Think back to biology 101 when you learned that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. These mitochondria need nutrients to function properly or else chronic disease can result, according Dr. Mel Litman MD, a family physician whose practice follows the principles of orthomolecular medicine. Unfortunately, our diets today are low in critical nutrients plus we are being bombarded with toxins that disrupt our system even more. In this episode, Dr. Litman explains the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic disease, and the importance of choosing clean and nutrient dense foods that help us “get the good stuff in and the bad stuff out”.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:40 - What is orthomolecular/nutritional medicine?
4:40 - Is orthomolecular medicine the same as functional medicine?
5:30 - Why is nutrition so important?
6:00 - “Hope is an indispensable ally of the physician and an absolute right of the patient.”
8:40 - Dr. Litman’s professional journey
14:00 - What are mitochondria?
17:15 - What happens if mitochondria don’t function properly? (e.g. neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, auto-immune diseases, psychiatric problems)
19:30 - Testing
20:30 - Nutrient deficiencies and toxins
21:45 - What is toxic to the mitochondria? (e.g. heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, certain medication)
23:10 - How Dr. Litman gets the health picture of his patients
26:15 - Can we get the recommended nutrients from diet alone?
27:00 - Depletion of nutrients in food supply
28:00 - The role of supplements
31:20 - Science-based evidence
31:50 - How to find good quality supplements
34:40 - Dr. Litman’s success rate
36:10 - Is medical school teaching this area?
37:00 - Cancer and mitochondrial damage