Our understanding of the role of mitochondria in health and disease has increased dramatically in recent years. For example, in addition to their well understood function as the major producers of intracellular ATP, mitochondria are now known to have numerous additional functions both inside and outside the cell, including an integral role in the signaling pathways associated with the stress response. This lecture will provide a system’s view of mitochondria as key components of the stress response including their role in the support of resilience and reduction of allostatic load. It is now well established that impairments in mitochondrial functions are due not only to genetic defects in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA but also as a result of exposure to a number of environmental toxicants including specific herbicides, pesticides and fungicides, as well as air pollution, heavy metals and various pharmaceutical drugs. The health consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction are numerous and include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease as well as multiple neurological and psychological disorders. Diagnosing patients with mitochondrial dysfunction remains challenging; however, recent advances in technology and biomarkers help confirm leading clinical symptoms. Various natural health products can be used to help support the different functional roles of mitochondria. An increased understanding of the role of mitochondria in the stress response will assist Naturopathic doctors in recommending the best possible treatments for their patients with various stress-related disorders
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, participants will be aware of:
- Mitochondria as key components of the stress response
- The systems view of mitochondria including newly discovered functions and connections
- Various perturbations of mitochondrial networks including specific environmental toxicants
- Natural health products that support the health of mitochondria
CE Credits
No credits
Dr David W Lescheid, BSC, PHD, ND
David W Lescheid, BSc, PhD, ND works as freelance Medical Writer and consultant providing scientific material and delivering lectures that help support patient care using Integrative medical principles. He also works part-time teaching Leadership workshops to scientists as well as part-time as the MedicoScientific Manager of the International Academy of Bioregulatory Systems Medicine in Baden-Baden, Germany.
Prior to these current positions, Dr Lescheid was a Professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where he taught Physiology, Microbiology, and Infectious disease as well as Clinical Care. Additionally, he spent four years practicing full-time in a large multidisciplinary health clinic in Ottawa with specialized interests in the immune system and infectious disease, men’s health issues, obesity concerns, and sports medicine. He has been a member of several federal and international committees including the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) to Health Canada, the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other government and media relations subcommittees.
Dr Lescheid graduated with honors from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2002. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry from the University of Victoria. He completed his B.Sc. in Biology, earned a Diploma in Health and Fitness studies from Simon Fraser University, and has additional training in IV therapies, homotoxicology, homeopathy, and different forms of bodywork. Dr Lescheid is a frequent guest speaker at various international medical and scientific seminars, and has published extensively on complementary and integrative medicine.
