Let us be honest for a moment: 2020 has been a doozy of a year, and when we factor in the upcoming holidays, stress levels can skyrocket. But can mitochondria possibly help fight off some of your holiday stress? We have previously discussed the relationship between mitochondria and mental health on this blog, but the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has suggested that mitochondria affect how we respond to stressful environments. “Feeling frazzled and run down seems as synonymous as mistletoe and holly with the holidays. New research suggests that the tiny structures inside our cells that generate energy, called mitochondria, may play a role in our mind-body interactions and how we respond to stressful environments.” We might be leaning more towards online buying instead of packed shopping malls, but social-distancing holidays still bring their own brand of stress.

“Douglas C. Wallace, PhD, a pioneering scientist in mitochondrial medicine and director of the Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has led research in animals showing how alterations in mitochondrial function lead to distinct physiological changes in hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral systems in response to mild stress…In mice, relatively mild mutations in mitochondrial genes, located in either mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or nuclear DNA, produced unique whole-body stress-response signatures, indicated by physiological and gene expression patterns. mtDNA code for essential energy genes and exchange biological signals with the more familiar DNA housed in the cell nucleus. Those interactions affect physiological networks essential for health.”[1]

Dr. Wallace’s research seems to suggest that our mitochondria could have an impact on how our bodies respond to stress. If that is possible, then it could make sense to support our mitochondria in whatever way we can. Luckily, Bod•ē TEN could have you covered for the holidays! TEN helps to support healthy mitochondria function in addition to promoting cellular energy and promoting antioxidant protection from oxidative stress.* This year is stressful enough without having to worry about your mitochondrial function, so sit back, relax, and find some time to enjoy the upcoming holiday season!

[1] “Mitochondria Affect How We Respond to Stressful Environments.” Mitochondria Affect How We Respond to Stressful Environments | CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 17 Dec. 2015, www.research.chop.edu/cornerstone-blog/mitochondria-affect-how-we-respond-to-stressful-environments.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.