It’s clear that diet composition and quantity is key in influencing the symptoms of chronic disease. In fact, research shows that the foods we consume have a direct effect on the way our genes are expressed. For those of you who aren’t familiar with gene expression, it’s basically a process where information from a gene’s DNA sequence is translated into a substance (i.e. a protein) that is used in a cell’s structure and function. If our cells are unable to operate efficiently, the functioning of our tissues and organs become compromised which eventually leads to an onslaught of chronic health ailments and disease. Therefore, by keeping our cells (roots) nourished, we are keeping ourselves nourished as well as generations to come.

What’s in the literature? Studies show that when consuming a diet high in refined carbs and sugars, we stimulate our genes to initiate the activity that creates inflammation in our bodies. Combine this with an otherwise poor diet– low in quality protein, antioxidants and other phytonutrients– lack of physical activity and a high environmental exposure to toxins and stress, DNA damage occurs at an accelerated rate.

Lets take heart disease for example. 

Heart disease is a condition often diagnosed in adulthood (yet it’s roots begin as early as childhood) and is generally associated with the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels (also known as atherosclerosis). When plaque accumulates in our arteries they become hard and narrow, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. If a piece of this plaque then breaks off or a blood clot forms and blocks our artery, a heart attack or stroke can result.

Unfortunately, previous dietary guidelines for heart disease focused on decreasing overall saturated fat and cholesterol intake (think quality meat, full fat dairy, shellfish and eggs) which unfortunately led to the low fat diet craze; increased production/supply of chemically altered fats, additives and artificial sweeteners; resultant intake of refined carbs/sugars; and overall reduction in the consumption of whole, nutrient dense foods.

How heart disease manifests: Excess consumption of refined carbs and sugars promotes excess insulin production and high triglycerides in the bloodstream which contributes to inflammation and atherosclerosis. Along with the excess consumption of unhealthy fats (corn oil, canola oil, soybean oil, margarine, shortening, hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils), low consumption of monounsaturated fats (macadamia nuts, walnuts, almonds, avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, olives), low consumption of omega 3 fats– EPA and DHA (cold water fish, pasture-raised eggs and animal meats, grass-fed dairy, hemp and chia seeds, ground flaxseed, leafy greens) and a stressful lifestyle (not enough sleep, not enough exposure to sun/nature, lack of exercise or excessive exercise) our bodies become primed for a state of oxidation (damage to our DNA) and inflammation in the bloodstream. It is under these circumstances where cholesterol in the bloodstream can turn dangerous via small, dense LDL molecules becoming lodged in artery walls and sustaining damage. This mechanism then elicits an immune response, leading to further systemic inflammation.

To sum it up: In choosing what we eat, we choose to provide our genes with an arsenal of weapons that are needed to combat inflammation and prevent, reverse or slow the progression of disease.