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Understanding the inner workings of the body’s powerhouses, the mighty Mitochondria, at the most basic level helps us to find where a patient’s energy production and body functions are going wrong and what we need to do to fix those problems. In this way the person is returned to vibrant health in the shortest possible time.

There are many nutrients that are required for healthy and fully functioning mitochondria capable of pumping out energy on demand. One of the most important of these is Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

In fact, my own fateful experience during an intensive three-week seminar series shows just what can be achieved with the use of Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

In late 1996, I came down with a very heavy virus infection.

Being very busy with lecturing and traveling, I stopped taking a number of supplements as it was just ‘too much trouble’. Sound familiar?

Having finished my second last lecture for the seminar series in Perth, I went to bed. I awoke around 2:30 am with feelings of unease, palpitations and dismissed this as merely a panic attack.

However, by 4 am I was feeling a bit desperate. I took a number of supplements that included herbs, vitamins and a high dose magnesium drink, but none of these had any effect.

Apart from all this, I had to fly out to Adelaide that morning at 6:30 am to present the final lecture of the tour.

Arriving at the airport with my symptoms still persisting, I registered for the flight and checked in my baggage when I finally realised that what I was experiencing was not a panic attack but was something more serious.

I caught a taxi to the Royal Perth Hospital, and was immediately admitted to the Emergency Department’s cardiac section.

It turned out my ‘panic attack’ was in fact Atrial Fibrillation (AF). The small chambers on top of the heart were fluttering at 360 beats a minute and the large chambers were beating erratically at 160 beats a minute. After treatment, my heart finally dropped back into normal sinus rhythm after 24 hours. What an experience!!

After this episode I started taking Vitamin E, CoEnzyme Q10, Magnesium etc to help prevent the AF from returning.

However, I still had occasional bouts of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and my energy levels were a bit low.

A second episode of AF occurred in June 2000 and I was taken to the Prince Charles hospital in Brisbane. I was given an IV drug and my heart reverted to normal sinus rhythm in just 3 hours.

After tests, I was assured that my heart was fine and my problems lay elsewhere.

Over the next couple of months I experienced a few more bouts of tachycardia and decided to look to do some research into my problem. One nutrient that was recommended time and again was… Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

I then added 2 Dr Vera’s Acetyl-L Carnitine capsules three times daily to my nutrient program and the tachycardia problems have disappeared. And as a bonus, I am feeling stronger, more energetic.

So, why did Acetyl-L-Carnitine make such a difference?

Research has shown us that in respect to mitochondrial function (and this is especially important for the heart) Acetyl-L-Carnitine performs three vitally important roles.

One – It helps shuttle fatty acids into the mitochondria for fuelling the Energy or Krebs cycle. This is VITAL for the heart as the main source of energy for the heart to function is fatty acids.

This is especially important for CFS patients as in the more severe cases palpitations and arrythmias are common and those CFS patients who die from their condition usually die of congestive heart failure (due to a lack of heart energy).

Two – It helps in the removal of toxic fatty acid byproducts from the mitochondria, which then work more efficiently, producing more energy in a toxin-free environment.

Three - And most importantly it helps to protect and restore the function of the Cardiolipin surface of the inner membrane of the mitochondria. The health and function of this surface is vital to cellular energy production. The healthier the cardiolipin surface the more energy your mitochondria produce.

The production of energy has 3 main stages.

Energy Production

Stage 1.

When we eat food, the carbohydrates are converted into simple sugars, the fats into fatty acids and the protein into amino acids. Any of these can be and are used by the body as a source of energy.

These substances are converted into Acetyl Co A inside the mitochondria to provide a fuel for the Krebs or Citric acid Cycle.

It is vital to reduce toxin loading from poor digestion, overgrowths of harmful yeasts, bacteria and viruses as well as pesticides and chemicals. These toxins can poison the Mitochondria, reducing energy output.

Any problems with a damaged or leaky gut must be fixed. We need to improve Gut Barrier function, Digestion and Metabolism.

Digestion must be working properly so that you are getting enough amino acids (from protein), simple sugars and fatty acids from your diet to fuel the energy cycle. The amino acids are also needed to regulate the Krebs cycle.

Energy production

Stage 2.

The Krebs cycle is basically an electrical dynamo. The electrons and positive ions generated by the cycle provide the power that is needed to create the body’s energy molecule ATP. ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) is like the air-petrol mixture in your car. And just like in your car, all it needs is a spark to have it release its energy to power the body’s operations. That spark is provided by the nerves and various chemical triggers.

The many steps involved in the Krebs cycle can be disrupted resulting in lower power generation that in turn causes a reduction in the amount of ATP created.

It is now possible, using blood and urine tests, to measure what part of the Krebs cycle is not working properly. Once we know what parts are not working properly, we can use the new nutrients that are now available to bypass any blockages.

Bypassing these blockages allows us to power up the cells, providing the mitochondria with the energy they need for healing and repair.

Energy produced by the Krebs cycle is used to provide power for the Electron Transport Chain.

Energy Production

Stage 3.

The Electron Transport Chain system (ETC) is where the production of the energy molecule ATP takes place.

Each mitochondrion contains approximately 17,000 Electron Transport chains (ETC). The ETC require vitamins B2, B3, C, K, Magnesium and Iron as cofactors in order to work properly (Mitochondrial Support).

Cardiolipin is a special fatty structure (phospholipid) that is unique to the inner mitochondrial membrane that provides the structural support for the Electron Transport Chain.

Cardiolipin levels decrease with age, as does mitochondrial efficiency and energy production.

Acetyl L Carnitine is necessary for manufacture of Cardiolipin and has been reported to restore falling cardiolipin levels in the mitochondria of older animals to that of healthy young animals. Healthier, younger cardiolipin means a healthier younger you!!

