Individuals suffering from chronic complex illness like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chemical sensitivity, brain fog, joint pain, chronic pain, headache, anxiety, depression and sleep disorder caused by the effects of exposure to environmental toxins like mold, viruses, Lyme spirochetes and chemicals have substantial mitochondrial dysfunction in essentially every case that I have seen. Research has shown that mitochondria react to these toxins in what has been termed by Robert Naviaux MD of the mitochondrial laboratory at the University of California San Diego to be the Mitochondrial Cell Danger Response. This means that the mitochondria have ceased to function in a normal way to make our critical energy currency molecule called adenosine triphosphate or ATP for short.
Mitochondrial dysfunction with decreased oxygen utilization and ATP production is fundamental to most chronic illness
Restoration of normal mitochondrial oxygen utilization and ATP production is fundamental to the reversal of this group of chronic illnesses. I have found that elimination of exposure to toxins and taking steps to clear toxins from the body can be helpful in restoring mitochondrial function.
I have also found that administration of critical nutrients needed by mitochondria can also result in substantial resolution of mitochondrial dysfunction. IV Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and IV Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD), which we provide in our nutrient infusion center at Forum Health Austin, are two vital nutrients that are particularly useful in this endeavor.
ALA also known as thioctic acid is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that has been called “the Master Antioxidant” due to its role of maintaining active levels of other critical antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin E. ALA is both water soluble and fat soluble so it can easily move throughout both the intracellular and extracellular spaces. It is a critical nutrient for mitochondrial ATP production as it is needed for the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase, an essential coenzyme in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl coenzyme A. ALA quenches damaging free radicals that destroy the body’s proteins, cell membranes and DNA leading to cell death, aging, even cancer, and it plays a vital role in liver health. Moreover it reduces the body’s resistance to insulin which may slow the onset or progression of diabetes.
ALA and NAD are required for normal energy to perform all the body’s functions
NAD or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, an essential cofactor made from Vitamin B3 niacin, is necessary in the mitochondria for its role of carrying electrons derived from metabolizing fats and sugars to generate ATP, the body’s energy molecule and our body heat. The electron transport chain of enzymes in the mitochondria cannot function to produce ATP without an ample supply of NAD+. Without NAD we would be cold all the time. Intravenous NAD has been shown to take away cravings for drugs and alcohol and is being used in clinics around the world to treat addiction. It has also been shown to protect our DNA from damage which is a major cause of aging.
Administration of vitamins and cofactors like ALA and NAD by the intravenous or IV route delivers them quicker and in higher levels to the cells and mitochondria of our vital organs where they are needed than does the oral route. Taken orally, these nutrients might not be absorbed well or they might be used up by the bacteria in our intestines (the microbiome). When absorbed from the intestines, nutrients travel directly to the liver (porto-hepatic circulation) where they may be stored leaving less available to cells in the brain, heart, kidneys and other vital organs.
At Forum Health Austin we provide IV infusions of ALA and NAD along with other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential lipids to individuals who are in need of them. Our infusion nurse (RN) is highly trained and experienced and under the direct supervision of our medical staff. Why not call today for an evaluation to see if you might benefit from these essential nutrients?
