Discover more from Long COVID: Insights from a journey back to wellness
What do dementia, Parkinson’s disease, ME/CFS, diabetes, various forms of cardiovascular disease, cancer and the aging process all have in common? Problems with mitochondrial function, of course.
Many of my earlier posts have laid out evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is a core issue in Long COVID. Responding to requests from readers for a simple to read post, TLC for Mitochondria was written to cover some of the basics. However, knowing that there’s a need for more depth and breadth on the subject, in this post I’m featuring a useful book on mitochondria.
In Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine, Dr. Lee Know sheds light on mitochondrial requirements and processes and their links to vitality and to disease.
Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine by Lee Know, ND .
This is a basic, readable source of information about mitochondrial function and the diseases associated with mitochondrial mutations and damage. Importantly, Dr. Know lays out sufficient background information to allow the reader to understand the nature of mitochondrial dysfunction and the connections to nutrition and lifestyle.
The first chapter starts readers with some basics of cell biology and the theories attributed to the evolution of the Eukaryotic Cell. While the heart of this chapter is dedicated to energy production, the author includes discussion of the mitochondrial theory of aging as well as the roll that mitochondria play in removal of damaged cells.
The topics covered in the second chapter are the many chronic diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. He offers more depth on the links to aging and some common disorders associated with inherited and damage-induced mutations of mitochondrial DNA.
Mitochondria are complex and have intense and specific needs to function optionally. The entire last chapter provides details on the nutrients that are needed to produce energy and to optimize the other biological functions of this vital organelle.
Published in 2018, the book predates the pandemic so it doesn’t address the specifics of SARS-CoV2, but it does have a section on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia.
For the casual reader, it’s possible to use one of your Audible credits to add Dr. Know’s book to your library. Scientists, providers and those who want a ready resource that includes reference information, may want to pick up a copy in paperback.
Given the key roles that mitochondria play in aging and in many common degenerative and communicable diseases, this book merits space on your reference shelf.
For those wanting more insights on the interaction of mitochondria with the SARS-CoV2 virus, I’ve included links to a few relevant references at the bottom of this post.
Before you go, please take a minute to respond to a single poll question.
Useful Long COVID References:
Appelman, B., Charlton, B.T., Goulding, R.P. et al. Muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise in long COVID. Nat Commun 15, 17 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44432-3
Molnar, T., Lehoczki, A., Fekete, M. et al. Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches. GeroScience (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01165-5
Subscribe to Long COVID: Insights from a journey back to wellness
Mardi Crane-Godreau, PHD, Long Covid recovery: Dr. Crane-Godreau's articles guide the reader toward wellness, including scientific research and notes from her personal experience.
Thank you so much for this info.
Where can I get Mito-Q?
Grateful you've shared your studies Mardi. I am not a provider; I am a sufferer. A bit over seven years ago I survived an antibiotic resistant staph infection, that wasn't discovered until I had a seizure in a 'minute clinic.' I was in septic shock and my kidneys and liver were being shut down as I'm told. I survived, but have been left with disabilities ; In the U.K., my condition is known as Post Sepsis Syndrome. I recall reading that it's suspected to have some mitochondrial dysfunction at it's core. Then, Jan.2, 2022, despite all immunizations and boosters, I tested positive for Covid - the timing suggests Omicron variant. Then in August 2022, I endured Covid again, variety unknown, but it attacked my digestive system rather than respiratory.