Chronic Disease Group discussion
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Why Can't I Get Better? Solving the Mystery of Lyme and Chronic Disease
Dr. Horowitz's Wisdom
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Chapter 10: Discussion and Summary
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I've had a sprinkling of high energy days, meaning I don't want/need a nap, and they are divine!
This is a great summary. I find that no matter how many times I read and underline, I don't retain things. It is pretty depressing. P.S. Your naturopath sounds amazing.
Taking supplements is quite a task on its own. Hang in there.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are you doing to support your Mitochondria?
2. Do you believe your fatigue may be caused by mitochondria damage?
Summary:
• The energy crisis. Constant fatigue is the most common complaint of those suffering from Lyme and MSIDS.
• Krebs Cycle: series of biochemical reactions which takes place in the powerhouse of the cell known as the mitochondria. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the most important energy moclecule in the body. “ATP transports chemical energy to help power metabolism; however, when the mitochondria are not working properlym they cannot make enough ATP, and we experience fatigue that affects the entire body.” Page. 263
• Energy made in the mitochondria is determined by our diet. We need a healthy supply of healthy fats, carbs and proteins to fuel the Krebs cycle. So, nutritional and enzyme deficiencies are problematic here. If our diet is deficient in amino acids found in protein rich food, we will also not be able to keep up with the energy requirements.
• Exposure to a large load of toxins requires lots of nutrients to help detoxify, taking these critical nutrients away from the Krebs cycle, also leads to fatigue.
• Causes of Mitochondrial Damage: Occurs naturally with ATP production, as free radicals are released causing oxidative stress. Chemicals, toxins, and even medications (see list on p. 265) can damage to mitochondrial structure.
• Symptoms of mitochondria damage are neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment, neuropathy, encephalopathy, and musculoskeletal symptoms.
• Besides fatigue, mitochondria dysfunction is related to many other diseases. From heart disease, to neurological diseases to metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity. This damage is worsened by additional oxidative stress.
• Increasing mitochondria energy production can be done by calorie restriction, L-arginine, Alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol. Lipid Replacement Therapy can also help.