that's a lot of us out
there. So what causes mitochondria to
go from mighty to malfunctioning?
The answer is multifactorial butoften comes down a combination
of oxidative stress from inflammation or poor antioxidant
reserves. Toxin exposure.
This could be mold, metals, pesticides, nutrient depletion,
(04:02):
especially B vitamins. Co, Q10, magnesium, chronic
stress and high cortisol. Mitochondria, DNA damage.
This could be from aging, infections, or it could also be
from medications. And here's something most people
don't know. Mitochondria dysfunction doesn't
always show up on standard blow work that conventional blood
(04:23):
work. Are they looking for that?
A lot of times it will not show up.
So you could have normal CBC, normal thyroid levels, and even
decent iron panel but still be dragging because your cells
can't make energy efficiently. That's why integrative and
functional testing is so important.
Just know when clients come in with low energy, mysterious
(04:45):
fatigue, or stalled healing progress.
I often consider mitochondria health early on.
It's a root cause layer many people never get to explore.
The good news is mitochondrios are adaptable.
They can recover, rebuild, and multiply if given the right
inputs. You can go from fatigue to
burnout to energy, clarity and resilience once again.
(05:06):
So in this next segment, we'll break down the signs and
symptoms that might be signal and mitochondria dysfunction.
Even if you never heard of the word mitochondria until today,
let's talk how you know when your mitochondria aren't
functioning optimally. Most people don't walk in a
clinic saying I think my mitochondria are struggling.
(05:27):
They come in saying I always feel tired, I can't focus, my
workouts drain me, my moods all over the place are simply I
don't feel like myself. These are signs.
They're often more subtle, just enough to dismiss a tribute to
age, stress or being busy. But over time, they add up.
And for many people, these are actually the early red flags of
(05:49):
mitochondria dysfunction. So what does it look like when
your cellular engines are underpowered?
Common symptoms of low mitochondrial function One would
be chronic fatigue. This is probably the most
common. You sleep but never feel truly
rested. You need coffee to function.
You crash hard midday or early evening.
(06:11):
Think that's a lot of us? Another common one is brain fog.
Thoughts feel slow or scrambled.You forget names, lose track of
conversations, or struggle to concentrate on tasks.
What about this one? Mood shifts, low grade anxiety
or depression, irritability or emotional reactivity are all
(06:32):
common when your brain can't fuel neurotransmitter
productions properly. Exercise intolerance.
What used to be a normal workoutnow leaves you depleted.
You recover more slowly and feelsore for days.
Normally you're used to doing this treadmill work and now
you're due to treadmill. Man, I'm so tired.
I lifted these light weights. You know, like man, I feel like
(06:53):
I lifted such heavy weights again.
Exercise intolerance. Something to look into now.
There might be muscle weakness or heaviness.
Everyday tasks feel harder. Walking uphill, carrying
groceries or even standing for long periods become tiring.
Another common one is cold handsand feet.
This can single sluggish metabolic activity at the
(07:15):
cellular level. Poor stress resilience is
another one. You get overwhelmed easily,
emotionally shut down, or physically crash after
stressors. These are just a few examples,
but they're powerful clues when they show up in patterns.
So here's the problem. Mitochondria dysfunction mimics
other conditions. You might think it's your
(07:36):
thyroid, adrenals, or even depression, and those can
absolutely overlap. But if you treat those without
addressing mitochondria, you're missing the foundation.
That is why so many people bounce from practitioner to
practitioner without relief. They ruled out anemia, thyroid
issues, blood sugar problems, but they're still exhausted.
(07:58):
The root issue may be this. Their cells can't make enough
energy to meet their bodies demands.
Now let's make it even more real.
Think about the last time you had a week where everything felt
off. You woke up tired, had brain fog
by 10 AM, felt edgy for no reason, couldn't finish your
workout. You tried to power through,
(08:18):
maybe blame stress or poor sleep, but it kept happening.
What if it wasn't just life, buta sign that your mitochondria is
running low? And I don't think a lot of
people know about this. So if that resonates with you,
you're not alone. I see it often in my integrative
health practice and usually a clue is to dig deeper.
But we have to know those symptoms and understand what you
(08:40):
tried, what you haven't tried, what you're taking, and go from
there. So let's look at one real life
client story. 38 year old mom oftwo came in saying I just
thought I was lazy. She's been dragging herself
through today for over a year. No matter how much she slept,
she woke up tired. She's giving up on working out
completely because she never recovered and felt sore for
(09:01):
days. Her doctor ran standard blood
work. It all looked normal.
She was told to manage stress and drink more water.
We hear that a lot. But we ran deeper panel
including organic acid tests anduncovered mitochondria markers
that were just off the charts. Her cells weren't producing
energy well. Once we addressed nutrient
depletion, especially B vitaminsand carnitine, and support her
(09:23):
mitochondria with Coq 10 and gentle detox, she finally got
her energy back. Her words.
It feels like someone flipped the lights back on.
It's amazing story, but takes time and there there is options
out there. Just know that.
So let's understand how to distinguish mitochondria issues
from other fatigue sources out there.
(09:43):
Here are a few comparisons. Adrenal fatigue often feels like
burnout and may include low cortisol, poor sleep, or
cravings for salt and sugar. Mitochondria issues often
include those, plus deeper energy crashes, cognitive
issues, and usually sluggish physical recovery.
Another one that's very common is thyroid issues.
(10:04):
This usually affects your metabolism, weight and mood.
But if your thyroid labs look decent and your energy still
missing, mitochondria may be themissing link.
Another common one is depression.
This can involve low motivation,but in mitochondrial
dysfunction, it often pairs withthe physical symptoms like
weakness, brain fog, and poor exercise tolerance.
(10:26):
And sometimes all of these are interconnected.
Mitochondria don't work in isolation.
They respond to hormones, nutrients, stress, toxins in
your lifestyle habits. That's why integrative health is
so powerful compared to conventional medicine.
If there's a big difference there, we look at the whole
picture. We're going to unpack the hidden
factors that damage mitochondriaover time.
(10:47):
These are things you might be exposed to every single day, but
sometimes the real issues is your cells can't generate energy
efficiently. And remember, that's a
mitochondria problem. So let's talk about if
mitochondria are the energy factories in your body, then
understanding what breaks down is very crucial.
Most people are surprised to learn that they're low energy
(11:09):
isn't just about bad night sleepor getting older.
It's often about long term exposure to factors that were
down your body's ability to makeenergy at the cellular level.
A lot of people do not understand there's a cellular
level or just don't have that knowledge.
So these hidden stressors may bein your food, environment,
lifestyle, or even your medicinecabinet.
Let's break down the top culprits that quietly sabotage
(11:31):
mitochondria health. A common one is environmental
toxins. We live in a toxic world.
Pesticides, mold, air pollution,plastics, and heavy metals like
mercury, lead, or aluminum can all be harmful to your
mitochondria. Mold toxins.
Mycotoxins. They can directly damage
mitochondria membranes, making it harder for your cells to
(11:52):
produce energy. Glyphosate and other pesticides
interfere with mitochondria enzymes and nutrient
absorptions. Heavy metals.
This could be dental fillings, contaminated fish, or industrial
exposure. These compete with essential
minerals like magnesium and zinc, which are vital for
mitochondria enzymes. The worst part?
(12:12):
These exposures often go unnoticed.
You may not see or smell them, but they can build up in your
tissues over time. Especially detox pathways are
sluggish. Another one would be oxidative
stress and inflammation. Your mitochondria naturally
produce some free radicals as byproducts of energy production.
But when your antioxidant defenses are low due to the
(12:32):
stress, it could be poor diet, chronic illness.
Those free radicals build up andcause oxidative damage.
This damages mitochondria DNA, which is more vulnerable than
nuclear DNA. It also reduces efficiency,
causing your body to produce less energy and more waste with
each metabolic cycle. This is often a turning point
(12:56):
where people start to feel chronically fatigue, even if
they're doing all the right things.
Antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E can help,
but only if your body has the resources to make them use it
properly, right? If not, you're just over taxing
out your body. So another common one is
(13:16):
medications. Several commonly prescribed
medications have been linked to mitochondria damage or
depletion. Statins.
People take these for cholesterol.
It can reduce your Co Q10, a critical enzyme in mitochondria
energy production. Antibiotics particularly like
Cipro or Levaquin have been shown to damage mitochondria DNA
(13:37):
in some people. NSAID's like ibuprofen or even
antidepressants can impair mitochondria enzyme function or
increase oxidative strep. Proton pump inhibitors which are
PPI's, these are used for acid reflux.
They can deplete key nutrients like magnesium and B12, starving
your mitochondrial what it needsto run.
(13:58):
So as always, consult with the provider before stopping any
medication, but know the long term use may come at a cost on
your cellular health. Another one will be chronic
infections. Lingering infections can
slightly drain your energy, viruses, EBV, Epson's, Barr
virus, Lyme disease. Another one would be even
reoccurring Candied or H pylori.Keep your immune system on high
(14:22):
alert which diverts energy from other processes.
Your body's fight against infections produces inflammatory
cytokines, which can interfere with mitochondria signaling.
Some pathogens even invade mitochondria directly,
disrupting their structure and function.
This especially common for clients who say, I never bounced
back after that one illness. I never felt the same since the
(14:45):
flu, mono, or Lyme disease. Your lifestyles can also drain
you. These are the ones that people
rarely connect to mitochondria health, but they matter just as
much. Chronic stress and high cortisol
tell your body to prioritize survival, not energy
optimization. Long term stress wears down
(15:05):
adrenal functions and mitochondria output.
Overtraining without recovery time damages muscles.
Mitochondria leads to chronic fatigue.
So are you overtraining? Are you need?
Sometimes you need to slow it down.
You don't need to work out five days a week like they say, every
other day is the proper way to go.
Sleep deprivation distress mitochondria repair cycles,
(15:25):
especially in the brain. Under eating particularly low
carb or calorie restricted dietscan deprive mitochondria of
need, needed nutrients and fuel.Blue light at night impairs
melatonin production. This is a hormone that also
functions as a mitochondrial antioxidant.
So here's another real life story.
(15:46):
I had a client in her early 50s who came to me saying she hadn't
felt right since she had the badflu five years prior.
Since then she had brain fog, low stamina and recurring sinus
infections. She's been diagnosed with post
viral fatigue and put on antidepressant, but nothing
helped her long term. We ran testing for mold and
mycotoxins and sure enough, two of these were elevated.
(16:09):
Her environment was part of the problem.
These toxins were damaging her mitochondria.
We helped her navigate adding liver support and mitochondria
cofactors like glutathione and even magnesium.
She gradually came back to life.She later told me I thought I
had Alzheimer's. It turns out my cells were just
starving. No, it's not about being
perfect. But the more these factors stack
(16:31):
up, the more mitochondria struggles in your body and you
can't meet your body's needs. And this is all something you
should be aware of. So this is where functional
testing is heavily used. We don't just guess if your
mitochondria is suffering. Functional labs can give a clear
window into what's happening. A popular test we always talk
about is organic acid test. This shows mitochondrial
(16:53):
markers. It also evaluates B vitamin
needs, oxidative stress and detox functions, mycotoxin,
heavy metal panels, excess toxinburden that may be interfering
with energy production, Nutrienttest.
Look at magnesium, Coq 10, carnitine, glutathione, and
other mitochondrial critical compounds.
(17:13):
These tests help build the targeted protocols so you're not
just throwing supplements at thewall hoping you're going to get
energy from them. So in this next segment, we'll
dive into exactly what those mitochondria supportive
strategies look like, from the most supportive supplements to
simple daily habits to recharge your energy systems.
Now that you understand what damages mitochondria, let's
(17:36):
focus on what can restore them. Because here's the good news.
Mitochondria are adaptive. They can recover, rebuild, and
even multiply, a process known as mitochondria Biogenesis when
you give your body the right tools.
But you need to know about thoseright tools.
That's where this segment will focus on the most effective
natural strategies to port mitochondria health.
(17:58):
This includes nutrient supplements, food based support,
and lifestyle changes that nourish your body at the
cellular level. Let's break it down into
categories that are easily to integrate.
One would be mitochondria lovingsupplements.
Some supplements have been extensively studied for their
ability to restore mitochondria function, boost ATP production
and reduce oxidative stress. One of those would be Coq 10,
(18:21):
ubiquinol. That's a great one.
You have two different options. Coq 10 or ubiquinol absorbs a
little faster and better in the body, but it is maybe three
times the price. So you can't use Coq 10, just
you have to usually use it as a higher dose, a critical enzyme
in electronic transport chain. It's like a spark plug for
(18:43):
cellular energy. Best form is ubiquinol, right?
Especially for those over 40 in a daily dose a lot of people
take is between 100 and 300 milligrams daily and Azeltine,
alcarnatine, Alkar and there's another one that helps transport
fatty acids into your mitochondria for energy
production also supports brain function and focus.
(19:06):
Most people take dosages between559 milligrams daily taken
usually in the morning, another one PQQ.
This stimulates mitochondria Biogenesis, specially helps
those build new mitochondria. Works well paired with Co Q10.
Dose for that is usually 10 to 20 milligrams daily.
(19:26):
Another one would be magnesium mollate.
Magnesium is a cofactor with over 300 enzymic reactions, but
the maleate form directly supports Krebs cycle.
Usually typical dosage out thereis 200 and 400 milligrams daily.
Then you have NMN or NR and ADD declines with age and stress.
(19:48):
It's vital for energy production, DNA repair and
longevity. NMN 250 to 500 milligrams daily.
NR people usually take 300 and 600 milligrams daily.
D Ribose. It's a sugar molecule that helps
build ATP and support energy. People with fatigue are those
(20:09):
that have fibromyalgia and usually the dose on this is 5
grams one to two times daily. Ala Alpha lipoic acid.
This is an antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants
like vitamin C and glutathione. The dose for that usually is 306
milligrams daily, ideally in ourAla form.
