While referred to as both a vitamin and pro-hormone, to declare that vitamin D is critical for one’s health is an understatement. Virtually every cell in our body contains a vitamin D receptor, which when activated, vitamin D binds to these sites influencing the expression of over 1,000 genes. As I mentioned in a previous post, gene expression/regulation basically gives our cells control over their structure and function (actions). Our genes can not control themselves on their own, rather they must interact with and respond to an organism’s environment. Here enters the magnitude of risk our daily diet and lifestyle choices pose to our own human health as well as to the health of future generations.
Food For Thought
What’s the Buzz? The toxic effects of alcohol.
Yes, for all you daily alcohol consumers, alcohol is actually considered a toxin to our bodies. While there are substantiated claims regarding low to moderate intake (i.e. one glass of red wine per day) and improvement in blood lipid biomarkers, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and possible inhibition of cancer cell growth, excess intake wrecks havoc on practically every organ and body system. Since alcohol is toxic, our bodies work quickly to metabolize it through a process called oxidation. Oxidation is what damages cell membranes and other structures including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. When oxygen is metabolized, it creates compounds known as “free radicals” which steal electrons from other molecules, making them unstable. Once this process is started, disruption of a living cell (what we are made of) ensues.
Feed your roots, not your branches.
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. Continue reading
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