By Karen Unsworth Berger, BAA TFH

(The information on this web site is not meant to replace proper medical care, but as information and support only.  Always consult your medical professional before implementing changes.  Supplements may be contraindicated with some medications.) 

Dr. Frank Schallenberger has been studying mitochondrial function for almost 5 decades and is a world leader in the field.  He has also come up with a way to accurately assess mitochondrial function using specialized equipment and software.  He has observed that mitochondrial function is an accurate indicator of  long term health, and longevity.  Excess fatigue, degeneration, and aging are clear indicators of low mitochondrial function.   Youthful, optimal mitochondrial function is vital for longevity and has an established impact on healing and vitality. 

After searching for milenia, evidence suggests that we may have a "biological fountain of youth" built right into our cells.  All we have to do is protect and optimise it.  

Fatigue is a primary indicator that your mitochondrial function is low.  The mitochondria are the energy factories, or "car batteries" and are found in all cells except red blood cells.  The energy they produce is called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the principle molecule for storing and transfering energy in cells.  ATP is often referred to as the "energy currency" of a cell, and can be compared to storing money in your bank account. You may have a Ferrari in your garage but if the battery is not functioning, it’s not much use - or if your bank account is empty and you want to buy food, it may not be easy!  Our mitochondria produce about 90% of the energy in our bodies, as well as 90% of the "exhaust", or, oxidative stress. This is natural, and the mitochondria can keep everything balanced as long as there are bioavailable minerals.  The mitochondria in each type of cell, for example liver, bone, or brain cells,  may respond to different types of support. 

If we can't make energy, we can't have optimal health, and we need key minerals such as copper and magnesium to make energy.  Morley Robbins, author of the new groundbreaking book, "The Root Cause Protocol", describes excess iron locked into the mitochondria as a primary root cause of aging.  As we age, we accumulate 1mg of iron every day in our tissues and mitochondria,  because we tend to be low in copper and magnesium (due to depleted soils and high stress levels) which are vital in iron "recycling" and keeping iron moving throughout the body.  We also have excess iron because since the 50's we ADD iron to processed foods. We are not tired because we are anemic from low iron - we have iron dysfunction, largely due to mineral deficiency.  It is not easy to measure iron levels accurately through blood testing because this does not measure the iron stored in tissues - only the blood.  If we don't have enough copper, and have too much iron, the mitochondria can't make energy and we feel tired.  However according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, ferritin levels in the blood should be at the low end.

The body relies on "recycling" to regulate iron, keep it moving,  and stop it's accumulation.  A diet containing abundant copper and magnesium is vital. Copper is the key that unlocks the mitochondria to free up iron for recycling, and magnesium is priority to reduce oxidative stress ("exhaust") produced naturally by the mitochondria.  Interestingly, after assuring proper mineral levels, the most obvious, effective and free way to reduce over accumulation of iron is, with your doctor's approval,  to become a regular blood donor and save others at the same time.  Men should have about 5,000mg of iron in their bodies, women 4,000mg,  but if we accumulate 1mg of iron per day, you can multiply your age by 365 days a year and have an idea of what your levels are! One blood donation reduces iron stores by about 250mg which is about 3/4 of a year's worth, therefor by being a regular blood donor (here in Canada every 80 days is allowed), you can reduce your excess iron, and increase your energy to a more youthful level.  Be careful not to donate TOO much - check with your doctor and look at other related indicators in the blood such as B vitamins.  Donating 2 x a year may be optimal for most people.  Note that people with tatoos are prone to elevated iron levels due to ingredients in the ink, so should make a point of donating blood. 

 

Mitochondrial function decreases with age, but according to Dr. Schallenberger, even young people in their 30s can have asymptomatic “early onset mitochondrial dysfunction”.  They may feel great, but there can be a huge difference in how two “fit” 30 yr olds perform in performance, and what it comes down to is mitochondrial function. 

There appears to be a set of three very easy to perform electrical “exercises” which can immediately increase mitochondrial function  –  almost like flicking on an electrical switch.  (see #1)  They work by stimulating ionization,  left right boy polarity, and the electrical field located close to the body.  