(20:31):
Creatine's a long studied supplement, it's been around for
a long time, has a lot of betterfits to it.
It's not just for athletes. Creatine provides a rapid energy
in cells, supports brain performance and may reduce
mental fatigue. Typical dosage on that, usually
3 to 5g daily. Reminder, always introduce
supplements gradually with the practitioner guidance if you're
(20:51):
dealing with chronic health issues, fatigue, or multiple
medications. Another good thing is
mitochondria support from food. You can also support
mitochondria through targeted nutrition.
Whole nutrient dense foods provide the cofactors needed to
fuel the mitochondria engine beets.
It's a good one rich in nitratesthen improve blood flow and
(21:14):
oxygen delivery to mitochondrial.
Now if you are migraine sensitive to or have any blood
flow issues, taking beats where it improves that blood flow can
cause people to get migraines. Eggs and organ meats like liver
packed with B vitamins, choline,iron and Co Q10 dark leafy
greens, spinach and kale. These are full of magnesium,
(21:36):
antioxidants, wild caught fish, salmon, sardines.
These provide omega-3 selenium and support your mitochondria,
membranes, berries and pomegranates, high end
polyphenols and antioxidants, green tea and matcha.
These contain e.g. CG, e.g.
CG which supports your mitochondria health and fat
(21:58):
metabolism. Prioritize color and variety.
The more vibrate your food, the more antioxidants you're feeding
your mitochondria. Now one people need to do is
focus on their lifestyle, right?Sometimes the best mitochondrial
therapy doesn't come from a bottle, it comes from how you
live. Cold exposure, cold showers,
cryotherapy. This triggers mitochondria
(22:20):
creation and improves resilience.
Sunlight exposure, especially inthe morning, regulates circanium
rhythm and supports mitochondria.
Antioxidants like melatonin. Resistance training at interval
exercises build muscle and improves your mitochondria
density and it'll also enhance your energy metabolism.
(22:41):
Another important one we always harp on is sleep.
Deep restorative sleep is when mitochondria repair peaks.
Aim for 7:00 to 9:00 hours of consistent bedtime.
Be more consistent. Try to stay go in bed at the
same time and waking up at the same time.
Breath work and stress reduction.
Chronic stress reduces mitochondria function.
(23:02):
Breath work, meditation, or even5 minute walk outdoors can
buffer cortisol and restore energy flow.
A balance approach matters too. So one of the biggest mistakes
people make when trying to stimulate energy production on
their body is ready is if you'reoverloaded with toxins, depleted
(23:23):
nutrients, or running in chronicstress mode.
Aggressive mitochondria stimulation, It will backfire.
So you can rebuild before you Rev it up, right?
That's what you want to do, slowand steady.
That is why every mitochondrial protocol I created is based on
testing and a phase strategy. Number one, what we need to
always do is drain the toxins. Is that a 21 day detox?
(23:46):
Is it heavy metal detox? Drain those toxins, sauna
therapy. Next one we go to is repair your
mitochondria with targeted supplements and lifestyle.
Then we want to reinforce with sustainable habits for long term
energy, right? We want to get you on a long
term health plan, not just a quick overnight thing and then
you're sick in four months. The plan is long term.
(24:08):
It's a slow process. So next let's tie it all
together. Let's explore what real life
mitochondria support protocol looks like.
Again, don't just stimulate mitochondria.
Rebuild them with the right nutrients, rest and resiliency
support. It's not like just going to a
doctor to get an antibiotic and you're done and then you're sick
in three months. So again, slow process.
(24:29):
Let's build your body properly, the proper nutrients, proper
rest, proper resiliency support.So let's talk about a supportive
protocol for real life. Now that you learn what damages
mitochondria and how to support them, the next step is a
practical application. How do you take this information
actually use in your life? Because let's be honest, no one
(24:51):
wants a supplement cabinet full of pills they don't understand.
And I think that's where a lot of us are.
Or you don't want a Wellness routine that's overwhelming and
sustainable. This segment's about building
mitochondria, supportive protocol that works for you.
You as an individual. Remember, works for one, doesn't
always work for the other. So it has to be specific to you.
(25:14):
That's why when you do lab testing, if you were to compare
your labs to anyone else's labs,you will never have the same
looking lab. There's a reason for that,
right? Your body's individualized and
need to address it specifically to you.
So stop blindly taking supplements.
So step one, identify the stressors in room of what's
draining you. Before you start stimulating
(25:36):
mitochondrial energy production,you need to stop the leaks.
That means identifying and reducing things that drain your
energy daily sleep debt, right? Are you getting sleep?
Restorative sleep? If not, you know that's where to
start. Nutrient depletion.
A lot of people are experiencingthis.
Are you skipping meals? Are you low nutrient diet?
(25:58):
Under eating is a major mitochondria stressor.
I think that's where a lot of people are at too.
I think a lot of people think they overeat when actually they
under eat. So that's why we talk about food
tracking. Keep track of your food and see,
look at those calories, look at the proper nutrients.
Are you getting enough protein? You get enough carbs, you get
enough sodium. There's a lot of things you need
(26:18):
enough of or you're not going tohave energy.
And a lot of people struggling with energy production too, I
find out are often than one of their main causes.
They under eat, they don't have enough food in their system to
drive their energy production. Another one would be tax and
exposure. Are you drinking from plastic or
using synthetic fragrances or living in the house that maybe
(26:40):
has mold? And this is a hard one to
identify. What can you begin replacing or
eliminating? And when it comes to mold, it's
tough to find if you have mold in your house, right?
Because it could be behind a wall or your bathroom in the
shower could be washer and dryer.
Is there mold exposure there andhow's it affecting you?
(27:00):
Another one, especially in today's society with everybody
working so much and the way the economy is going, it's chronic
stress. Are you stuck in fight or flight
all day long? This can shut down mitochondria,
repair and trigger more oxidative stress.
So again, it doesn't require perfection.
Start by removing one toxin source.
Re establish consistent sleep schedule.
(27:22):
Eat three whole food meals per day.
Create small wins even 1 foundational change can help
your body shift from. Take it a day at a time Step 2.
Assess before you add. Functional lab testing gives you
a clear starting point and mindful objective.
We use organic acid test. This is our most popular.
(27:43):
I'd say organic acid test and food sensitivity tests are two
most popular. The organic acid test reveals
mitochondria function, B vitaminlevels, oxidative stress, detox
markers, and more. The mycotoxin heavy metal
testing. This identifies environmental
burdens that may be shutting down energy systems.
Micronutrient panels. This helps identify deficiencies
(28:05):
like magnesium, Coq 10, carnitine, Ala, glutathione, and
others. This test allows us to build
targeted supplement protocols specific to you based on your
test levels. Then we build those protocols to
do what works best for you. So instead of throwing
supplements at your fatigue, we pinpoint what your body actually
(28:26):
needs a long term. You save money because you're
not wasting supplements and you're not damaging your body
further. So if testing isn't available
right now, you can still begin with a food based support,
foundational supplements like magnesium, Coq 10, and lifestyle
upgrades. But remember, testing removes
the guesswork. You know exactly what's wrong
(28:46):
and you know exactly how to utilize which protocol to
address it. Step 3.