As well as Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) from cold-water fish improves the production and protection of cardiolipin.

Now there is a problem in generating more electrons for the ETC – Mitochondria get more leaky with age. When we are very young and healthy up to 1% escape. As we get older that figure goes up to 5%.

This means that more electrons escape the confines of the mitochondria and are then able as free radicals to cause damage in the surrounding area.

By giving Acetyl-L-Carnitine we cause the ETC to work harder creating more electrons and produce a lot more free radicals as a result. This problem can be easily solved by giving powerful antioxidants - Vitamins C & E, Lipoic Acid, Co Enzyme Q10 and Glutathione.

In this way we get the benefits of greater energy production without the associated problems.

Medical studies give us an idea of just how important some of these nutrients are in restoring energy and health.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Tests on blood taken from Chronic Fatigue (CFS) patients frequently shows a deficiency of Acetyl-L-Carnitine.

This deficiency is likely to be one of the key factors that lies behind problems within muscle cell mitochondria, resulting in general fatigue, muscle pain, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue after exercise in patients with CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Activated B3

Results from a double blind study showed that Activated B3 (NAD) can be beneficial in the treatment of CFS. NAD is said to help restore the depleted stores of cellular ATP to improve fatigue and brain function.

Co Enzyme Q10

Supports mitochondrial energy production through the electron transport chain. It works within the Cardiolipin layer as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transfer process, directly increasing energy production.

It also protects the mitochondrial membranes and Cardiolipin layer from oxidative (free-radical) damage.

Lipoic Acid and Fatigue

Alpha Lipoic acid helps break down sugars so that energy can be produced from them. Lipoic acid also plays a central role in antioxidant defence.

This improved antioxidant defence protects the mitochondria, improves the process of neutralising free radicals and therefore helps to maintain high levels of energy production.

Key to Success

with Stage 1:

Improve Gut Barrier function, digestion, absorption and metabolism.

* Gut Repair

2 rounded tsp morning and night in 300water (shaken or blended) – ½ hr. before meals.

* Lactobac 8

2 caps with Gut Repair.

(Contains 8 different good bugs to kill off the bad bugs)

Hydrozyme

2 tablets, ¾ to 1 hr after meals. (Hydrochloric acid for the stomach, take if hydrochloric levels in the stomach are low).

DEF

2 tablets, 3 times daily, start of meals. (digestive enzyme complex)

LM1

2 tablets, 3 times daily.

(Powerful liver tonic to improve detoxification and metabolism) -

Rice Congee

2 to 3 times daily as a meal. See Congee recipe.

Key to Success

with Stage 2:

Supply all the nutrients that the Krebs cycle needs for proper functioning.

* B Vital –1 teas, 3 times start of meals. (B complex vitamins, minerals & antioxidants)

Activated B3

1 cap, 3 times start of meals.

(Source of NAD for Krebs cycle)

*Athletic Performance

1 to 2 caps, 3 times daily start of meals. (Alpha-ketoglutarate is a very important part of Krebs cycle and also helps in the removal of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of metabolism).

* BioEnhanced Magnesium 2/3 teas, 3 times daily after meals. (Source of readily available, hi-dose Magnesium & Malic Acid) –

Rice Congee

2-3 times daily as a meal.

(Provides the 12 vital Amino Acids and carbohydrates)

Key to Success

with Stage 3:

Provide the nutrients that Electron Transport Chain needs for energy production and anti-oxidant protection

* Acetyl-L-Carnitine

1 to 2 caps, 3 times daily, start meals.

Lipoic Acid

1-2 caps, 3 times daily, start of meals.

Co-Enzyme Q10

1 cap 1-2 times daily, after meals.

Vitamin C

1000mg, 2-3 times daily.

Vitamin E

500iu daily

* Mitochondrial Support

1 capsule, 2 – 3 times daily.

Start Your Treatment Program Slowly

And Simply

Start with Stage 1 for 2-3 weeks, followed by a combination of Stages 2 & 3.

Stage 1 nutrients may need to be continued for 8-12 weeks.

In some patients who have been unwell for some time and you can cause unpleasant reactions if you give too much too soon.

You may need to start them on a very low dose and one thing at a time, gradually building up the dosage every 3-5 days until they are on all the required supplements at the full dose.

The number of nutrients you use will depend on the willingness of the patient and the severity of the condition.

Note:

* = Essential nutrients

AF, Palpitations,

Arrhythmias , Tachycardia

Although an acute AF attack is very frightening it is rarely life threatening. Several recent studies have concluded that the mortality rate among people who have intermittent AF attacks, but no underlying heart disease, is no greater than that of the general population.

Avoidance of alcohol, caffeine and anti-arrhythmic drugs such as digoxin is extremely important.

Foods that may cause an allergic reaction should be avoided, as should excessive physical and emotional stress.

Adenosine

– suck under tongue

– 1-2, 3 times daily

(regulates heart pacemaker)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

– 1-2, 3 times daily

CoEnzyme Q10 90 mg – 1 daily with meal containing fat

Bioenhanced Magnesium

– 1 teasp, 2 times daily

B Vital – 1 teasp, 2 times daily

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Cardiolipin is a vital part of the inner membrane

of the Mitochondria

Mitochondrial Energy Medicine – Part 2

Tel:

Fax:

Email:

Web:

55 Snow Wood Drive

Eatons Hill Qld 4037

0500 818 555

0500 869 555

mikera@.au

.au

Quest For Health

Energy Medicine Update

April 2001

By Michael W Rath

ND DipCAc DipCHM MANTA MAACMA

The Mighty Mitochondria, More Energy, Acetyl-L-Carnitine & Friends

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