Free O’Charge is the powerhouse of the cell and is responsible for making most of the energy needed to run day-to-day operations. Without him, the cell would be toast. But he’s becoming worn out, and, as a result, he’s starting to make mistakes. In converting food to energy, part of his job releases harmful charged electrons called reactive oxygen species (ROS).

This was never a big deal, but lately, he’s been cranking out more and more of these ROS, and they’ve started attacking HIM, specifically his DNA and his proteins. He’s unleashed a beast that is now making it very hard for him to keep up with his primary job: making energy. Without energy, the entire cell will get tired and eventually die. And that is a sad end for a guy whose ancestors got their start as simple bacteria more than a billion years ago.

What is happening inside my body?

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, begin to malfunction. The most common cause of damage to the mitochondria appears to be the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (aka free radicals), which are made within the mitochondria as a byproduct of turning food into energy. As the name implies, ROS are highly reactive, easily damaging nearby DNA, proteins, and mitochondrial structures. Over time, with enough damage, the mitochondria stop being able to produce energy, and the cell either dies or becomes senescent. 

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, begin to malfunction. The most common cause of damage to the mitochondria appears to be the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (aka free radicals), which are made within the mitochondria as a byproduct of turning food into energy. As the name implies, ROS are highly reactive, easily damaging nearby DNA, proteins, and mitochondrial structures. Over time, with enough damage, the mitochondria stop being able to produce energy, and the cell either dies or becomes senescent. 

Why this matters to you

Our power plants work by converting oxygen and food into energy, giving us our basic fuel. Free radicals can accumulate when the mitochondria decline, destroying DNA and proteins and leading to chronic “aging” illnesses.

How the HOP Box Helps: Astaxanthin, NR, Ca AKG, and Spermidine can improve mitochondrial function and “battery life,” giving Free O’Charge the power he needs to keep cells strong. 

Learn about other downfalls of aging