Build a layered protocol. A strong mitochondrial support
protocol follows a phase based approach.
Phase one, Rebuild the foundation.
You focus on sleep, blood sugar balance and digestive health.
And then magnesium. Be complex and basic
(29:07):
antioxidants. Introduce nutrient dense meals
with protein, healthy fats and colorful vegetables.
Phase two. This is where we repair and
restore added targeted mitochondria.
Supplement support such as Coq 10, carnitine, PQQ NAD gentle
(29:27):
stimulate mitochondria Biogenesis with cold exposure,
strength training or morning sunsupport.
Detox with binders. This could be activated charcoal
or zeolite. If toxin load is high, then we
go to phase 3, recalibrate and maintain.
We adjust based on symptom progress.
We want to follow up on lab markers and this is where we say
(29:50):
like a three month commitment, 6month commitment because we do
that, we do this multiple phase approach.
You go through this, you here's your results.
Here's where your results state this is supplements suggested
you take those supplements, OK, And one month goes by, we have a
call. How you doing?
OK, you're still not feeling right, your energy still low.
OK, let's introduce this supplement or let's increase
(30:13):
that supplement and then talk about month 3.
Let's transition to that long term plan.
Are you doing the correct habits?
Do you need your plan adjusted? We adjust that plan and go to
month 4. How you feeling?
Your energy's coming back. OK, you could get off these
supplements. How's your nutrition?
OK, let's go to this next step. And then six months down the
(30:34):
line, how do you feel? And most people feel like a new
person, but you have to follow the program, right?
That's the big thing right thereis following that program.
There's a protocol for you specifically to you that could
help rebalance your body. Follow that protocol to the T
and we talk you along the way togive you the proper support and
(30:55):
that you fall off track. That's what we're here for too,
to get you back on track. Another one you want to do is
rotate or cycle supplements based on energy seasons and
stress levels. That's where we work with you on
that step four. We want to stay monitoring and
adjusting. Keep tracking your progress.
This matters. Energy is a lagging indicator,
meaning it can take time for improvements to show.
(31:17):
Here's how we monitor you. Keep a simple log of energy,
mood, sleep, and exercise tolerance.
Pay attention to how your body responds to new supplements.
Are you crashing? Feeling better?
Are you feeling overstimulated? Adjust based on season, stress,
and recovery needs. Healing isn't linear.
You got to be patient. Mitochondria doesn't respond
overnight, but give it 3090 daysof consistent support and many
(31:41):
people report major shift changeand clarity, stamina,
resilience. As we always say, it takes time.
Nothing's overnight. It didn't take your body
overnight to feel it the way it does.
Not going to be repaired and rebalance overnight.
So let it take its time. Understand these protocols will
work. It's just a matter of time.
Just like you take a antibiotic and you're still sick.
(32:02):
And then most people are like, Ican't believe I took antibiotic
7 days and I'm still sick. But you know what, a lot of them
trust that antibiotic, but a lotof people don't seem to trust
the supplement side. And that's where we got to
change that mind state saying you know what just takes time,
just got to be consistent and things will improve.
So here's another real life example.
One of my clients, 42 year old teacher came in after months of
(32:26):
unexplained fatigue. Her basic labs were fine, she
felt awful. After running organic acid
tests, we found mitochondria, stress and low B vitamin
markers. She started a Taylor protocol
with Coq 10, magnesiumylate, better sleep hygiene, and daily
beat smoothies. Within six weeks, her brain fog
lifted. She no longer needed caffeine to
(32:47):
survive the work day. By month 3, she's back to
walking three miles a day without crashing.
That's why it's possible. When you support the root of
your energy system, you don't have to push through exhaustion
or accept burnout as your new normal.
Mitochondria health is a foundation of real energy and
real healing. Or wrap things up and share how
Mindful Objective can support your health through personalized
(33:10):
lab testing, expert protocols, and clear guidance on your path
to renewal. At Mindful Objective, we build
protocols around functional testresults and real life goals.
You don't need a diagnosis. Start feeling better.
You just need data and direction.
What's the whole goal of these podcasts?
To help people out there. Help educate people.
And there's different ways to heal your body, especially with
(33:31):
many of us been through these nightmare scenarios of doctor
after doctor to have no luck andjust get to the point where
it's, man, this is my life. This is what I have to deal with
forever until I die. That's that's where I took this
journey on myself because of thewhole migraine issues.
And it just led me to learn all this different things that your
(33:54):
body can heal. It just takes time.
And it's not based on pharmaceuticals.
So it's, it's a learning process.
But again, we're here to educateyou and if you have any
questions, never hesitate to reach out because that's what
we're here for. We want to get you on the right
path. As always, this shows for
educational purposes only, we donot diagnose, treat, or cure any
(34:15):
illness or disease. But if you're tired all the
time, struggling to focus, or feel like your body just isn't
bouncing back the way it used to, it's time to look deeper.
Mitochondria may be the missing link.
You don't have to do this by yourself.
That's why I say three to six months.
Let's slowly work with you everymonth.
We'll have to usually adjust andI get you on the right path.
(34:36):
O energy is your life force. Let's rotect and rebuild it cell
by cell. If you found this episode
valuable, share with someone who's always exhausted.
Head to mindfulobjective.com to explore how we can help.
Stay curious, stay grounded. Stay well.
Welcome to Mindful Objective, the podcast where we explore the
root causes of health concerns and uncover holistic tools to
restore balance. I'm your host, Doctor Daniels
Pearl, Integrative health practitioner professor, and
today we're diving into something foundational that
doesn't get enough attention. Your mitochondria.
These microscopic powerhouses are responsible for producing
energy in every cell of your body.
(00:22):
When they're sluggish, you feel it.
Fatigue, poor focus, slow metabolism, hormone issues, even
on mood imbalances. Yet most people never think to
look on what's going on at the cellular level.
In this episode, we'll explore the role mitochondria plays and
energy, mood and metabolism. Hear real life stories.
Understand symptoms that suggestyour mitochondria knee Support
(00:46):
functional lab tests to reveal mitochondria dysfunction.
Natural waste. Improve cellular energy from
supplements to lifestyle and howchronic stress, toxins and
nutrient depletion slowly wraps your cells of vitality.
If you're always tired, no matter how much you sleep or if
you plateaued in your healing journey, this episode's for you.
(01:06):
As always, this shows for educational purposes only.
We do not diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease.
Let's get into it. So let's start with the simple
but powerful truth. If your mitochondria aren't
working well, nothing your body works well.
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of the cell, and
for a good reason. These reside nearly in every
(01:29):
cell of the body and are responsible for producing ATP,
the energy currency your cells need to function.
From pumping your heart to firing neurons in your brain,
synthesizing hormones, detoxifying harmful substances,
repairing tissues, digesting food, none of it happens
efficiently without mitochondriaenergy.
