Mitochondria and the Roots of Health
Conversation with Takamasa Tsurusaki Sensei
Beside the cell's core, we have the mitochondria - the true source of our body's energy. To create real energy, mitochondria need both nutrition and oxygen. You can think of them like a nuclear power plant — every cell has its own little reactor producing energy for the body.
However, mitochondria are very sensitive. They dislike toxins, stress, and germs - all of which can make them "sick." That's why many doctors and scientists emphasize the importance of keeping our mitochondria healthy.
Research shows that healthy mitochondria are essential for maintaining overall well-being.
There are three main entry points for germs:
The mouth
The intestines
The genital area
For women, hygiene is especially important because the genital area is internal and more prone to infection.
But men can also experience infections, such as in the testicles or urinary tract.
The mouth and nose are our first filters — especially the nose, which helps block many harmful particles. In the intestines, we have a large community of good bacteria called intestinal flora. A poor lifestyle can disturb this balance, allowing harmful bacteria to grow. When those bacteria move into the small intestine, inflammation can occur — sometimes leading to appendicitis.
Doctors usually treat appendicitis with surgery, but they rarely ask why it developed in the first place. If appendicitis happens during childhood or adolescence, it might point to a deeper weakness in digestion or gut health that continues later in life - possibly leading to chronic digestive or liver issues.
One possible cause is introducing solid food too early, before the baby's intestines and gut flora are mature enough. Breast milk is the perfect food for infants, but if a baby doesn't get enough, or is switched to solid food too soon, the gut environment may not develop properly. This imbalance could later contribute to issues like appendicitis.
