The Hidden Cause of PLUMMETING Energy Levels
The older you get, the more likely you are to experience depression—and the lack of energy that goes along with it.
Many factors can increase this risk. Things like your gut health, hormone levels, or your social situation, to name a few.
But there’s another underlying factor that no one – for some reason – talks about.
My guess? It’s because there’s no drug to treat this particular issue.
But there ARE ways to improve it.
When you do, it won’t only help your depression but could give you an overall energy boost.
Your cells contain tiny power plants called mitochondria. They produce the molecules your cells use for energy (ATP).
But when your powerplants aren’t running at peak efficiency, your whole body can suffer from an energy shortage. This can lead to muscle weakness, neurological problems, and even kidney disease.
But today, I want to highlight its role in energy-sucking depression.
A recent study found that older adults with depression ALSO have rapidly aging mitochondria.
This was evident by measuring levels of GDF-15 protein in the blood. The higher the GDF-15, the more impaired the mitochondria tend to be.
Adults with depression also had higher levels of GDF-15, indicating impaired mitochondrial function.
But depression is just the tip of the iceberg since aging mitochondria are associated with aging in general.
This is the largest study ever to link mitochondrial aging and depression in older adults.
Predictably, the researchers are FINALLY now looking into ways to improve mitochondrial function. But I’ve been telling my patients how to boost these critical power plants for YEARS.
It all comes down to lifestyle.
Some of the best ways to improve mitochondrial function are also the simplest. They include:
- Eating fewer calories
- Practicing intermittent fasting
- Cutting out refined carbs
- Eating more grass-fed beef, eggs from free-range chickens, and omega-3s
- Engaging in daily physical activity
Making these changes alone can send energy levels SOARING and depression symptoms PLUMMETING.
P.S. One of the BEST steps I’ve ever taken to live a longer and healthier life is a certain “timing trick.” And it could be just as beneficial for you. CLICK HERE for the details.
SOURCE:
“Late-Life Depression is Associated With Increased Levels of GDF-15, a Pro-Aging Mitokine,” The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.08.003
