A mind-blowing conversation with mitochondrial health expert Roland Pankewich on the science of mitochondria, the connection between mitochondrial and gut health, how mitochondria communicate with gut microbiota, strategies to improve both gut and mitochondrial function and much more...     Bio:    Roland Pankewich is the CEO of Health Optimization Practice Canada and the owner/operator of the country’s first Health Optimization Clinic. His focus within his clinical practice is to work with high performing individuals, including business owners and professional athletes to help them find optimal health and performance in their lives. His specialty is in the deep understanding of the gut-immune system and how to optimize its structure and function. This allows him to share his insights and research with clients and other professionals in order to help them better understand their own health.   Topics discussed: How Roland met Mitochondrial health expert and mentor Ted Achacoso What are mitochondria? "Powerhouse of the cell definition" from 1957 Cellular currency - ATP The importance of cellular energy Mitochondrial sensing- “The cell danger response" Cell lifespan Calcium metabolism Epigenetic control Deuterium depleted matrix water Uncoupling of mitochondrial proteins (UCPs) and thermal heat  The Fourth Phase of water- Gerald Pollack https://www.amazon.com.au/Fourth-Phase-Water-Beyond-Liquid-ebook/dp/B00N2ASKF2 Exclusion Zone (EZ) water- battery Mitochondrial dysfunction and disease Mitochondria and cell nucleus communication Oxidation and Reduction agents (REDOX) Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) Damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) Pattern associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) Bacterial antigen binding to mitochondrial receptors Cross mitochondria communication Mitochondria - ancient archaea Mitochondria - immune system alert and activation What are reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals? What is REDOX? ROS signalling molecules What is apoptosis? What is necrosis? The mitochondrial engines ATP synthase Protein gradient and spin to produce ATP Aerobic respiration vs fatty acids Electron chain transport Electron leakage and free radical production Where is the highest concentration of mitochondria in the body? The gut mitochondria connection The Gut- last line of defence in the body Mitochondria and gut microbiome interaction PGC1 alpha, AMPK, SIRTUINS What happens locally impacts the body systemically  Why do we see disease manifested in the gut first? Microbiome imbalance and inflammatory cascade Gut- absorption system first and barrier second Leaky gut, the tipping point Immune system- Hurt or Heal Tight junction proteins Microbiota development for optimal host symbiosis  Creating a harmonious environment for your microbiota and mitochondria Gut Unicorns How do mitochondria and microbiota communicate bidirectionally  Microbiota metabolites for mitochondrial fuel Short-chain fatty acids Urolithins- Mitochondrial biogenesis  Up-regulation of transcription factors PGC1 alpha, AMPK, SIRTUINS and fat metabolism Mitochondria and gut barrier function Redox status of the cell, gut barrier, microbiota and mitochondrial function Metabolites Hydrogen sulphide, nitric oxide and mitochondrial energy production Butyrate production - fuel for enterocytes A new gut lining every 3 to 5 days Drug targeting and microbiota Molecular mimicry and autoimmune disease How do we improve mitochondrial function? Metabolic flexibility Time-Restricted Eating Cofactor for Mitochondrial Health Micronutrient Dense Diet Walking, High Intensity and Resistance Training Optimising your Digestive System Food Choices for optimal gut health Variety of Plant foods for Microbiota diversity What is Hormesis? Intermittent Fasting Cold Exposure and Sauna Antioxidants, polyphenols and microbiota divers