Factors which can reduce our  mitochondrial function include:

Our mitochondria are fragile in the sense that modern day life often creates an environment which can destroy or lower their function.  This includes:

• Medications in general, including all COVID shots approved in North America
• Low quality foods: processed foods, seed and vegetable oils, refined sugar, glyphosate containing          foods such as CAFO raised animal meat and products, and GMO foods, non organic wheat, non                 organic vegetables, and processed foods.  
• EMF exposure - this is a VERY major factor.  (see my blog article on EMFs for easy ways to reduce your EMF exposure.) EMF's open "gates" that allow excess calcium into the mitrochondria - our cells energy generators, which inhibits production of ATP (energy).  
• Emotional stress such as caring for ill family members.  (Use EFT to help diffuse the effects of stress.)
• Chemical exposure from non organic foods and personal care products, phytoestrogens from plastics and our environment, and other man made environmental factors.  

•  Boost Your Mitochondrial Function NOW!

  If you want to do something RIGHT THIS MINUTE for your mitochondria, you can noticeably increase the energy of your mitochondria in about 1 minute by doing the 3 electrical exercises in step 1.  My kinesiolological testing has shown step 1 is normally a priority for many people and can often raise function from 5-10% to 60% immediately, although it needs to be done 2 x day without other support.  #4, short burst exercise, is an excellent follow up to it, once a day.   Our priorities as individuals may be different – sometimes Step 2, Chlorella, is a priority and the electrical exercises are second, but it appears these two steps alone can energetically regenerate mitochondrial function quickly.   See part B for long term more complete mitochondrial support. 

  
  

  This article will be updated as more data becomes available.

   

  A.  For an immediate upward mitochondrial energy shift:

  Numbers one and two increase mitochondrial energy immediately from 5-10% up to 60-80%, like flicking on a switch. The Epsom Salts (magnesium)/baking soda bath (#7) is also excellent extra support and works immediately, normally bringing mitochondrial levels up 10 percentage points if it is 70% or less, and may be especially beneficial for neurological stress.  Keep in mind that a natural supply of nutrients such as magnesium, retinol (vitamin A1), and copper, are vital for electrical functions. 

  
  

  1. Avoid toxic foods, un-necessary medications, chemical, and mould exposure:

  All of these factors can destroy mitochondrial function. 

  Eliminate toxic foods from your diet, such as linoleic acid ( vegetable and seed oils) which are hidden in almost all processed foods, whole grains, nuts/seeds, even breads and crackers.  Look for sunflower oil, corn, canola, etc. and beware of most Italian exported olive oils - many are adulterated with cheap oils.  (I have found Greek olive oil to be reliable.)

  
  

  Avoid GMO foods as they are high in glyphosate - a mitochondria destroyer, so look for "non GMO" labels and buy organic foods as much as possible.  Be aware that chicken, pork, and farmed salmon are very high in linoleic acid, simply because the animals are not fed their nature grain free diet. 

  
  

  Reduce chemical exposure as much as possible by using health food store brands of cleaners and personal care products. 

  
  

  2. Sunshine, natural light exposure:

  Think of unfiltered sunlight as a charger for your mitochondrial batteries! Here we are not talking about vitamin D production specifically - this is related to other energising properties of sunlight, including that from near infra red light. If you don't have time to "sunbathe", at least close your eyes and point your face towards the sun for a few minutes so it is hitting your face at right angles -  of course stop if you feel burning. Sunlight falling on the glabella (flat area between the eyebrows) is absorbed beautifully into the pituitary gland, and the energy is distributed throughout the mitochondria. 

  
  

  3.  Electrical exercises:  Repeat 2 x day for 6 weeks.  If you are also practicing the "long term support" listed below, after 6 weeks you can reduce electrical exercises to 1 x day.
  

  
  

  Ionization breathing: 

  Ionisation breathing is simply alternate nostril breathing - breathing deeply in one side, and out the other side.  (It is refered to in yoga as alternate nostril breathing.) Use your thumb and 4th finger to close off one nostril as you breath in, and the other as you breath out.  Our nostrils produce positive ions in one side, negative in the other, then they switch sides.  Ionization breathing helps to balance our electrical system. 