(01:49):
So now if you're thinking that sounds important, but what does
it have to do with me feeling tired all the time, here's a
connection. When your mitochondria aren't
functioning properly, your cellsdon't get the fuel they need.
And when the cells don't have the energy, your organs and
systems begin to underperform. That's the wired but tired
feeling, the brain fog, the chronic muscle soreness.
(02:10):
Reduce tolerance for exercise, even hormonal symptoms like poor
libido. Mood swings are disrupted
cycles. Many of these trace back to the
cellular level, and often it's mitochondria.
Let's look at just a few higher energy systems that depend
heavily on mitochondria output. 1 would be your brain.
Neurons are energy intensive. Mitochondria dysfunction can
(02:33):
impair neurotransmitter production, leading to mood
disorders, anxiety, and cognitive fog.
Another one would be your heart.The heart never stops a beating.
You hope, right? Mitochondria ensures constant
energy availability. Fatigue or shortness of breath
can be signs your heart's cellular engines are
underpowered. Another one would be your
(02:55):
muscles. Right?
Muscle tissues rely on ATP to contract and recover.
If you feel sore easily or you can't bounce back after workouts
like you used to, it's worth looking at mitochondria
function. Another one would be liver and
detox pathways. Detoxification, methylation, and
other metabolic processes all depend on ATP.
(03:15):
Whether mitochondria falter, detox slows down, allowing toxic
burns to slowly build up in yoursystem.
It's not just physical symptoms either.
When your body is low on energy,it reroutes resources toward
basic survival, not optimization.
This is why people struggle withmitochondria dysfunction.
Also experience poor motivation,mental burnout, or general sense
(03:37):
of just not feeling myself. I think that's a lot of us out
there. So what causes mitochondria to
go from mighty to malfunctioning?
The answer is multifactorial butoften comes down a combination
of oxidative stress from inflammation or poor antioxidant
reserves. Toxin exposure.
This could be mold, metals, pesticides, nutrient depletion,
(04:02):
especially B vitamins. Co, Q10, magnesium, chronic
stress and high cortisol. Mitochondria, DNA damage.
This could be from aging, infections, or it could also be
from medications. And here's something most people
don't know. Mitochondria dysfunction doesn't
always show up on standard blow work that conventional blood
(04:23):
work. Are they looking for that?
A lot of times it will not show up.
So you could have normal CBC, normal thyroid levels, and even
decent iron panel but still be dragging because your cells
can't make energy efficiently. That's why integrative and
functional testing is so important.
Just know when clients come in with low energy, mysterious
(04:45):
fatigue, or stalled healing progress.
I often consider mitochondria health early on.
It's a root cause layer many people never get to explore.
The good news is mitochondrios are adaptable.
They can recover, rebuild, and multiply if given the right
inputs. You can go from fatigue to
burnout to energy, clarity and resilience once again.
(05:06):
So in this next segment, we'll break down the signs and
symptoms that might be signal and mitochondria dysfunction.
Even if you never heard of the word mitochondria until today,
let's talk how you know when your mitochondria aren't
functioning optimally. Most people don't walk in a
clinic saying I think my mitochondria are struggling.
(05:27):
They come in saying I always feel tired, I can't focus, my
workouts drain me, my moods all over the place are simply I
don't feel like myself. These are signs.
They're often more subtle, just enough to dismiss a tribute to
age, stress or being busy. But over time, they add up.
And for many people, these are actually the early red flags of
(05:49):
mitochondria dysfunction. So what does it look like when
your cellular engines are underpowered?
Common symptoms of low mitochondrial function One would
be chronic fatigue. This is probably the most
common. You sleep but never feel truly
rested. You need coffee to function.
You crash hard midday or early evening.
(06:11):
Think that's a lot of us? Another common one is brain fog.
Thoughts feel slow or scrambled.You forget names, lose track of
conversations, or struggle to concentrate on tasks.
What about this one? Mood shifts, low grade anxiety
or depression, irritability or emotional reactivity are all
(06:32):
common when your brain can't fuel neurotransmitter
productions properly. Exercise intolerance.
What used to be a normal workoutnow leaves you depleted.
You recover more slowly and feelsore for days.
Normally you're used to doing this treadmill work and now
you're due to treadmill. Man, I'm so tired.
I lifted these light weights. You know, like man, I feel like
(06:53):
I lifted such heavy weights again.
Exercise intolerance. Something to look into now.
There might be muscle weakness or heaviness.
Everyday tasks feel harder. Walking uphill, carrying
groceries or even standing for long periods become tiring.
Another common one is cold handsand feet.
This can single sluggish metabolic activity at the
(07:15):
cellular level. Poor stress resilience is
another one. You get overwhelmed easily,
emotionally shut down, or physically crash after
stressors. These are just a few examples,
but they're powerful clues when they show up in patterns.
So here's the problem. Mitochondria dysfunction mimics
other conditions. You might think it's your
(07:36):
thyroid, adrenals, or even depression, and those can
absolutely overlap. But if you treat those without
addressing mitochondria, you're missing the foundation.
That is why so many people bounce from practitioner to
practitioner without relief. They ruled out anemia, thyroid
issues, blood sugar problems, but they're still exhausted.
(07:58):
The root issue may be this. Their cells can't make enough
energy to meet their bodies demands.
Now let's make it even more real.
Think about the last time you had a week where everything felt
off. You woke up tired, had brain fog
by 10 AM, felt edgy for no reason, couldn't finish your
workout. You tried to power through,
(08:18):
maybe blame stress or poor sleep, but it kept happening.
What if it wasn't just life, buta sign that your mitochondria is
running low? And I don't think a lot of
people know about this. So if that resonates with you,
you're not alone. I see it often in my integrative
health practice and usually a clue is to dig deeper.
But we have to know those symptoms and understand what you
(08:40):
tried, what you haven't tried, what you're taking, and go from
there. So let's look at one real life
client story. 38 year old mom oftwo came in saying I just
thought I was lazy. She's been dragging herself
through today for over a year. No matter how much she slept,
she woke up tired. She's giving up on working out
completely because she never recovered and felt sore for
(09:01):
days. Her doctor ran standard blood
work. It all looked normal.
She was told to manage stress and drink more water.
We hear that a lot. But we ran deeper panel
including organic acid tests anduncovered mitochondria markers
that were just off the charts. Her cells weren't producing
energy well. Once we addressed nutrient
depletion, especially B vitaminsand carnitine, and support her
(09:23):
mitochondria with Coq 10 and gentle detox, she finally got
her energy back. Her words.
It feels like someone flipped the lights back on.
It's amazing story, but takes time and there there is options
out there. Just know that.
So let's understand how to distinguish mitochondria issues
from other fatigue sources out there.
(09:43):
Here are a few comparisons. Adrenal fatigue often feels like
burnout and may include low cortisol, poor sleep, or
cravings for salt and sugar. Mitochondria issues often
include those, plus deeper energy crashes, cognitive
issues, and usually sluggish physical recovery.
Another one that's very common is thyroid issues.
(10:04):
This usually affects your metabolism, weight and mood.
