Whether your knowledge of DNA only extends as far as your high school Biology class or you’re a PhD student elbows deep in DNA research on a daily basis, it’s universal knowledge that DNA makes us who we are. It’s the unique code that each of us is born with and dictates much about our health, appearance, development, etc. But recent research shows that the “destiny” that your DNA lays out for you may not necessarily be set in stone. Simple changes in lifestyle choices may have the ability to shut off or silence genes in your DNA that lead to adverse health later in life.
Each time we visit the doctor for a routine physical, we’re asked about our family health history. This question relates directly back to your DNA. When we say that everyone on our father’s side has a history of high cholesterol, it means that it’s extremely likely that we share whatever gene causes this and may ultimately end up with high cholesterol as well. Many of these heritable traits are unavoidable. We inherited the trait from one of our parents and that’s all there is to it. But diet can influence whether or not these genes become more active or suppressed over time.
While there is still much research to be conducted surrounding the link between diet and gene expression, one of the most compelling results suggests that the link may be stronger than originally anticipated. In a recent study, it was discovered that patients who followed diets containing 60% more carbs exhibited an over expression of the genes associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Ultimately, people who already carried the genes associated with these diseases sped up their adverse effects with a simple change in their diet. Similar results have been seen in regards to the genes associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
We’ve all realized for some time now that diet has a direct correlation to weight loss and weight gain, but understanding that diet can alter the future of your own health is groundbreaking. It’s why genetics is becoming an increasingly important platform in health and fitness. Understanding your genetic predisposition for certain diseases as well as your body’s ability to respond to diet and exercise writes a better prescription for increased health than any doctor could prescribe with medication. Finding a balanced diet that’s unique to your body’s genetic make-up can suppress the expression of those bad genes we wished we’d never inherited. Essentially, eating more veggies may not make your family health history irrelevant, but it could stave off the effects of that high cholesterol that’s oh so common on your father’s side of the family. In the end, our genetics play a pivotal role in our overall health and fitness levels.
