In order to obtain optimal health, the balance between oxidation and anti-oxidants is highly important. Anti-oxidants can be obtained through proper dietary support like vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These foods interact with the free radicals and ensure they are no longer a reactive molecule.Â
Our genes have been linked to playing a role in inflammation. Polymorphisms have been noted in several genes to result in higher proinflammatory markers.It is important to remember that nutrition and lifestyle interventions can affect these genes and how they are expressed. For every one pound an individual is overweight, it puts ten pounds on your joints. This is an early life stressor that easily leads to chronic low-grade inflammation. Additionally, this can lead to diabetes, depression, cancers, and even cardiovascular diseases. We use DNA Health from DNA Life to determine an individual’s genetic predisposition and risk factors when it comes to inflammation
What is gluten? Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Unfortunately, gluten is the stable of the American diet and hidden in many foods, like soy sauce for example. 99% of people who have a problem with eating gluten do not even know it. They associate their poor health and discomfort with other instances. However, this is becoming an epidemic as those who have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity (diagnosed or undiagnosed) have a significantly higher chance of developing heart disease. So far, there have been 55 diseases that are linked to eating gluten.
The detoxification process has two separate phases, both equally important. In phase one, our body requires “activator†enzymes. These enzymes hold the responsibility of activating a substance that needs to be removed. Once this process is complete, we move on to phase two detoxification. During phase two, we use “excretor†enzymes. These enzymes catalyze reactions that lead to the excretion of the toxins from the body. The way this process works is by binding the “active†toxins from phase one with glutathione in order to make the compounds water-soluble. Water-soluble compounds have the ability to be excreted through sweat or urine. With specific gene variants or deletions within this process, individuals have an increased risk for inflammation, cancers, and other health conditions.
DNA methylation is a very important factor in our biochemical pathways. Methylation uses a process of donating methyl groups to a substrate. These methyl group substrates contain DNA and RNA, chemicals, neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune cells. A few examples of methylation include: regulating gene expression, biotransformation, myelination which is the production of the protective coating that surrounds our nerves), building neurotransmitters, immune cells, processing hormones, and DNA/RNA synthesis.
For those who have lactose intolerance, the LCT gene transcription is reduced, leading to a low level of lactase. To turn off LCT it involves blocking an activator or turning up a repressor. In fact, it is theorized that lactase persistence is a human evolutionary adaptation to drinking milk from domesticated animals. The mutation in the gene started to appear around the same time as the domestication of cattle.
The balance of homocysteine in the body is critical. Too much as we start to see neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and even cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine can be tricky to balance as it requires an understanding of how homocysteine is produced. Research is showing now a link between homocysteine metabolism, specific pathologies, and its influence on our genes.
Every single cell in our body requires energy to complete its functions. The energy our body creates and uses is known as ATP. ATP is created in the mitochondria and relies on a mixture of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to source its fuel. This energy is created in an essential process called The Krebs Cycle. Similar to other functions throughout the body, when inflammation occurs important process can become hindered and not performed to their greatest extent. We have the ability to maximize our Krebs Cycle by the food we eat, ultimately leading to a postive alteration in our genes and reduced inflammation throughout our body.
As humans, we share genetic similarities and differences. Our genes are associated with our cellular defense and the risk we have for diseases. Additionally, part of our genetic differences include the rate in which enzymes in our bodies operate. Enzymes are important when it comes to cellular health as they determine the speed and activity of genes. Our diet heavily impacts our genetic expression and the metabolic pathways involved in all cellular functions. In order to reduce muscle pain, improve skeletal and overall health, diet needs to be considered as one of the top forms of medicine.
As humans we need ATP to sustain life. ATP is the energy our bodies use to perform cellular functions. To properly create ATP we need a combination of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (macronutrients). To take these substances and convert them into ATP, our body uses a metabolic pathway referred to as the Citric Acid Cycle. The Citric Acid Cycle is what supplies the body with its primary energy. Without proper energy production from the Citric Acid Cycle we feel fatigued, muscle pain, and our body may suffer from inflammation. Organic acids are a result obtained from metabolic pathways such as the Citric Acid Cycle. We have the ability to assess your body’s energy production by measuring Organic Acids with diagnostic lab testing.
Genes are highly essential and many are still unstudied. We are constantly uncovering more information about our genetic makeup and the factors that influence them. Now, we understand that food and dietary components play a large role in specific gene expressions and the environment around us is responsible for certain genetic expression as well! We have affordable ways to get your genes tested and can provide you with more insight on your genetic makeup.
Genetics play a large role in the onset of diseases and human physiology. One thing we know now more than ever is the heavy impact that nutrition has on these genes and the triggers to “turn on†or “off†a disease marker. New research is revealing that lifestyle, dietary components, mindsets, medication, and environmental factors are also responsible for the increase or decrease of gene activity. To help reduce methylation dysfunction, remember to reduce stress, remove toxins, and restore your body with the proper nutrients it needs!
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Today, there can be a lot of confusion when it comes to diet. The information received can be contradicting, confusing, and leave individuals feeling lost.…