Dysautonomia Solutions: A Mitochondrial Approach?

We know that the mitochondria in all of our cells are the power plants that create energy, namely ATP, the body's main energy molecule. When mitchondria aren't working right or to their full potential, they don't make enough energy, and that leaves a variety of organ systems, tissues and key areas high mitochondria concentration not working very well. The brain and heart have literally thousands of mitochondria per cell as opposed to a few hundred in other parts of the body, so when mitochondria aren't working right, there's an energy problem that leads to a variety of functional problems for those cells--especially where there are large numbers of mitochondria.

Nervous tissue cells in general have a lot of mitochondria per cell, so it makes sense that if there's a mitchondrial issue, there are likely to be issues with that nerve cell's function. Interestingly, according to Richard  G. Boles, MD (Medical Genetics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles), for people with "mitochondrial disease, the sympathetic system works well, whereas the parasympathetic system does not - thus causing the various functional disorders we see." The parasympathetic nervous system is, of course, one of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system--and it's the autonomic nervous system that is not functioning properly with autonomic disorders such as dysautonomia. Hmmm...

What might your dysautonomia doctor recommend to improve mitochondrial function and thus lessen dysautonomia symptoms? Some possible courses of action might include:  

Avoid fasting

Hydrate

3 small meals + 3 snacks a day

Exercise (exercise has been shown to increase mitochondrial function)

Cofactors ("Mito cocktail")

Medications (some psychotropic drugs have been shown to increase mitochondrial function) like amytriptiline, proton pump inhibitors

Of course, this is exciting news and this approach may be very helpful, but if you have dysutonomia, talk with your doctor to see if this is a good direction for you personally. Your best bet is to make an appointment at Dysautonomia-MVP Center LLC in Birmimgham, AL. Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips bring many years of successful autonomic disorder treatment, often helping patients make progress when other efforts have failed. Call them today at 205-286-3200. You'll be glad you did.

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200