  Method:  Close ie. your right nostril with your thumb and deeply inhale through your left nostril.  Hold your breath briefly as you switch fingers then exhale out your left nostril.  Inhale deeply through your left nostril, then cover your left with your 4th finger, and inhale through your right nostril.  Keep breathing back and forth, side to side, for about 10 cycles. Do it quite quickly. 

  
  

  Left Right Polarity

  Left right polarity is a PKP electrical correction developed by Bruce Dewe MD in PKP Kinesiology. (It also happens to be a quick correction if your leg length suddenly becomes uneven.) We have 3 acupuncture meridians (rivers of energy associated with organs) running down the inside of the arms and another 3 running up the outside.  When we switch hands and massage the points, we are harmonising  these meridians, which are part of our electrical system.) 

  Method: Make "hitchhiker fists" - a fist with your thumbs extended, cross your wrists and place your thumbs under your collar bones, which are the ends of the kidney meridians - K27.  Massage thumbs quickly in about 10 small circles, then move the bottom hand so it is on top, and continue.  Repeat each side.  

  
  

  Grounding

  Grounding is an electrical correction as we are absorbing needed electrons from the earth through the soles of our feet. Do your best to get your bare feet (or even cotton sock feet) on grass, wet sand on the beach, or even concrete, brick, or stone patio, steps, etc.   The more time you can spend grounded the better, but 30 minutes a day (or 15 plus 15 minutes) will look after basic requirements. 
   

  Repeat these 3 consecutively, 2 x day.  Compliance is easier if you can integrate it into  a routine such as when you brush your teeth, or with regular yoga or other exercises.

  
  

  4. Turmeric Blend:  Especially beneficial not only to detoxify the mitochondria after exposure to toxic substances, but to support the good bacteria balance in the micro biome. 

  In a container, combine3T organic turmeric powder, 4 tsp organic ginger powder, and 1 1/2 tsp organic black pepper.   Make a delicious beverage  - Add 3 tsp of this blend to a mug, optionally add 2 tsp bee pollen, and 1 large T raw honey - the probiotics in the raw honey are an important part of this formula.    Dissolve in warm water (not boiling), and sip throughout the day, or drink half early in the day and half later.  (If you can taste the turmeric it indicates adding more honey.) 

5.  Chlorella:

This is a nutrient dense, detoxifying algae food which also provides support for depleted  mitochondria. It removes heavy metals and chemicals from the cells. It comes in pressed powder tablets which may be easiest, capsules, and loose powder.  Because it's a food, recommendations correctly recommend a high number of tablets per day.  I take 7 tablets 2 x day, but if you know you have a heavy metals issue, work with a practionioner as you will likely need to start with less.  Take 1/2 hour away from meals.

6.  Sulforaphane in foods: This is a sulfur extract derived from from broccoli, and appears to support mitochondria located anywhere in the body, and is known to support recovery from many types of cancer including colon cancer.  The best food sources are organic broccoli, garlic, onions and onion family, kale, spinach, cauliflower, eggs and quail eggs, and grass fed meats. Do your best to get 2 servings per day of any of these high sulfur foods.

7. Diet:  Include at least 4 servings of these ORGANIC detoxifying foods and beverages as part of your daily diet:     

Gut Balance Herb Tea: make a large teapot and drink throughout the day.                                              

 

8.  Support Thyroid function –  Dr. Schallenberger reports that 80% of people today over 50 have some degree of thyroid dysfunction.  It is known that EMF's are a major cause stress on the thyroid. 

Do what you can  to reduce exposure from EMF exposure  (See my blog article on EMFs, link below )   and eat 2 servings of the following foods per day (over 2 meals) to help your body tolerate EMFs and subsequently protect your thyroid..

Broccoli, green beans such as runner and string beans, kale, bok choi, yams and squash,  and herbs such as fresh cilantro (1/2 cup per serving), and  ½ tsp per serving of either dried oregano, sage, thyme (or any combination of the three).  

