[SL: This informative article on using diet to foster DNA health appeared several years ago in my popular free ezine, DNA MONTHLY. Enjoy!]
Learning a little bit about how your body functions on a microscopic level can allow you to help your health in substantial ways. Nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), an integral molecule contained in most cells, can be thought of as the blueprint to your body. With some understanding of your body and how it functions, you can empower these processes for optimal living through supporting DNA’s role in replication, repair, and protein synthesis.
What Does DNA Do?
Contained in most cells with a nucleus, DNA houses the genetic information essential to the development and functioning of all living organisms. It is responsible for storing and passing on all genetic information, as well as giving instructions for creating other components of cells and molecules used in various bodily functions.
For example, DNA directs protein synthesis. Many of the resulting proteins act as enzymes to catalyze specific bodily reactions, such as the synthesis of insulin for sugar metabolism. Other proteins, called amino acids, act as building blocks for important neurotransmitters such as those involved in sleep, mood, and appetite. In addition, larger proteins provide structure so that cells and tissues form, develop and heal correctly. DNA ensures that these newly formed cells are able to make proteins with precision and that each cell inherits and passes on the same genetic advantages that its predecessors acquired through natural selection.
How Does DNA Function?
DNA is a long molecule made of two identical strands linked together, giving the appearance of a ladder (Jacob’s Ladder). In order to prevent oxidation and mutation, the molecule twists and folds repeatedly so that it will not react with other chemicals. Although microscopic, the size of the resulting globular DNA molecule does not allow it to leave the nucleus, where it is protected from random cellular activity. When protein needs to be synthesized, nuclear DNA unfolds only to expose the portion of the molecule containing the precise instructions for that particular protein. A smaller molecule called messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) forms a template that can pass through the nuclear membrane to deliver the chemical message to another part of the cell where the actual protein synthesis occurs.
During cell division when new cells are needed, DNA replicates, or copies, itself so that each of the two new cells has an exact copy of it. During this process, the double-stranded DNA molecule “unzips” as the chemical bonds holding it together break apart so that each identical strand stands alone. Now, as two cells emerge from one via the process of cellular division, each “daughter” cell contains only a single strand of DNA—but not for long. Each daughter cell rebuilds a second strand attached to the original one. When this process completes, each separate daughter cell has a double-stranded DNA molecule within its own nucleus.
Stress on DNA
During a cell’s lifespan, its DNA undergoes damage, but it is especially vulnerable when it uncoils to replicate and synthesize protein. In spite of several enzyme systems in cells that detect and repair damaged DNA, forces such as free radicals, ultraviolet light, radioactive substances and toxic agents cause damage in the form of deletions, mutations or changes in DNA sequencing.
Under usual circumstances, these cumulative effects coincide with cells’ normal cycle of aging, death, and replacement. When replacement cells undergo overwhelming stress early on and are not immediately replaced, however, the whole body is impacted by way of tissue and organ deterioration such as that found in neuromuscular disorders and Alzheimer’s, for example.
Protect Your DNA
Free radicals are unstable electrons created during the process of oxidation. During cell oxidation, a free radical must take an electron from another source—such as DNA—in order to become stable. The DNA molecule, now lacking an electron, becomes mutated. Antioxidants donate electrons to free radicals so that they will not rob electrons from DNA molecules. For example, the inclusion of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in the diet (through good nutrition and supplementation) is beneficial to DNA found in tissues all over the body; and vitamin A specifically blocks oxidation of DNA molecules involved with eyesight.
In addition, the omega fatty acids found in flaxseed, safflower and certain fish oils also provide antioxidant protection against free radicals. Trace minerals such as iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc and molybdenum work with amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and enzymes to neutralize less harmful radicals created in the anti-oxidation process, and are only needed in small amounts.
Support DNA Replication & Repair
In order for DNA to replicate or repair itself, there must be a freestanding supply of DNA-building materials found within each cell, namely purines and pyrimidines. To support the good health of your DNA, biochemically convert basic molecules found within the body to purines and pyrimidines by consuming foods or supplements that contain folic acid. Foods rich in folic acid include fresh green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli. Folate, another form of folic acid, is found in fruit, starchy vegetables, beans, whole grains, and liver.
Foods specifically rich in purines and pyrimidines include anchovies, sardines, herring, yeast, organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads), legumes (dried beans, peas), mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and cauliflower. It should be noted, however, that over-consumption of these foods might aggravate gout (an inflammatory condition of the joints) or exasperate kidney stone formation in those predisposed. Also, those who use anti-depressants or blood pressure control medications in the category called MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should check with their physician before intentionally eating more of these foods. In addition, people sensitive to raw vegetables may have need of a digestive aid.
Some dietary amino acids aid in the precision of DNA synthesis. In order to support this synthesis, be sure to consume plenty of B vitamins, which can be found in the nutrient lecithin, usually isolated from soybeans, and the entire vitamin B group found in beef, brewer’s yeast, and legumes.
Support Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis requires additional support through supplementation, too. Although the body can synthesize nonessential amino acids (protein building blocks) from other proteins, certain (essential) amino acids must specifically come from the food you eat. Protein-rich foods tend to contain a generous allowance of both essential and nonessential amino acids, and food labels indicate the same. Increased awareness of the nutrition provided by your diet, and supplementing any shortcomings you find, can enhance your DNA’s effectiveness and proficiency.
As it lives, breathes and functions, your body undergoes an incredible number of stresses while carrying on an infinite number of processes in order for you to survive minute to minute and thrive for a lifetime. Although you are not able to see your DNA carrying out these essential functions, you can support its life-giving activities. The programmed intelligence within your DNA encodes your natural will to survive; however, you can help it function properly through good nutrition, supplementation, and avoidance of chemical toxins.
Copyright © Bryan Flournoy. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: The information contained in the foregoing article is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please be sure to seek the advice of your medical professional.
Bryan Flournoy, pharmacist, medical intuitive and metatelepath, promotes the in-person and Internet radio workshop Making It All Click! MIAC! is a collective intuitive experience through which we perceive and interpret all kinds of energy impressions as practical, higher-purpose information for daily guidance and Akashic creation. Contact Bryan by telephone at (419)260-2195.