If you’ve ever felt that you were stuck with the genes you were born with, think again…
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition proves without a doubt that you can change your genes based on what you eat…
Researchers gave participants high doses of omega 3 oils for 26 weeks. They analyzed the participants genes before and after the study using a process called whole-genome transcriptomics analysis.
What they found was that supplementing with omega 3’s every day for this period of time changed the expression of over 1,000 genes in the participants! [1]
It “switched on” the genes that tell your body to focus on reducing inflammation and hardening of the arteries.
According to the researchers, “These results are the first to show that intake of [omega 3’s] for 26 weeks can alter the gene expression… to a more anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic status.”
Pretty amazing, huh?
This is just one of the many studies being done in a new and exciting area of research called epigenetics. Basically, you can change what genes in your body are “turned on or off” based on environmental factors and what you put into your body (I guess we really do become what we eat!)
Who knows, one day they may discover how to “turn off” the genes that are associated with obesity and gaining fat easily.
But until that time comes, we’ll have to be happy with what science has uncovered so far… that we have the power to turn “on” our gene expression for better overall health.
Here’s how you can get started and do just that:
Fish oil—as you saw from the study I told you about earlier, supplementing with fish oil tells your genes to switch on the bodily processes that reduce inflammation and hardening of the arteries. Fish oil is rich in omega 3s that have the potential to do this. Shoot for 1,000—3,000 mg a day.
Resveratrol—This is the active antioxidant found in red wine and grapes, and is responsible for all the healthy-heart benefits. It turns out part of the reason it’s good for your heart is because it tells your DNA to do so… Your heart has around 1,029 genes that change as you age. Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that resveratrol counteracts this change 92 percent of the time. [2] It’s recommended you take 200 mg per day to get the health benefits.
Vitamin B12—This powerful vitamin has been shown to extend the life of your DNA… by lengthening your DNA’s telomeres. Think of your DNA as a shoelace… the telomeres are the plastic “cap” at the end of the shoe lace that makes tying them easy. This cap, or telomere, determines how quickly you age. The shorter the telomere gets, the quicker you go downhill. By lengthening the telomere, you extend the life of your cells, ultimately giving you a longer lifespan. Take 100—500 mcg per day.
You aren’t necessarily stuck with the cards you’ve been dealt. You have SOME control over it. Taking the supplements mentioned here would be a good start.
It would also be a good idea to add in exercising and making healthy food choices too. After all, if you don’t think twice before you decide to eat some junk food… it could impact your waistline, and your genetics!
Michael Budensiek
References:
[1] M. Bouwens, O. et al. “Fish-oil supplementation induces anti-inflammatory gene expression profiles in human blood mononuclear cells” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Volume 90, pages 415-424. June 2009
[2] http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/14546
