A clear and simple explanation of how Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) works in the body. Learn how it helps restore metabolic balance, boosts mitochondrial function, and may alleviate symptoms in various health conditions.
How DCA Works?
Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) has been studied and used in patients for over 40 years. During this time, scientists have uncovered many aspects of how it works. (Ref.)
But for many, the simple question of “How does DCA do its job?” can still leave them scratching their heads. So, let’s break it down in the simplest way possible. At its core, DCA helps fix something that’s gone wrong in our metabolism. But first, what exactly is metabolism? (Ref.)
Metabolism is the collection of all the chemical processes that keep us alive. It’s what turns food into energy, gets rid of waste products, and decides which substances are helpful to us and which ones are toxic and need to be removed. When something goes awry with metabolism, it can cause all sorts of issues – things like congenital lactic acidosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and endometriosis (just to name a few). (Ref.1), (Ref.2), (Ref.3)
Even more importantly, a malfunctioning metabolism can be a real advantage for tumor cells. When our metabolism is off balance, it creates a perfect environment for tumors to grow and spread. Not only that, but it helps tumors avoid detection by the immune system and evade apoptosis – the process where cells naturally die off when they’re damaged or faulty. This is one of the reasons why we can develop malignant diseases in the first place. (Ref.)
Now, let’s zoom in on where this happens. Our cells are the tiny building blocks of our body, and inside these cells, there are even tinier structures called mitochondria.
These mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses” of our cells, and for a good reason. They take in the nutrients we get from food and convert them into chemical energy that powers nearly every function in our body. In fact, about 90% of the energy we need comes from mitochondria. They also help detoxify the body and remove waste products that accumulate over time.
But here’s the catch: mitochondria don’t just give us energy – they also help protect us from defective cells. They act as a safeguard, signaling when it’s time for old, worn-out cells to go. (Ref.1), (Ref.2)
Without properly functioning mitochondria, this protection is lost. So, what happens when these little “powerhouses” start to fail?
When mitochondria aren’t working properly, we experience a range of issues. First, our cells can’t get the energy they need from food. We start producing more waste, which leads to increased acidity in the body. This causes symptoms like fatigue, pain, and worsened overall health. Our natural defenses are also weakened, making it harder for the body to fight off disease.
How DCA Helps
So, how does DCA come into the picture? DCA has a restorative effect on mitochondria that aren’t working properly. It does this by stimulating an enzyme system in the mitochondria called pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). DCA works by blocking pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), which often gets overactive in diseases like cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and endometriosis. When PDK is too active, it blocks PDC, causing mitochondrial failure. (Ref.1), (Ref.2), (Ref.3), (Ref.4)
By inhibiting PDK, DCA restores the function of mitochondria, allowing the body to get back to its normal energy production and cellular functions. The effects of DCA can be felt within 15-30 minutes of taking a dose and typically last for 12-24 hours. If taken regularly, DCA can help resolve symptoms and even lead to the regression of disease.
Why It Works
This process is crucial because it helps address the root cause of many health problems: mitochondrial dysfunction. By restoring mitochondrial function, DCA essentially “resets” the body’s metabolism, giving cells the energy they need and improving overall health. (Ref.1), (Ref.2)
In short, DCA is a powerful tool in helping our cells function properly again, which leads to better energy, fewer symptoms, and, over time, a reduction in disease progression. It’s like giving the body a much-needed tune-up to get it back on track.