Cell Health: Why It’s at the Root of Everything
When we think about health, it’s easy to focus on how we feel each day—our energy, mood, or digestion—but the real key lies much deeper.
It all starts with our cells.
These tiny building blocks make up our tissues, our tissues form our organs, and ultimately, our organs create the systems that keep us going. When our cells are healthy and functioning optimally, everything works well. But when they’re stressed or damaged, the ripple effect is felt throughout our bodies.
Each cell is like its own little powerhouse, and its protective membrane is crucial for keeping the cell safe. Inside the cell, the mitochondria—the energy producers—are responsible for generating the energy we rely on. If the mitochondria are running smoothly, we feel energized and clear-headed. But if they’re not getting the right fuel or support, our energy, mental clarity, and overall health take a hit.
Why is Cell Health So Important?
Healthy cells equal a healthy body.
When your cells are functioning well, they efficiently absorb nutrients, produce energy, and repair themselves. But if your cells are compromised by factors like poor diet, stress, or environmental toxins, the entire system can start to break down, leading to fatigue, inflammation, brain fog, or even chronic conditions.
How to Support Your Cells for Optimal Health
Here’s the good news: supporting your cells doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to help your cells—and your overall health—thrive:
Prioritize blood sugar balance:
One key factor in maintaining optimal cell health is blood sugar balance. When your blood sugar is on a rollercoaster of spikes and crashes, it stresses your cells and mitochondria, leading to inflammation and oxidative damage. Stable blood sugar is essential for keeping your cells energized and functioning properly.
Eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps prevent those blood sugar spikes and crashes. When your blood sugar stays steady, you experience fewer slumps and protect your cells and blood vessels from unnecessary stress, preventing long-term damage and keeping your body running smoothly. Check out our free guide on building a balanced plate for more details here.
sync with your circadian rhythm:
As energetic beings, we’re deeply influenced by the natural rhythms of light and energy around us. Our circadian rhythm, which governs everything from our sleep patterns to cellular function, relies on exposure to natural light during the day and darkness at night.
Morning sunlight helps set our internal clock and boosts mitochondrial function (de Goede et al., 2018), so try to get outdoors and let that light into your bare eyes (before 9 am whenever possible).
Limiting blue light and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at night can also help our cells repair and regenerate (Kıvrak et al., 2017). Try lowering your lighting, use lamps instead of overhead lights, and consider using blue-light-blocking glasses in the hours leading up to bed.
In addition, simple steps like giving your phone its own bedroom, turning off Bluetooth, and creating an EMF-free zone while you sleep can make a big difference in how your cells recharge overnight.
Fuel your cells with nutrient-dense foods:
Your cells and mitochondria need specific nutrients like omega-3s, magnesium, B Vitamins, and antioxidants to function properly. Load up on foods like wild-caught fish, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and berries to give your cells the support they need to stay strong and resilient.
I love keeping my freezer and pantry stocked with nutrient-dense foods so I always have something supportive to turn to–even during crazy-busy weeks. My go-to auto-ship options are Thrive Market (for frozen berries, veggies, and wild-caught salmon and sardines), and ButcherBox and Force of Nature (for grass-fed meats). This makes it so easy to always have the best fuel for your body on hand.
Our cells are powered by energy, and everything from food to light to EMFs can affect how they perform. By syncing with your body’s natural rhythms and protecting your cells from unnecessary stress, you’re setting yourself up for better energy, clearer thinking, and long-term vitality. So next time you’re feeling a little off, remember–it all starts at the cellular level!
