How to support damaged cells naturally

What causes cell damage?

Oxygen deprivation is a big problem that can occur due to things like a low concentration of oxygen in the air, or impaired blood flow.

A lack of key nutrients like glucose, deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals, or general nutritional imbalances can starve the cell of materials it needs to survive. Humans can adapt to short term imbalances, but in the longer term, nutrient deficiencies or excess can lead to long term issues for cell health.

Physical agents like heat, physical injury, extreme cold, electric shocks, intense air pressure (like being underwater, or in a space vacuum), or radiation can damage cells.

Chemical agents can be problematic for a cell too, including things like harmful heavy metals and poisons, or infectious agents such as viruses or bacterial toxins.

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is another huge stressor that can impact energy production by mitochondria, impacting the functioning of the cell. Oxidative stress can naturally increase with age, and additional oxidative stress can be caused by things like radiation, drug metabolism, poor diet and so forth. .

If the cell damage is severe, cells may end up dying. The body can detect any faulty cells and instigate a targeted removal of the cell known as apoptosis, i.e., “programmed cell death”.

How do cells recover from damage?

Some cells can easily return to their normal state once the cell adjusts, or once the stressor has been removed. Some cells might fully recover their capacity, whilst others remain altered for good.

The body will try to restore the affected tissues and regenerate the same cell types that were damaged, but if that isn’t possible, plan B is to fill in the space with stromal connective tissue.

Epithelial or ‘lining’ cells (which includes cells lining the mouth or the intestine) are pretty good at regeneration. Other cells are thought to be irreparable, such as neurons in the brain. But the good news is that organs generally have a functional reserve capacity, meaning the organ will still function even if it’s damaged. Hence why damaged livers can regenerate.

What nutrients support body cells and tissues?

Your body needs a wide range of foods and nutrients to function at its best. The building blocks of a good diet include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, plus essential vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids such a omega 3’s derived from fish and nuts. All of these components are needed to provide the energy and nutrition you require to build and sustain cell health.

In particular, dietary protein provides amino acids that help support your cells and general immune system health. Carbohydrates are broken down into the main energy currency of the cell, fats cushion the protective structures surrounding cells, and vitamins and minerals play key roles in cell energy metabolism, growth, and development.

What are the best foods for cellular health?

Research contends that healthy cell aging is linked to diets that are:

• Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based protein
• Low in added salt, sugar, as well as red and processed meat
• Oily fish and nuts

Like all great things, the recipe for an ideal diet is actually quite simple. A nice colorful combination of foods that grow is key – a broad variety of antioxidants in your diet creates a favorable environment for maintaining cell health. On top of that, protein plays an important role in cellular growth and repair. Animal protein may come from products like beef, fish, chicken, eggs, and milk. Plant protein can come from foods like beans, pulses, nuts, and seeds.

Can vitamins support cell health?

Vitamins, in ‘science speak,’ are teeny molecules that are required in small quantities as essential micronutrients for cells to function. Many vitamins may contribute to cell health.

For example, vitamin A is known for participating in the skin cell regeneration process.

Vitamin B12 supports healthy production of red blood cells and can be sourced from animal products or supplements.

Vitamin D plays a key part in bone and muscle health

Vitamin E has been observed to support cellular membranes.

Does MitoQ support healthy cells?

MitoQ is the world’s first mitochondria-targeted antioxidant and is scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, MitoQ may support cellular health by eliminating potential sources of damage.

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