The idea that nutrition has the power to heal is not exactly revolutionary. Nutrigenomics is proving what Hippocrates proclaimed 2,400 years ago with his renowned ‘let food be thy medicine’.
Nutrients modulate gene expression and can substantially both increase and decrease our chances of enjoying a long, healthy and happy life. And that is precisely the goal of nutritional therapy: to act as a direct communication channel with our genes in order to ‘hack’ their expression in our favour.
Genes are not a life sentence
We have the power to transform the destiny written in our genome. Epigenetics is the science that studies the processes by which environmental factors stimulate (and inhibit) their expression.
Not all genes are the same. Those which dictate the colour of our eyes express themselves without us being able to “negotiate” with them. Others, on the other hand, express or silence themselves in response to the information they receive from the environment (including nutrition).
This means that if we follow an optimized diet, ensure restful sleep, learn how to cope with stress, and minimize our exposure to toxins, we can avoid our genetic tendencies to suffer the vast majority of diseases that afflict us all today (including cancer, dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, type 2 diabetes or obesity). Therefore, even if we indeed have inherited a powerful genetic tendency to Alzheimer’s disease, with our daily choices we can not only delay its onset and contribute to its treatment, but also avoid it altogether.
Nutritional therapy is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment, but as a powerful ally.
However, be aware that reversing an unhealthy trend that has been going on for years requires time and perseverance. Any successful epigenetic ‘biohacking’ treatment will require effort and dedication (see here a preview of the four cornerstones that I will most certainly ask you to start your treatment with). There is no magic pill that allows us to feed on processed ‘edible things’ loaded with sugar and inflammatory additives, have another cigarette with our third pint of beer and get to turn 100 years with a healthy body and a sharp mind. You will not miss all those things anyway when you start to feel (and look) younger, stronger, healthier and happier.
Give your grateful ‘future you’ that dedication.
Pamper your genes, and they will certainly work ‘for’ and not ‘against’ your future you.