But if your thyroid labs look decent and your energy still
missing, mitochondria may be themissing link.
Another common one is depression.
This can involve low motivation,but in mitochondrial
dysfunction, it often pairs withthe physical symptoms like
weakness, brain fog, and poor exercise tolerance.
(10:26):
And sometimes all of these are interconnected.
Mitochondria don't work in isolation.
They respond to hormones, nutrients, stress, toxins in
your lifestyle habits. That's why integrative health is
so powerful compared to conventional medicine.
If there's a big difference there, we look at the whole
picture. We're going to unpack the hidden
factors that damage mitochondriaover time.
(10:47):
These are things you might be exposed to every single day, but
sometimes the real issues is your cells can't generate energy
efficiently. And remember, that's a
mitochondria problem. So let's talk about if
mitochondria are the energy factories in your body, then
understanding what breaks down is very crucial.
Most people are surprised to learn that they're low energy
(11:09):
isn't just about bad night sleepor getting older.
It's often about long term exposure to factors that were
down your body's ability to makeenergy at the cellular level.
A lot of people do not understand there's a cellular
level or just don't have that knowledge.
So these hidden stressors may bein your food, environment,
lifestyle, or even your medicinecabinet.
Let's break down the top culprits that quietly sabotage
(11:31):
mitochondria health. A common one is environmental
toxins. We live in a toxic world.
Pesticides, mold, air pollution,plastics, and heavy metals like
mercury, lead, or aluminum can all be harmful to your
mitochondria. Mold toxins.
Mycotoxins. They can directly damage
mitochondria membranes, making it harder for your cells to
(11:52):
produce energy. Glyphosate and other pesticides
interfere with mitochondria enzymes and nutrient
absorptions. Heavy metals.
This could be dental fillings, contaminated fish, or industrial
exposure. These compete with essential
minerals like magnesium and zinc, which are vital for
mitochondria enzymes. The worst part?
(12:12):
These exposures often go unnoticed.
You may not see or smell them, but they can build up in your
tissues over time. Especially detox pathways are
sluggish. Another one would be oxidative
stress and inflammation. Your mitochondria naturally
produce some free radicals as byproducts of energy production.
But when your antioxidant defenses are low due to the
(12:32):
stress, it could be poor diet, chronic illness.
Those free radicals build up andcause oxidative damage.
This damages mitochondria DNA, which is more vulnerable than
nuclear DNA. It also reduces efficiency,
causing your body to produce less energy and more waste with
each metabolic cycle. This is often a turning point
(12:56):
where people start to feel chronically fatigue, even if
they're doing all the right things.
Antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E can help,
but only if your body has the resources to make them use it
properly, right? If not, you're just over taxing
out your body. So another common one is
(13:16):
medications. Several commonly prescribed
medications have been linked to mitochondria damage or
depletion. Statins.
People take these for cholesterol.
It can reduce your Co Q10, a critical enzyme in mitochondria
energy production. Antibiotics particularly like
Cipro or Levaquin have been shown to damage mitochondria DNA
(13:37):
in some people. NSAID's like ibuprofen or even
antidepressants can impair mitochondria enzyme function or
increase oxidative strep. Proton pump inhibitors which are
PPI's, these are used for acid reflux.
They can deplete key nutrients like magnesium and B12, starving
your mitochondrial what it needsto run.
(13:58):
So as always, consult with the provider before stopping any
medication, but know the long term use may come at a cost on
your cellular health. Another one will be chronic
infections. Lingering infections can
slightly drain your energy, viruses, EBV, Epson's, Barr
virus, Lyme disease. Another one would be even
reoccurring Candied or H pylori.Keep your immune system on high
(14:22):
alert which diverts energy from other processes.
Your body's fight against infections produces inflammatory
cytokines, which can interfere with mitochondria signaling.
Some pathogens even invade mitochondria directly,
disrupting their structure and function.
This especially common for clients who say, I never bounced
back after that one illness. I never felt the same since the
(14:45):
flu, mono, or Lyme disease. Your lifestyles can also drain
you. These are the ones that people
rarely connect to mitochondria health, but they matter just as
much. Chronic stress and high cortisol
tell your body to prioritize survival, not energy
optimization. Long term stress wears down
(15:05):
adrenal functions and mitochondria output.
Overtraining without recovery time damages muscles.
Mitochondria leads to chronic fatigue.
So are you overtraining? Are you need?
Sometimes you need to slow it down.
You don't need to work out five days a week like they say, every
other day is the proper way to go.
Sleep deprivation distress mitochondria repair cycles,
(15:25):
especially in the brain. Under eating particularly low
carb or calorie restricted dietscan deprive mitochondria of
need, needed nutrients and fuel.Blue light at night impairs
melatonin production. This is a hormone that also
functions as a mitochondrial antioxidant.
So here's another real life story.
(15:46):
I had a client in her early 50s who came to me saying she hadn't
felt right since she had the badflu five years prior.
Since then she had brain fog, low stamina and recurring sinus
infections. She's been diagnosed with post
viral fatigue and put on antidepressant, but nothing
helped her long term. We ran testing for mold and
mycotoxins and sure enough, two of these were elevated.
(16:09):
Her environment was part of the problem.
These toxins were damaging her mitochondria.
We helped her navigate adding liver support and mitochondria
cofactors like glutathione and even magnesium.
She gradually came back to life.She later told me I thought I
had Alzheimer's. It turns out my cells were just
starving. No, it's not about being
perfect. But the more these factors stack
(16:31):
up, the more mitochondria struggles in your body and you
can't meet your body's needs. And this is all something you
should be aware of. So this is where functional
testing is heavily used. We don't just guess if your
mitochondria is suffering. Functional labs can give a clear
window into what's happening. A popular test we always talk
about is organic acid test. This shows mitochondrial
(16:53):
markers. It also evaluates B vitamin
needs, oxidative stress and detox functions, mycotoxin,
heavy metal panels, excess toxinburden that may be interfering
with energy production, Nutrienttest.
Look at magnesium, Coq 10, carnitine, glutathione, and
other mitochondrial critical compounds.
(17:13):
These tests help build the targeted protocols so you're not
just throwing supplements at thewall hoping you're going to get
energy from them. So in this next segment, we'll
dive into exactly what those mitochondria supportive
strategies look like, from the most supportive supplements to
simple daily habits to recharge your energy systems.
Now that you understand what damages mitochondria, let's
(17:36):
focus on what can restore them. Because here's the good news.
Mitochondria are adaptive. They can recover, rebuild, and
even multiply, a process known as mitochondria Biogenesis when
you give your body the right tools.
But you need to know about thoseright tools.
That's where this segment will focus on the most effective
natural strategies to port mitochondria health.
(17:58):
This includes nutrient supplements, food based support,
and lifestyle changes that nourish your body at the
cellular level. Let's break it down into
categories that are easily to integrate.
One would be mitochondria lovingsupplements.
Some supplements have been extensively studied for their
ability to restore mitochondria function, boost ATP production
and reduce oxidative stress. One of those would be Coq 10,
(18:21):
ubiquinol. That's a great one.
