Last month in our series, we highlighted the scientific discovery of Mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA that is separate from that of our nuclear DNA. There are theories that the mtDNA may have been originally derived from bacteria. This is interesting since gut bacteria break down our consumed food into glucose and fatty acids and creates a symbiotic relationship with the mitochondria to convert into ATP energy for our bodies. Could this ancestral relationship between certain bacterial strains and the mitochondria come from the maternal side or what is called the “Mitochondrial Eve”?
Our paternal side determines male development in the fetus by the presence of the Y chromosome. Interestingly, it has been recently discovered that the mtDNA is inherited from our maternal side. The mechanism on how the father’s mtDNA in sperm does not survive in the fertilized egg remains a scientific mystery. The newborn baby also receives the original gut microbiome from her mother. The gut microbiome gives the infant a jump start for the immune system as well as supporting the functions of the maternal mtDNA.
Maternal Microbiome into Adulthood
The maternal microbiota is the first inoculum for the infant. According to this report on the US Library of Medicine site, the microbial diversity increases and converges toward an adult-like microbiota within the first 5 years of age. The stability of the microbiome throughout life may benefit the innate immune system (and we also speculate that basically sustaining the same microbiota supports optimum responses in the mtDNA functions). For this same report, there was a study that followed 37 healthy adults. After 5 years of the study, 60% of the original strains were still present in these adults.
The conclusions of the study include this statement … “Once (adult-like microbiota is) established, the composition of the gut microbiota is relatively stable throughout adult life, but can be altered as a result of bacterial infections, antibiotic treatment, lifestyle, surgical, and a long-term change in diet. Shifts in this complex microbial system have been reported to increase the risk of disease. Therefore, an adequate establishment of microbiota and its maintenance throughout life would reduce the risk of disease in early and late life.”
It is indeed an AHA! to think discovering the ancestral Mitochondrial Eve also may relate to the health of the microbiome in the gut.
What is Mitochondric Life?
In April of 2019, we launched the phrase “Mitochondric Life” to represent our customers’ deep connection to Watt-Ahh … right down to the molecular level. The Polarized Water infused with DiTetra Gas works with the cellular mitochondria in making us feel more balanced, centered and inspired. We all strive to become a better self … more productive, creative and fearless in facing a confusing world. This foundational spark of life comes from mitochondrial energy.
All of the 2020 Mitochondric Life Series can be found here.
Sharing AHA! Discoveries
Do you have a “AHA!” Discovery to share for a longer and healthier life? Or, do you have a discovery story to share on a different topic?
Email inquiries@aquanew.com. This can be any idea or endeavor that may help others in their own revelation or better quality of life. Alternatively, want to nominate someone with special skills of creativity and innovation? Let us know!
Live Mitochondric – Drink Watt-Ahh!