Think of your mitochondria as a small, powerful battery in every cell, providing fuel for countless processes, especially in the high-mang cells found in your muscles, brain and heart. Over time, mitochondria naturally accumulate damage and becomes less efficient, a phenomenon known as mitochondrial laxity. Singh noted that this decline is not only the result of aging, but also affected by lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity and chronic stress, which enhance mitochondrial wear and tear.