You have two different options. Coq 10 or ubiquinol absorbs a
little faster and better in the body, but it is maybe three
times the price. So you can't use Coq 10, just
you have to usually use it as a higher dose, a critical enzyme
in electronic transport chain. It's like a spark plug for
(18:43):
cellular energy. Best form is ubiquinol, right?
Especially for those over 40 in a daily dose a lot of people
take is between 100 and 300 milligrams daily and Azeltine,
alcarnatine, Alkar and there's another one that helps transport
fatty acids into your mitochondria for energy
production also supports brain function and focus.
(19:06):
Most people take dosages between559 milligrams daily taken
usually in the morning, another one PQQ.
This stimulates mitochondria Biogenesis, specially helps
those build new mitochondria. Works well paired with Co Q10.
Dose for that is usually 10 to 20 milligrams daily.
(19:26):
Another one would be magnesium mollate.
Magnesium is a cofactor with over 300 enzymic reactions, but
the maleate form directly supports Krebs cycle.
Usually typical dosage out thereis 200 and 400 milligrams daily.
Then you have NMN or NR and ADD declines with age and stress.
(19:48):
It's vital for energy production, DNA repair and
longevity. NMN 250 to 500 milligrams daily.
NR people usually take 300 and 600 milligrams daily.
D Ribose. It's a sugar molecule that helps
build ATP and support energy. People with fatigue are those
(20:09):
that have fibromyalgia and usually the dose on this is 5
grams one to two times daily. Ala Alpha lipoic acid.
This is an antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants
like vitamin C and glutathione. The dose for that usually is 306
milligrams daily, ideally in ourAla form.
(20:31):
Creatine's a long studied supplement, it's been around for
a long time, has a lot of betterfits to it.
It's not just for athletes. Creatine provides a rapid energy
in cells, supports brain performance and may reduce
mental fatigue. Typical dosage on that, usually
3 to 5g daily. Reminder, always introduce
supplements gradually with the practitioner guidance if you're
(20:51):
dealing with chronic health issues, fatigue, or multiple
medications. Another good thing is
mitochondria support from food. You can also support
mitochondria through targeted nutrition.
Whole nutrient dense foods provide the cofactors needed to
fuel the mitochondria engine beets.
It's a good one rich in nitratesthen improve blood flow and
(21:14):
oxygen delivery to mitochondrial.
Now if you are migraine sensitive to or have any blood
flow issues, taking beats where it improves that blood flow can
cause people to get migraines. Eggs and organ meats like liver
packed with B vitamins, choline,iron and Co Q10 dark leafy
greens, spinach and kale. These are full of magnesium,
(21:36):
antioxidants, wild caught fish, salmon, sardines.
These provide omega-3 selenium and support your mitochondria,
membranes, berries and pomegranates, high end
polyphenols and antioxidants, green tea and matcha.
These contain e.g. CG, e.g.
CG which supports your mitochondria health and fat
(21:58):
metabolism. Prioritize color and variety.
The more vibrate your food, the more antioxidants you're feeding
your mitochondria. Now one people need to do is
focus on their lifestyle, right?Sometimes the best mitochondrial
therapy doesn't come from a bottle, it comes from how you
live. Cold exposure, cold showers,
cryotherapy. This triggers mitochondria
(22:20):
creation and improves resilience.
Sunlight exposure, especially inthe morning, regulates circanium
rhythm and supports mitochondria.
Antioxidants like melatonin. Resistance training at interval
exercises build muscle and improves your mitochondria
density and it'll also enhance your energy metabolism.
(22:41):
Another important one we always harp on is sleep.
Deep restorative sleep is when mitochondria repair peaks.
Aim for 7:00 to 9:00 hours of consistent bedtime.
Be more consistent. Try to stay go in bed at the
same time and waking up at the same time.
Breath work and stress reduction.
Chronic stress reduces mitochondria function.
(23:02):
Breath work, meditation, or even5 minute walk outdoors can
buffer cortisol and restore energy flow.
A balance approach matters too. So one of the biggest mistakes
people make when trying to stimulate energy production on
their body is ready is if you'reoverloaded with toxins, depleted
(23:23):
nutrients, or running in chronicstress mode.
Aggressive mitochondria stimulation, It will backfire.
So you can rebuild before you Rev it up, right?
That's what you want to do, slowand steady.
That is why every mitochondrial protocol I created is based on
testing and a phase strategy. Number one, what we need to
always do is drain the toxins. Is that a 21 day detox?
(23:46):
Is it heavy metal detox? Drain those toxins, sauna
therapy. Next one we go to is repair your
mitochondria with targeted supplements and lifestyle.
Then we want to reinforce with sustainable habits for long term
energy, right? We want to get you on a long
term health plan, not just a quick overnight thing and then
you're sick in four months. The plan is long term.
(24:08):
It's a slow process. So next let's tie it all
together. Let's explore what real life
mitochondria support protocol looks like.
Again, don't just stimulate mitochondria.
Rebuild them with the right nutrients, rest and resiliency
support. It's not like just going to a
doctor to get an antibiotic and you're done and then you're sick
in three months. So again, slow process.
(24:29):
Let's build your body properly, the proper nutrients, proper
rest, proper resiliency support.So let's talk about a supportive
protocol for real life. Now that you learn what damages
mitochondria and how to support them, the next step is a
practical application. How do you take this information
actually use in your life? Because let's be honest, no one
(24:51):
wants a supplement cabinet full of pills they don't understand.
And I think that's where a lot of us are.
Or you don't want a Wellness routine that's overwhelming and
sustainable. This segment's about building
mitochondria, supportive protocol that works for you.
You as an individual. Remember, works for one, doesn't
always work for the other. So it has to be specific to you.
(25:14):
That's why when you do lab testing, if you were to compare
your labs to anyone else's labs,you will never have the same
looking lab. There's a reason for that,
right? Your body's individualized and
need to address it specifically to you.
So stop blindly taking supplements.
So step one, identify the stressors in room of what's
draining you. Before you start stimulating
(25:36):
mitochondrial energy production,you need to stop the leaks.
That means identifying and reducing things that drain your
energy daily sleep debt, right? Are you getting sleep?
Restorative sleep? If not, you know that's where to
start. Nutrient depletion.
A lot of people are experiencingthis.
Are you skipping meals? Are you low nutrient diet?
(25:58):
Under eating is a major mitochondria stressor.
I think that's where a lot of people are at too.
I think a lot of people think they overeat when actually they
under eat. So that's why we talk about food
tracking. Keep track of your food and see,
look at those calories, look at the proper nutrients.
Are you getting enough protein? You get enough carbs, you get
enough sodium. There's a lot of things you need
(26:18):
enough of or you're not going tohave energy.
And a lot of people struggling with energy production too, I
find out are often than one of their main causes.
They under eat, they don't have enough food in their system to
drive their energy production. Another one would be tax and
exposure. Are you drinking from plastic or
using synthetic fragrances or living in the house that maybe
(26:40):
has mold? And this is a hard one to
identify. What can you begin replacing or
eliminating? And when it comes to mold, it's
tough to find if you have mold in your house, right?
