It has been just revealed the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause mitochondrial dysfunction in vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. It now seems that experts have some suggestions to help with recovery from the damage.
Covid-Hijacked Mitochondria
The powerhouses of cells are called mitochondria, which produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Typically, researchers identify a decline in energy output from the mitochondria as mitochondrial dysfunction.
Professor Keshav Singh, who specializes in genetics and mitochondrial research at the University of Alabama, has discovered that during COVID-19 infection, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter mitochondria and take control of their energy metabolism, which ultimately impairs mitochondrial energy production.
ATP production goes through a series of steps. The first few steps occur outside the mitochondria and only produce a few ATP molecules, while the final steps occur inside the mitochondria and produce the most ATP.
Mr. Singh’s 2021 study showed that in immune cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, the genes involved in the later stages of ATP production, known as oxidative phosphorylation, are suppressed. In contrast, the early energy production processes are enhanced.
According to a study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the virus has been found to suppress oxidative phosphorylation in the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Dr. Scott Jensen, a family physician, believes that these findings may help to explain some of the symptoms and laboratory results observed in patients experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19 and those who have been injured by the vaccine.
“You could have people that begin to have kidney failure; liver function enzymes would be going up, so they would have diminished liver function,” Dr. Jensen said. People would present with cardiac manifestations.
“We see that this has happened from the vaccine and from COVID itself. This would be a possible explanation for that,” he added.
Researchers found that oxidative phosphorylation was actually promoted in lung tissue instead of being suppressed. They believe that this may be due to the lung tissues recovering from the infection.
However, Scott Marsland, a nurse practitioner at Leading Edge Clinic, disagrees with this theory. He suggests that patients may experience shortness of breath caused by microclotting in the lungs, which can happen even if the mitochondria are functioning properly.
Common Symptoms
Exhaustion and mental confusion are common symptoms of both long COVID and COVID-19 vaccine injury. These symptoms may be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, which occurs when the body is unable to produce enough energy. This energy depletion can lead to severe fatigue, while brain fog occurs due to a similar mechanism where reduced ATP powers the brain. Other possible symptoms include chest and muscle pains, headaches, and organ dysfunction.
According to family physician Dr. Jeffrey Nordella, not having enough ATP is like running a car without gasoline. When an organ lacks sufficient ATP, it cannot operate normally. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be detected using a Mitoswab test, which measures the level of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Lower levels may suggest possible mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mitochondrial dysfunction healing ways
Treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction mainly has to do with replenishing nutrients that help mitochondria with their energy production, suggested family physician Dr. Miguel Antonatos.
1. Nutrients and Supplements
It can be overwhelming to think about the effects of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its surface spike proteins on our cellular environment and mitochondria. But there are ways we can support our bodies in this challenging time. Dr. Antonatos suggests using quercetin and resveratrol as powerful antioxidants that can aid in oxidative phosphorylation and promote mitochondrial growth. In addition, B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid play a crucial role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
It’s also important to consider the role of melatonin, which is produced by mitochondria and helps maintain their integrity.
This potent antioxidant activates genes involved in mitochondrial production and helps maintain the electrochemical balance, leading to improved ATP production.
And let’s not forget about the benefits of curcumin, the bioactive molecule in turmeric, which has both antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties and activates pathways involved in mitochondrial formation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitophagy.
Finally, it’s worth noting that alpha-lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help neutralize stress during and after infection. And fasting can promote autophagy, which clears the virus and its spike protein, assists in mitochondrial biogenesis, and may help reduce oxidative stress.
Remember, there are many ways we can support our bodies during challenging times, and these suggestions from Dr. Antonatos are a great place to start.
2. Medication
It can be overwhelming to think about all the different treatment options available for enhancing mitochondrial function. However, it’s important to know that doctors Jensen and Antonatos recommend a low-dose of methylene blue, which has been shown to donate electrons to the oxidative phosphorylation process and boost ATP production efficiency. This treatment may also help regulate the electrical balance of the mitochondria, which is crucial for optimal functioning.
Another potential option to consider is ivermectin, which can bind to the COVID-19 virus and its spike protein, promoting autophagy and assisting in the removal of the virus and its proteins. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to enhance mitochondrial activity. We understand that navigating treatment options can be difficult, but it’s important to consider all available options.
Lastly, low-dose naltrexone is another treatment option that can be useful in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Although it may not directly contribute to viral clearance or mitochondrial enhancement, it can still be beneficial in reducing inflammation and aiding in the healing process. We are here to support you and help you make informed decisions about your health.
3. Electromagnetic Field Therapies
A medical professional named Mr. Marsland has implemented pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to aid his patients suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19 and vaccine injuries. After just over a month of testing, some patients have already reported significant improvements. According to Marsland, some individuals have noticed more energy and stronger muscles after only a few days of using the device.
The body contains electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which are regions with both electrical and magnetic energy. Strong EMFs from sources such as ultraviolet light and X-rays can cause harm, while weaker EMFs can actually promote good health. PEMFs, which are weak EMFs at the right frequency and strength, can impact electron movement across cells. This is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation.
Studies demonstrate that PEMF therapy can alter mitochondrial activity, leading to enhanced ATP production and stronger defenses against oxidation. In 2021, the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry released a report in Scientific
Reports demonstrating PEMF therapy’s ability to improve mitochondrial activity in bone healing. Additionally, scientists in Vienna published a case report in 2022 detailing a successful PEMF treatment for a long-term COVID-19 patient.
“Fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being improved clearly over the course of the treatment and showed stable results 6 weeks later,” the authors said. This is amazing news and you may recall that we have already addressed the benefits of PEMF therapies in some of our previous articles.
