Mitochondria: The Energy Factories of Cells

In the Inflammation series, we have seen that chronic inflammation is behind many lifestyle diseases.

But where does this inflammation start? The answer lies within the cells of our body.

And there we find the mitochondria.

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the energy factories inside the cells.

Just like if a power plant in a city shuts down, the whole city slows down, similarly if mitochondria do not work properly, the body's energy production decreases.

How is energy produced?

From the food we eat, the body gets:

• glucose • fatty acids

These components go into the mitochondria and produce ATP - the energy currency of the body.

This energy powers the heart, brain, muscles, and every cell in the body.

An important point:

Organs that require more energy have more mitochondria, especially the heart, brain, and muscles.

What is the connection with inflammation?

When mitochondria do not function well:

→ energy production decreases → oxidative stress increases - chemical stress on cells causing oxygen-related damage → inflammatory signals in the body increase

This means if mitochondria are damaged, inflammation can start.

What we see in the OPD:

Some people say, “Doctor, I feel very tired but my reports are almost normal.”

Often, the problem lies in the body's energy system.

Effects of today's lifestyle:

• less physical activity • processed food • high sugar intake • lack of sleep • constant stress

Gradually, these weaken mitochondria and chronic inflammation can increase.

To understand inflammation, one must understand cellular energy.

Do you think more people should know what happens inside the body?

👍 Yes, definitely 🙂 Useful information 📚 Looking forward to the next post

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Science-based discussions about health rarely happen.

Dr Ravindra L Kulkarni MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts