Hello friends, We are mighty mitochondria!. We are found in human cells and our number changes as per needs. Several thousands of us are loaded in muscle cells due to enormous energy requirements. We are known as a Powerhouse Of Cells.
Why are we so special ? Being versatile organelles, we are active on many fronts of the cell. But our main function is to metabolize or breakdown carbohydrates and fatty acids in order to generate energy. Energy generation occurs in our matrix in the form of ATP [Adenosine triphosphate].
Lets learn about the story of energy generation.
The human body has 4 methods to create ATP.
1] Aerobic respiration -The energy your body requires just to live, do everyday activities and cardio activities such as long-distance running is generated by the sugar burning process in the cells. There are 4 steps involved in it
– Glycolysis- occurs in cytoplasm
– Krebs or citric acid cycle – in mitochondria
– The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl coA
– Acetyl coA enters a chain of events to make 36 ATP molecules.
This will burn the highest number of calories.
2] Anaerobic Respiration-Occurs in cytoplasm. This is effective for vigorous exercise between 1-3 minutes such as short sprints. Your body will partially burn glucose without oxygen. When sugar is partially broken down, by- byproduct is lactic acid. The lactic acid system is extremely important to us for rapid supply of ATP. In some performances such as running a mile, the lactic acid system is used for the KICK at the end of the race.
3] Beta oxidation /gluconeogenesis or fat burning
This is the slowest system, too slow for energy production during exercise. The body absorbs fats and breaks off fatty acids from glycerol. The body uses this when carbohydrate is not available. Lipid metabolism is the main way that the body’s glycogen is replenished after exercise. So, after a workout glycogen stores are more depleted more is the fat burn.
4] ATP phosphocreatine
The fastest source of energy, when energy needs to be generated at short sharp bursts. It doesn’t require oxygen but is very limited to short periods of exercise such as a sprint or weight lifting. That is why creatine supplementation helps this type of exercise.
Let’s discuss about the importance of cellular energy….
Virtually all cells are able to take up and utilize glucose. The breakdown of glucose generates compounds that can be used for biosynthetic purposes.
Cellular energy is the foundation of good health. When we have great cellular energy levels, we think better, feel better, move better,. look better and perform better. Optimum cellular energy offsets the aging process. Whether we are working at a high stress job, busy raising children or in a competitive sport, cellular energy should be the core goal of health and wellness programmes .
Friends, Cellular energy generated by us has a key role in Physiotherapy and Rehab.
The use of oxygen during steady state exercise is known as aerobic respiration as mentioned above. This cycle uses ATP which powers our muscles and many other important physical functions.
1 Breathing Exs: Physiotherapy exercises and sports need a good control over breathing. Deep breathing exercises provide sufficient oxygen and energy to the muscles during physical stress and exercise. These exercises build endurance,boost stamina and improve speed of recov
2. Relaxation Exs: Relaxation promotes balance,flow and harmony in the energy field.On energetic level,being relaxed allows our energy to shift more easily towards healthy flow. On a physical level,it allows our body’s natural energy restoration process to work.It turns off our body’s response to stress and gives more energy to our body. Progressive muscular relaxation,meditation,visualisation,rhythmic movements and yoga are few techniques of relaxation.
3 Nutrition- We as a society are in an energy crisis.Poor nutrition and faulty dietary habits contribute to low energy levels.Humans need food to obtain energy and maintain homeostasis.Carbohydrates ,fats,proteins,vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients for the human body.Balanced diet is essential for production of ATP in the cells.ATP is required for all cellular functions. Balanced diet expedites recovery in rehab programmes.
4 Quantum Resonance Therapy – Quantum resonance therapy is an advanced therapy which is a combination of Pemf therapy and magneto mechanical oscillations.QRT acts at cellular level and improves metabolism. This helps cells to increase uptake of oxygen, nutrients and removal of waste products. It increases functional life of cells with energy synthesis and healing.
And the story of our versatile role continues in the next blog.
Stay tuned.
