Every cell in the human body has a number of parts. They include cytoplasm, a nucleus, a nucleolus, and mitochondria. The mitochondria are the power suppliers of the cell, and ultimately, the entire body. They are responsible for processing oxygen and converting the foods we eat into energy for every different cell and system in the body. Sometimes, the mitochondria do not function correctly, and a mitochondrial disease is developed.

There are a number of mitochondrial diseases that have different inferior genetic features and affect different cells and systems of the body. Most of these diseases are caused because the mitochondria cannot burn the food and oxygen needed to generate enough energy to make the cells function correctly. When the cells do not function normally, the unburned food can actually become a poison. This poison can potentially stop the chemical reaction of other cells and essential functions of the body. Unlike other DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cannot repair itself efficiently therefore making the condition worse and irreversible. 

So where does this disease come from? Most mitochondrial diseases are inherited. All mtDNA is inherited from the mother's genes. This will almost always be passed through generations. Some medicines can actually trigger these diseases as well. Ingredients found in drugs such as some anesthetics, antibiotics, dementia medication, and cholesterol medication can indirectly induce mitochondrial damage. If any of these illnesses run in your family, checking with a doctor before taking some medications may be a good idea. In some random cases, outside toxic substances can also delete parts of the mitochondria causing disease.

Diagnosing a mitochondrial dysfunction can be tricky as well as expensive and time consuming. There are a few symptoms that can hint to this disease. As mentioned before this is a genetic illness so examining the family's medical history can help. Doing exams such as a complete physical, neurological and also metabolic tests can be done to attempt a diagnosis. Sometimes, however, more complicated tests such as biopsies or more extensive lab work may need to be done.

Different mitochondrial diseases affect different organs and systems of the body. Sometimes it affects one organ such as the kidney, heart, liver or pancreas. Other times it affects an entire system such as the nervous system. Symptoms could include a number of things like poor growth, mental retardation, intestinal disorders, diabetes, seizures, hearing problems and thyroid dysfunction. As mentioned earlier, this illness is not something that is very common and the large amount of different symptoms is what makes it so hard to diagnose. 

Like many severe sicknesses, there is no cure for mitochondrial diseases. There are only treatments that can lessen the symptoms or delay the progression. Because every person is different and there are many kinds of this infection, there is no one treatment that would work for everyone. This is only another reason this disease is so complicated. Vitamins and enzyme therapies including complex B vitamins, vitamin E, antioxidants and L-carnitine are some treatments that may work. Certain diets along with physical therapy can help as well. Also, trying an all natural supplement like UltraShot which has powerful blends of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may be an option, but you will always want to check with your doctor before taking any type of medication or supplement.