Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Overlooked Root Cause of Chronic Symptoms

I often remind my patients that true healing begins at the cellular level. One of the most overlooked yet essential components of cellular health is the mitochondria—tiny powerhouses that fuel nearly every function in your body. When these structures are compromised, the ripple effects can manifest as fatigue, brain fog, poor immunity, and even chronic illness. In my practice, I’ve seen remarkable improvements in energy, mood, and resilience simply by supporting mitochondrial function through targeted nutrition and lifestyle shifts.

-Dr. Louis Granirer

Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction a Hidden Cause of Your Health Issues?

Mitochondria are tiny, powerful structures inside almost every cell in your body (except mature red blood cells). Often called the energy storehouses or “engines” of the cell, their main job is to produce energy.

They convert nutrients and oxygen into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s universal energy currency. When ATP releases its phosphate bonds, energy is liberated and used to power every cellular process.

Healthy mitochondria are essential for metabolism, energy production, cellular repair, longevity, brain health, and overall vitality. When they falter, your body feels it, often in subtle yet far-reaching ways.

What Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction?

A range of factors can trigger mitochondrial dysfunction:

1. Infections

Viral and bacterial infections can interfere with mitochondrial energy production. Viruses such as COVID-19, Epstein-Barr, and Cytomegalovirus, as well as chronic post-viral syndromes, are known contributors. Tick-borne infections like Borrelia (Lyme disease), Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia can also disrupt mitochondrial function.

2. Microbiome Imbalances and Fungal Overgrowth

Gut dysbiosis, parasites, mycoplasmas, and fungal overgrowth (such as Candida) can all impair mitochondrial function and trigger systemic inflammation.

3. Environmental Toxins

Exposure to mold (mycotoxins), pesticides, air pollution, and heavy metals such as mercury, aluminum, cadmium, and lead can block mitochondrial processes, shutting down cellular energy production.

4. Poor Nutrition

Inflammatory foods like sugars, nutrient deficiencies, and food sensitivities can stress mitochondria and weaken their ability to generate ATP. Many people aren’t aware of their food sensitivities, so this can be hard to manage without that knowledge.

5. Medications

Certain drugs have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), acetaminophen, select chemotherapy agents, certain beta blockers, antipsychotics, and some antibiotics.

6. Genetic Factors

Mitochondrial dysfunction can also have a genetic component, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA.

Conditions and Symptoms Linked to Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial issues are associated with many chronic conditions, such as:

• Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
• Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
• Autoimmune conditions
• Certain cancers

Common Symptoms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

These symptoms, including low energy, chronic fatigue, muscle pain, brain fog, poor memory, insomnia, mood imbalance, frequent infections, digestive issues, tingling or numbness, tinnitus, poor circulation, and headaches, may all be signs of mitochondrial dysfunction.

How to Identify Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Muscle testing can help assess whether your mitochondria need support.

Laboratory testing may include markers like citrate, malate, lactate, pyruvate, or ATP function tests, all of which can indicate mitochondrial inefficiency.

Supporting and Repairing Your Mitochondria

The key to restoring mitochondrial health is addressing root causes:

Toxicity, infections, nutrient depletion, and systemic inflammation.

Working with a practitioner who can identify your unique imbalances and create a tailored support plan allows the body to repair naturally and effectively. Here are the core areas of mitochondrial focus:

1. Balance Stress and Sleep

Healthy sleep and a consistent circadian rhythm are vital for mitochondrial repair. Regulating cortisol and improving vagal tone through breathwork, meditation, humming, or Solfeggio frequencies (such as 528 Hz or 639 Hz) can help restore balance.

2. Move Your Body

Mitochondria thrive on regular movement. Activities like brisk walking, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or strength training help stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, the creation of new, healthy mitochondria.

3. Nourish with the Right Foods

Whole, nutrient-rich foods are mitochondrial medicine, such as:

• Proteins: Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, wild-caught salmon (rich in creatine, essential for ATP production)
• Fats: Avocado, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, and lactose-free ghee
• Fruits & Veggies: Pomegranate, berries, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli
• Legumes: Black beans and kidney beans for fiber and nutrients

(Vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement creatine because there is no creatine in plant-based foods. Muscle testing is recommended to assess compatibility.)

4. Use Targeted Nutritional Support

Certain nutrients can dramatically improve mitochondrial function. Commonly supportive supplements include: CoQ10, PQQ, Nicotinamide Riboside, Resveratrol, Alpha Lipoic Acid, D-Ribose, NAC, Riboflavin (B2), and Carnitine.

Summary

Muscle testing ensures the right nutrient combination for your individual needs. The science behind these nutrients continues to expand rapidly, and it is nice that the science has caught up with the patient outcomes that I have been witnessing for many years. Your mitochondria are the foundation of your energy, resilience, and longevity. When they function optimally, every system in your body benefits.