What is oxidative stress? This is a term that may have been mentioned in articles about cardiovascular disease, cellular malfunctions, or autoimmune disease. However, you might have skipped over it or not understood it. Oxidation is a normal process that takes place within the body, and oxidative stress is defined as having an “imbalance between antioxidant activity and free radical activity¹.” Free radicals are uncharged molecules with an unpaired valence electron, and they are normally controlled by the antioxidants in the body. So, when there is an imbalance, the free radicals can cause damage to DNA, proteins and fatty tissues which will eventually cause an increase in mitochondria DNA mutations. The purpose of the mitochondria is to produce energy within our cells, and when mitochondrial damage occurs it can increase the risks of various conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological impairments
- Obesity
- Other chronic illnesses
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, we work hard to fully analyze our patients to determine the root cause of their conditions. It’s not uncommon for patients to discover that their health problems stem from inflammation, cell dysfunction or damage within the mitochondria. To treat these ailments, we have a few approaches, one of them being the SS-31 Peptide.
What is the SS-31 Peptide?
Peptides are made up of amino acids that create building blocks of proteins. While many amino acids are naturally produced within our body, there are a lot of essential amino acids that are not, nor can they be found among external sources. The body needs essential amino acids to mimic specific functions and can benefit multiple areas of the system including the skin, muscles, immunity, and weight. SS-31 is a synthetic peptide that improves the functions within the mitochondria, protects it from damage and improves its energy production.
The Benefits of SS-31 Peptide
Mitochondria is usually considered the “powerhouse” of the cell, and if it succumbs to damage, it becomes vulnerable to hyperglycemic conditions which further enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Both of these conditions have been tied to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance. The SS-31 will provide many advantages to those with illnesses that stem from mitochondrial dysfunction. While it will provide the mitochondria with increased energy, it will also help to balance free radicals and antioxidants, thus reducing the chances of oxidative stress. In the long term, this will help to prevent serious chronic conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Neurological disorders
- Diabetes
Improving Mitochondria Function at LifeWorks Wellness Center
The production of free radicals is not a bad thing. The body produces them naturally to help keep itself healthy. Free radicals may also be contained in certain chemicals such as pollution or pesticides or could be produced due to a high sugar diet. However, it’s also possible to avoid oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Those who suffer with these conditions are at a higher risk of developing inflammation, obesity, or other chronic illnesses, therefore it’s important to take preventative measures.
If you or someone that you know is suffering from a serious illness or may have cellular issues, please call to schedule an appointment with a LifeWorks practitioner at 727-466-6789. If you wish to learn more about our treatment options contact us today.