Cancer, Mitochondria and Healthy Aging?

Are they interconnected?

Photo by FLY:D on Unsplash

I recently came across an article about nurturing your mitochondria. One of the benefits to doing this relates to aging — apparently looking after your mitochondria will help counteract much of what we associate with aging, such as declining energy levels.

What I also found fascinating — their suggestions fit very well with many of the methods I’ve been using to fight cancer.

For example:

• Getting plenty of Omega-3s; I focus more on DHA but I make sure I also get plenty of the other ones. Not only does this help your body fight cancer, it apparently features in many Blue Zone diets. (Blue Zones are areas of the world that have large numbers of centarians.)
• Incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle. I practice this to some degree, as well as doing extended (48 hour) fasts prior to cancer treatments such as chemo. Studies have shown that calorie restriction can play a role in extending lifespans as well.
• Get rid of unhealthy calories. I avoid processed foods and try to stick to whole foods and meals I cook myself.
• I eat only small amounts of animal protein, but when I do, I make sure it is pastured and humanely treated or wild-caught using lines, not nets.