The Science of Fitness

The Science of Fitness

Power, Performance, and Endurance
2015, Pages 97-106
The Science of Fitness

8 - When Things Go Wrong

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801023-5.00008-9Get rights and content

Summary

Mitochondria can be negatively affected by inactivity, toxins, and genetic diseases. Many diseases of inactivity (metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes) can be prevented by strengthening our mitochondria with exercise. Many inherited mitochondrial disorders have been identified. Mitochondria are suspected of having a role in degenerative diseases of the brain. Mitochondria are important in understanding cancer because they are at the center of apoptosis (programmed cell death) and tumor cells have altered metabolism, skewed toward growth rather than energy production. Mitochondria are complicated biological entities and are very sensitive to a multitude of chemical toxins. Mitochondrial toxins can be divided into environmental/dietary toxins and medication-related toxins and are detailed here so the athlete can best avoid them. Mitochondrial toxicity cut short Greg LeMond’s racing career.

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