Omega 3 fats also support thyroid function - eat a low carbohydrate diet with abundant good natural fats such as omega 3 from fish such as wild sockeye/sardines/mackerel,  chlorella, grass fed meats, butter, coconut oil, and eggs.  Avoid seed and vegetable oils, which are frequently found in salad dressings, fried foods, condiments, cookies, crackers, muffins, cakes, and other baked goods. 

 

9.    B Vitamins:  According to Dr. Shallenberger (supported by my own testing) B vitamins are vital for mitochondrial health, especially Niacin (B3), Riboflavin (B2), and Folate. (B9).  However it is not a good idea to take individual B vitamin supplements long term because they can become imbalanced. My MD, who practices complementary and integrative medicine, recommended “Thorn B complex” brand, although I’m sure there are other good brands available.  Personally I increase B3 slightly by taking an extra  50gm B3 supplement daily (1/2 a 100mg tablet or capsule), as B3 is depleted by EMF exposure, and EMFs are damaging to the mitochondria. 

10.    Magnesium:  Magnesium is a priority for mitochondrial function as it is used up with every single chemical reaction involving stress - mental or physical.  The magnesium of the Epsom Salts helps the body relax and release, while the baking soda cleans stressful accumulated energies from your electrical field improving over all electrical energy.  Dietary forms of magnesium are also vital, such as boiled spinach (to remove oxalate), broccoli sprouts, limited 85-90% cacao dark chocolate (high in oxalates), avocado, bananas, carrots, beef, wild sockeye salmon, halibut, mackerel, 

Magnesium oral supplements can be dicey due to poor absorption, but ionized minerals and liquid magnesium such as Magnesium Glycinate by Genestra, appear to work well, along with topical sprays.  (1 take 10 drops minerals 3 x day in water with 1 tsp liquid magnesium, plus 2 sprays un upper chest 2 x day.) 

Epsom Salts baths are a good option as well... Add 2 cups Epsom Salts  to comfortably warm/hot water, ideally as a bath, but also as a foot soak . Soak 20 minutes.  Every few weeks add 1/4 cup baking soda for extra detoxification.  You can do the Epsom Salts bath as often as desired as a magnesium supplement - I do this 2 or 3 x week. 

NOTE: Continental EUROPE sells Epsom Salts in a powder form as "Magnesium Sulphat", available in the Apoteke.  Use 400ml with 125ml Sodium Bicarbonate.  (See photo.) 

 

EMF blog post

http://zenforliving.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-the-effects-of-common-radiation-exposure-help-your-body-to-cope-with-it/

 Dr. Frank Schallenberger video link

 https://www.bitchute.com/video/Oh9lVVccWEwZ/

 

 ATP

https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/atp-318/

ATP

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitochondria

Morley Robbins interview

https://www.bitchute.com/video/loOIO220Etae/

Include food sources of copper such as oysters, organic leafy greens, bee pollen (1 tsp                     every 2nd day)

Blueberries

Garlic

broccoli and other organic green vegetables (2 servings daily) test especially beneficial for the mitochondria – perhaps related to their chlorophyll content.  Always include chlorella in your diet.

cook with ½ cup per person of fresh chopped cilantro

drink 2 L spring or quality filtered water/day

veg juice approx. 5 days/wk. (You can make your own instant juice with 1 tsp each celery and beet powder in ¾ cup spring water.  Structure, stirring briskly 40 x left, 40 x right creating a vortex.)

Retinol (vitamin A1) and copper are vital for mitochondrial function. Retinol is found exclusively in animal based products such as grass fed butter (use liberally in cooking as a natural fat and on steamed vegetables), goat cheeses, egg yolk, oysters, oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring, wild sockeye.  Include 3 servings of any of these foods a day. 

 NOTE:  Copper is also vital to mitochondrial function, but if you are regularly eating cruciferous vegetables, whole organic eggs, and oysters, you should also have adequate

amounts of copper.   

8.  Muscle Mass: Note that muscle mass is also very important for stimulation of mitochondria, so include some muscle building exercises, weight bearing in your regular routine. Blood flow restriction training, which builds muscle safely and quickly, also for the elderly, is highly recommended by Dr. Joseph Mercola - specifically the KAATSU method.