When most people think of mitochondria, they picture a biology textbook and remember the phrase: “the powerhouse of the cell.”
Yes, mitochondria create the energy (ATP) that keeps us alive. But they’re far more than microscopic batteries. They’re master regulators of health, and even more importantly, they directly influence epigenetic’s, the way your genes are expressed. Let’s break that down.
Genetics vs. Epigenetic’s
Genetics = the fixed blueprint you inherit from your parents.
Epigenetic’s = how your lifestyle, environment, and even mindset influence which parts of that blueprint are activated.
Think of your genes as sheet music. Epigenetics is how the conductor chooses to play it; soft or loud, fast or slow. And mitochondria? They’re like the musicians in the orchestra. If they’re out of tune or too tired to play, the entire performance suffers.
How Mitochondria Influence Epigenetic’s
Mitochondria do much more than churn out energy. They produce critical molecules (like NAD+, acetyl-CoA, and certain metabolites) that act as epigenetic switches, telling your DNA which genes to upregulate or downregulate.
Here’s what that means in practice:
Energy & Gene Expression When mitochondria are efficient, your cells have the resources they need to activate protective, health-promoting genes. When they’re sluggish, stress-response and inflammatory genes often dominate.
Stress Sensing Mitochondria are constantly scanning for signals; nutrient levels, oxygen availability, toxins, exercise, sunlight, and even psychological stress. Their response shapes how your genes adapt.
Longevity & Repair Healthy mitochondria promote cellular cleanup and repair, which keeps aging pathways in check. Damaged mitochondria can push cells toward faster aging and disease.
In other words: mitochondria are the translators between your environment and your genes.
How to Support Mitochondrial Health
The good news? You have a say in how your mitochondria—and therefore your genes—perform. Small daily habits can build stronger, more resilient mitochondria:
Sunlight – Morning and midday sun synchronize your circadian rhythm and charge mitochondrial function.
Deep Sleep – Sleep is when mitochondria repair damage and restore energy reserves.
Movement – Exercise creates mild stress that signals your body to build more mitochondria (called mitochondrial biogenesis).
Nutrition – Whole foods rich in antioxidants and micronutrients protect mitochondria from damage.
Grounding & Stress Reduction – Reducing chronic stress lowers mitochondrial strain, freeing them to focus on energy and repair.
Why This Matters
You don’t have to be limited by the genes you inherited. By caring for your mitochondria, you directly influence your epigenetic expression, shifting your biology toward health, performance, and longevity.Your mitochondria are always listening.
The question is: What story are you telling them through your daily choices?
Dr. Sage Ehresman, D.C.
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