Toxins and Nutrient Deficiency: Why Your Energy Is Tanked and Your Mitochondria Are Struggling

August 2. 2025

You’ve got mitochondria. You’ve got exhaustion.
And you’ve probably been told the problem is stress, age, or that you just need more sleep.
But if you’re constantly fatigued, inflamed, moody, or foggy, the real issue runs deeper.
There are two root causes silently wrecking your energy every single day, and no, they don’t come with a warning label.
Toxins and nutrient depletion are the top two mitochondrial killers. Together, they make you tired at the cellular level.
And while coffee isn’t the villain, using caffeine to mask chronic fatigue can delay the real healing your body needs.
Let’s break down how these two forces are working against you, and how to finally start turning your energy around.

Wait—My Cells Are Tired Because of What?

Yesterday we covered the basics of what mitochondria are and why they matter for your energy, hormones, and overall function. If you missed that post, pause here and read Mitochondria: What They Are and Why You’re Probably Exhausted. It sets the foundation for everything we’re diving into today.

Now that you’re caught up, here’s the truth: most people’s mitochondria are underperforming not because of aging or genetics, but because of two very fixable, very modern problems.
Toxic exposure and nutrient depletion are like a one-two punch to your energy systems.
And unfortunately, they’re part of everyday life.

Mitochondria Killer #1: Toxins from Modern Life

Your mitochondria are vulnerable. These tiny organelles are responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of your cells, and they are incredibly sensitive to environmental damage. When toxins build up in your body, they interfere with mitochondrial function in multiple ways.

Some of the worst offenders include:

• Pesticides and herbicides on conventionally grown food
• Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum
• Mold toxins (mycotoxins) from water-damaged buildings or contaminated foods
• Plastics and phthalates, found in personal care products, food packaging, and household cleaners
• Fluoride and chlorine in tap water
• EMFs from Wi-Fi, phones, and electronics
• Seed oils, which create inflammation and oxidative stress

These toxins damage the mitochondrial membrane, interfere with enzyme systems, disrupt the Krebs cycle, and even mutate mitochondrial DNA. The result? Lower energy production, more inflammation, and a whole-body energy crisis.

If you’re living in a modern house, using conventional skincare, and eating food that isn’t organic or grass-fed, you are being exposed to hundreds of mitochondrial disruptors daily.

If you would like a free e-book to give you a boost up into this world of holistic living then grab it here 👇👇

How to Start a Holistic Lifestyle

Mitochondria Killer #2: Nutrient Deficiency (Even if You Eat “Clean”)

Your mitochondria can’t function without raw materials. And the modern food system is not delivering.

Even if you eat clean, you may still be low in the nutrients your mitochondria need to:

• Activate enzymes in the energy cycle
• Convert food into ATP
• Repair damaged mitochondrial DNA
• Neutralize free radicals

Some of the most important micronutrients for mitochondrial function include:

• B vitamins, especially B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12
• Magnesium
• Zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese
• CoQ10, carnitine, alpha‑lipoic acid, and PQQ
• NAD+ precursors like niacinamide or NMN

Here’s the kicker: this nutrient crisis isn’t new. In 1936, U.S. Senate Document No. 264 included testimony from Dr. Charles Northen warning that American soils had been so heavily depleted that crops no longer contained the minerals needed for human health x.com+10projects.sare.org+10octagon-mushroom-5gyw.squarespace.com+10kindharvest.agprairieserf.com. Nearly a century ago, the nation was already suffering from “hidden hunger” due to soil exhaustion.

Despite modern farming and conventional diets, the problem is now worse. Poor soil, gut dysfunction, stress, medication use, and avoiding nutrient-dense foods like organ meats and seafood all contribute to the same outcome: a chronic lack of vital micronutrients.

You don’t have to be on a junk food diet to be depleted. You just have to be living in the 21st century.

Here is my favorite mineral supplement. BEAM Minerals

The Silent Combo That Breaks You Down

On their own, toxins are a problem. Nutrient deficiencies are a problem. But when they happen at the same time, your mitochondria are basically set up to fail.

This is where most people get stuck.
Your body can’t detox if it doesn’t have the nutrients to do so.
And your mitochondria can’t produce energy or recover if they’re constantly under toxic attack.

This combo leads to the symptoms so many people are walking around with:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• Bloating and digestive issues
• Hormonal imbalance
• Mood swings
• Exercise intolerance
• Poor sleep and burnout

You don’t need another lab test or diagnosis to confirm it. If you feel like your battery is always on 10 percent, it’s time to address the two things that are draining it most.

How to Start Reversing the Damage

Here’s what works. Start simple and stay consistent.

1. Remove what’s blocking you:

• Swap out chemical cleaners, scented candles, and plastic containers.
• Get a water filter that removes fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals.
• Choose grass-fed, organic food when possible.
• Say goodbye to seed oils and ultra-processed snacks.

2. Replace what’s missing:

• Eat nutrient-dense foods like beef liver, wild salmon, eggs, and leafy greens.
• Rebuild your mineral reserves with sea salt, trace minerals, and magnesium.
• Support digestion so you can absorb what you’re eating.
• Consider mitochondrial supplements if your energy is severely tanked.

3. Focus on the fundamentals:

• Breathe better. Move your body gently.
• Sleep in total darkness. Get morning sunlight.
• Drain before you detox.

And if you need a step-by-step roadmap to help you clean up your lifestyle and start fueling your body the right way, I’ve got you covered.

Start Here: Your Free Holistic Reset

If you're tired of being tired, overwhelmed by information, and not sure where to start, grab my free e-book:

👉 How to Start a Holistic Lifestyle

Inside, you’ll learn the simple, practical steps that can help reduce your toxic load, replenish vital nutrients, and give your mitochondria what they’ve been begging for.

In Case You Skimmed:

• The top two causes of mitochondrial dysfunction are toxin exposure and nutrient depletion.
• You are exposed to harmful chemicals every day, and even healthy eaters are often missing key micronutrients.
• Healing starts when you remove what harms and restore what’s missing.
• You can start today. One swap, one meal, one breath at a time.

You don’t need more opinions. You need results.
And you won’t find them in a broken system built on prescription pads and profit.
But you’re here. You’re asking questions. You’re waking up.
You’re just living in a world that profits off you.
But once you realize the power was in your hands all along,
you stop playing small and start healing for real.

Jamie Shahan, MSN, CRNA, RN
Empowering Holistic Health

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content reflects the personal research, experiences, and opinions of Jamie Shahan and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medications.

Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself or would confidently recommend to someone I love