Because it could be behind a wall or your bathroom in the
shower could be washer and dryer.
Is there mold exposure there andhow's it affecting you?
(27:00):
Another one, especially in today's society with everybody
working so much and the way the economy is going, it's chronic
stress. Are you stuck in fight or flight
all day long? This can shut down mitochondria,
repair and trigger more oxidative stress.
So again, it doesn't require perfection.
Start by removing one toxin source.
Re establish consistent sleep schedule.
(27:22):
Eat three whole food meals per day.
Create small wins even 1 foundational change can help
your body shift from. Take it a day at a time Step 2.
Assess before you add. Functional lab testing gives you
a clear starting point and mindful objective.
We use organic acid test. This is our most popular.
(27:43):
I'd say organic acid test and food sensitivity tests are two
most popular. The organic acid test reveals
mitochondria function, B vitaminlevels, oxidative stress, detox
markers, and more. The mycotoxin heavy metal
testing. This identifies environmental
burdens that may be shutting down energy systems.
Micronutrient panels. This helps identify deficiencies
(28:05):
like magnesium, Coq 10, carnitine, Ala, glutathione, and
others. This test allows us to build
targeted supplement protocols specific to you based on your
test levels. Then we build those protocols to
do what works best for you. So instead of throwing
supplements at your fatigue, we pinpoint what your body actually
(28:26):
needs a long term. You save money because you're
not wasting supplements and you're not damaging your body
further. So if testing isn't available
right now, you can still begin with a food based support,
foundational supplements like magnesium, Coq 10, and lifestyle
upgrades. But remember, testing removes
the guesswork. You know exactly what's wrong
(28:46):
and you know exactly how to utilize which protocol to
address it. Step 3.
Build a layered protocol. A strong mitochondrial support
protocol follows a phase based approach.
Phase one, Rebuild the foundation.
You focus on sleep, blood sugar balance and digestive health.
And then magnesium. Be complex and basic
(29:07):
antioxidants. Introduce nutrient dense meals
with protein, healthy fats and colorful vegetables.
Phase two. This is where we repair and
restore added targeted mitochondria.
Supplement support such as Coq 10, carnitine, PQQ NAD gentle
(29:27):
stimulate mitochondria Biogenesis with cold exposure,
strength training or morning sunsupport.
Detox with binders. This could be activated charcoal
or zeolite. If toxin load is high, then we
go to phase 3, recalibrate and maintain.
We adjust based on symptom progress.
We want to follow up on lab markers and this is where we say
(29:50):
like a three month commitment, 6month commitment because we do
that, we do this multiple phase approach.
You go through this, you here's your results.
Here's where your results state this is supplements suggested
you take those supplements, OK, And one month goes by, we have a
call. How you doing?
OK, you're still not feeling right, your energy still low.
OK, let's introduce this supplement or let's increase
(30:13):
that supplement and then talk about month 3.
Let's transition to that long term plan.
Are you doing the correct habits?
Do you need your plan adjusted? We adjust that plan and go to
month 4. How you feeling?
Your energy's coming back. OK, you could get off these
supplements. How's your nutrition?
OK, let's go to this next step. And then six months down the
(30:34):
line, how do you feel? And most people feel like a new
person, but you have to follow the program, right?
That's the big thing right thereis following that program.
There's a protocol for you specifically to you that could
help rebalance your body. Follow that protocol to the T
and we talk you along the way togive you the proper support and
(30:55):
that you fall off track. That's what we're here for too,
to get you back on track. Another one you want to do is
rotate or cycle supplements based on energy seasons and
stress levels. That's where we work with you on
that step four. We want to stay monitoring and
adjusting. Keep tracking your progress.
This matters. Energy is a lagging indicator,
meaning it can take time for improvements to show.
(31:17):
Here's how we monitor you. Keep a simple log of energy,
mood, sleep, and exercise tolerance.
Pay attention to how your body responds to new supplements.
Are you crashing? Feeling better?
Are you feeling overstimulated? Adjust based on season, stress,
and recovery needs. Healing isn't linear.
You got to be patient. Mitochondria doesn't respond
overnight, but give it 3090 daysof consistent support and many
(31:41):
people report major shift changeand clarity, stamina,
resilience. As we always say, it takes time.
Nothing's overnight. It didn't take your body
overnight to feel it the way it does.
Not going to be repaired and rebalance overnight.
So let it take its time. Understand these protocols will
work. It's just a matter of time.
Just like you take a antibiotic and you're still sick.
(32:02):
And then most people are like, Ican't believe I took antibiotic
7 days and I'm still sick. But you know what, a lot of them
trust that antibiotic, but a lotof people don't seem to trust
the supplement side. And that's where we got to
change that mind state saying you know what just takes time,
just got to be consistent and things will improve.
So here's another real life example.
One of my clients, 42 year old teacher came in after months of
(32:26):
unexplained fatigue. Her basic labs were fine, she
felt awful. After running organic acid
tests, we found mitochondria, stress and low B vitamin
markers. She started a Taylor protocol
with Coq 10, magnesiumylate, better sleep hygiene, and daily
beat smoothies. Within six weeks, her brain fog
lifted. She no longer needed caffeine to
(32:47):
survive the work day. By month 3, she's back to
walking three miles a day without crashing.
That's why it's possible. When you support the root of
your energy system, you don't have to push through exhaustion
or accept burnout as your new normal.
Mitochondria health is a foundation of real energy and
real healing. Or wrap things up and share how
Mindful Objective can support your health through personalized
(33:10):
lab testing, expert protocols, and clear guidance on your path
to renewal. At Mindful Objective, we build
protocols around functional testresults and real life goals.
You don't need a diagnosis. Start feeling better.
You just need data and direction.
What's the whole goal of these podcasts?
To help people out there. Help educate people.
And there's different ways to heal your body, especially with
(33:31):
many of us been through these nightmare scenarios of doctor
after doctor to have no luck andjust get to the point where
it's, man, this is my life. This is what I have to deal with
forever until I die. That's that's where I took this
journey on myself because of thewhole migraine issues.
And it just led me to learn all this different things that your
(33:54):
body can heal. It just takes time.
And it's not based on pharmaceuticals.
So it's, it's a learning process.
But again, we're here to educateyou and if you have any
questions, never hesitate to reach out because that's what
we're here for. We want to get you on the right
path. As always, this shows for
educational purposes only, we donot diagnose, treat, or cure any
(34:15):
illness or disease. But if you're tired all the
time, struggling to focus, or feel like your body just isn't
bouncing back the way it used to, it's time to look deeper.
Mitochondria may be the missing link.
You don't have to do this by yourself.
That's why I say three to six months.
Let's slowly work with you everymonth.
We'll have to usually adjust andI get you on the right path.
(34:36):
O energy is your life force. Let's rotect and rebuild it cell
by cell. If you found this episode
valuable, share with someone who's always exhausted.
Head to mindfulobjective.com to explore how we can help.
Stay curious, stay grounded. Stay well.
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