Peat Archive

Mitochondria are central to Ray Peat's framework as the organelles responsible for oxidative phosphorylation — the efficient production of energy (ATP) from fuel. Peat viewed mitochondrial health as the foundation of all other health. When mitochondria function well, cells produce abundant ATP with CO2 and water as byproducts. When mitochondrial function is impaired, cells shift to glycolysis, producing lactic acid and much less ATP — the metabolic hallmark of cancer, aging, and disease.

Peat identified several key factors that damage mitochondria: polyunsaturated fats (which integrate into mitochondrial membranes and undergo peroxidation), nitric oxide (which inhibits cytochrome c oxidase), excess iron (which catalyzes oxidative damage), and calcium overload. Protective factors include thyroid hormone, red/infrared light (stimulates cytochrome c oxidase), carbon dioxide, and cardiolipin composed of saturated rather than unsaturated fatty acids.