One Day MD | Evidence-Based Wellness

Microplastics (particles <5 mm) and nanoplastics (typically <1 μm) are increasingly recognized as potential disruptors of mitochondrial function. Mitochondria produce over 90% of the body's ATP (energy), regulate oxidative stress, control apoptosis (programmed cell death), and influence immune responses. Experimental research suggests that microplastics can impair many of these functions, although evidence in humans remains limited. How Microplastics Reach Mitochondria Humans are exposed through: Food and drinking water Seafood Airborne dust Plastic food packaging Synthetic textiles Personal care products While larger microplastics are less likely to enter cells, nanoplastics can cross biological barriers, enter cells through endocytosis, and accumulate in organelles, including mitochondria in laboratory models. Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Damage 1. Excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) One of the earliest effects observed is increased mitochondri...

What Is Mitophagy? Mitophagy is the body's natural process for identifying, removing and recycling damaged mitochondria. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce ATP, the energy currency required for almost every biological function. However, mitochondria become damaged over time due to: Oxidative stress Inflammation Aging Environmental toxins Metabolic dysfunction Excess nutrient signaling When damaged mitochondria accumulate, cells become less efficient and produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to aging and chronic disease. Mitophagy acts as mitochondrial quality control. It removes dysfunctional mitochondria and allows healthier mitochondria to replace them. Key Concept: Healthy aging is not only about producing more mitochondria. It is also about removing damaged mitochondria efficiently. Why Mitophagy Matters for Longevity Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the major biolo...

CoQ10, commonly referred to as coenzyme Q10, is one of the most well-liked dietary supplements for cardiovascular health. It has also been linked in studies to regulating blood sugar, boosting fertility, preventing cancer, and even reducing migraines. Growing consumer demand for natural and preventive healthcare solutions is driving the adoption of CoQ10 supplements. Rising cases of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are prompting individuals to seek out CoQ10 for its potential health benefits. This demand has propelled the market size from over USD 614 million in 2024 to an expected valuation of approximately USD 907 million by 2032. ( R ) The increased availability of CoQ10 in various forms—including capsules, tablets, and powders—has made the supplement more accessible to consumers. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce platforms has enhanced the convenience and accessibility of purchasing CoQ10 supplements, supporting mar...

Key Takeaways Bioenergetics focuses on how cells produce and utilize energy. Mitochondria are central to ATP production and overall health. Impaired cellular energy metabolism may contribute to aging and chronic disease. Bioenergetic principles are increasingly being explored in metabolic health, neuroscience, longevity research, and cancer metabolism. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management, and circadian health can influence mitochondrial function. While promising, many bioenergetic interventions remain active areas of scientific investigation and should complement—not replace—evidence-based medical care. Introduction What if health could be understood through a single fundamental principle: energy production? The bioenergetic view of health proposes that the body's ability to generate and utilize energy efficiently is one of the most important determinants of well-being. Rather than focusing exclusively on symptoms, genes, or isolated organs, bioe...

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is the third-most consumed supplement, yet many people don’t realize how clinically effective it really is. Several new studies show that taking CoQ10 supplements may help address several chronic health conditions, including atrial fibrillation (a-fib), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, heart failure, cancer and migraines, to name a few. Ubiquinol — the reduced, electron-rich form of CoQ10 that your body produces naturally — plays an important role in the electron transport chain of your mitochondria, where it facilitates the conversion of energy substrates and oxygen into the biological energy (adenosine triphosphate or ATP) needed by your cells for life, repair and regeneration. It’s a fat-soluble antioxidant, meaning it works in the fat portions of your body, such as your cell membranes, where it mops up potentially harmful byproducts of metabolism known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). As such, ubiquinol and CoQ10 supplements help ...