Turn to ancient roots for wellness, mitochondrial health

I wasn’t sick, but I wasn’t well either. Despite a life immersed in medical research and drug development, I found myself unable to explain what I was feeling: persistent fatigue, brain fog, sluggish digestion, and a quiet loss of joy and motivation.

Multiple tests showed nothing abnormal. I was told it could be stress. Or ‘just one of those things’.But something deeper was off. My body, it seemed, had forgotten how to power itself.That’s when I discovered the true impact of mitochondrial health, and how a few small shifts, rooted in traditional Indian nutrition and modern science, completely changed my energy, clarity, and mental focus in just a few months.What Are Mitochondria and Why Should You Care?Mitochondria are often described as the powerhouses of our cells, producing the energy that fuels everything from thinking to digestion to healing.

But they do far more than just generate energy, they also influence how we age, how our cells repair, and how resilient we are to disease.When mitochondria begin to fail – due to stress, poor diet, toxins, or even aging – we feel it everywhere: low energy, poor concentration, mood swings, digestive issues, disrupted sleep, and even early signs of diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular decline.Instead of chasing new tests or more medications, one must turn to one’s roots and to science.

Mitochondrial health can be restored through ancient Indian foods known for their healing properties, all of which now have mounting scientific support for mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new, healthy mitochondria).Amla (Indian Gooseberry): A powerhouse of antioxidants which reduces inflammation and lifts energy.Moringa: Rich in micronutrients and polyphenols; clears brain fog and restores focus.Neem: Helps in detoxing the system and supports deeper, more restful sleep.Mitochondria & Brain Health: The Hidden LinkFew people realize how much our brain relies on energy. In fact, it uses nearly 20% of our body’s energy, all produced by mitochondria. When mitochondrial function declines, so does our ability to think clearly, remember things, and stay emotionally balanced.New research from global health institutes suggests mitochondrial dysfunction may even be a driving force in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Improving mitochondrial health isn’t just about feeling better, it may help delay or even prevent cognitive decline.What You Can Start Doing TodayYou don’t need expensive supplements or complicated routines. Simple daily steps can begin restoring mitochondrial health. One should take one tablespoon of amla powder with water or smoothies in the morning, use moringa in soups, chutneys, or ‘daal’, take neem seasonally as a gentle detox, and walk briskly for 20 minutes a day to stimulate natural mitochondrial repair.One should get deep, restorative sleep and manage stress. Moreover, processed food should be avoided.Healing Starts Inside the CellIn medicine, we often focus on fixing what’s broken. But real health begins earlier, inside every cell, every mitochondrion.You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start healing. Feed your cells. Move your body. Breathe deeply. Sleep well. Do the small things, consistently.Prof Ram Shankar Upadhayaya (The writer is a US-based medical scientist)