DNA contains all the instructions that transform us from a fertilized egg into a full human being. DNA also contains all the programming that facilitates biological growth and repair, fights infection and disease and aids the normal function of vital organs like the heart, brain and gut. Unfortunately, DNA and genetic expression can be damaged by diet, stress, lifestyle, emotions and injury, which may advance the physical and mental deterioration often associated with aging.
However, limiting the factors that cause the most genetic damage can help reverse disease and restore proper biological function. The most common causes of DNA damage include:
• Free Radical Damage – Free radicals form in the body as a by-product of the proDNAcesses that break down food for energy, fight infection and hazardous chemicals. They are highly unstable molecules that encourage oxidation, or cellular rust, that interferes with energy production and may be related to symptoms of extreme physical and mental fatigue in the elderly.
• Mistakes in DNA Replication – Mistakes can be made during DNA replication that result in the accumulation of genetic mutations that increase the amount of time it takes to repair and replace “old” DNA.
• Errors during DNA Transcription – When various amino acids are missing during DNA transcription, the process of encoding specific information into our genes, which are used in the creation of enzymes and proteins, vital components of health and biological repair, can be altered that may encourage the development of disease.
Most people today are consistently exposed to substances that are known to damage our DNA. Radiation (from the sun , increased radiation from mobile phone masts or x-rays), viruses, toxins, pollution, plastics, cigarette smoke, chemicals in soft drinks, pesticides, and many more common substances have all been found to damage our DNA. It’s unfortunate because when our DNA is damaged, we are subjected to numerous health problems. Our cells become inhibited in producing what our bodies need and our bodies become challenged in re-growing healthy cells. Some results of damaged DNA are: premature aging, cancer, diabetes mellitus (diabetes itself may cause DNA damage), Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions. Worse yet, the effects of our chemical exposure and lifestyles are passed to our children and our children’s children. Fortunately though, our DNA has the ability to repair itself and below are a few easy ways to start your DNA on the road to repair. Vibrational or physical control, by others, is established through various means, one of which is toxic additives in the food supply and products that we use. For example, fluoride which is added to drinking water is a highly toxic, poisonous, neuro-suppressant. It calcifies the pineal gland and interferes with DNA functioning (see my article on the dangers of fluoride). The world’s most prestigious medical journal, the Lancet, has recently categorized fluoride as a neurotoxin.
In fact, there are endless food additives that disrupt normal DNA functioning, which is why they are placed into so many products, to prevent the human being from functioning at his/her optimal. Genetically modified organisms, or GMO crops are being forced into the food chain and these organisms also disrupt DNA functioning. After looking at the data on how the human body processes these and other forms of GMOs, a team of researchers discovered that DNA from GMOs is not completely broken down by the body during the digestion process. What would normally be degraded into smaller constituents like amino acids and nucleic acids was found to remain whole. Not only this, but these larger DNA fragments were found to pass directly into the circulatory system, sometimes at a level higher than actual human DNA.
Cells cannot function properly if the DNA is damaged. However, the cells CAN, through chemical processes, reverse the damage themselves. It is estimated that, on average, there are 800 incidents of DNA damage in our bodies per hour. That’s 19,000 hits to our DNA every day. And that DNA damage can cause mutations that can give rise to cancer—if not repaired. Thankfully, the regulation of DNA repair may be added to the list of biological processes that are influenced by what we eat and, specifically, that this might constitute part of the explanation for the cancer-preventive effects of many plant-based foods.
Nine fruits and vegetables were tested to see which were better for boosting DNA repair: lemons, persimmons, strawberries, oranges, choy sum (which is like skinny bok choy), broccoli, celery, lettuce, and apples. Which ones came out tops? Lemons, persimmons, strawberries, apples, broccoli, and celery each conferred DNA protection at very low doses. Lemons cut DNA damage by about a third. Was it the vitamin C? No, removing the vitamin C from the lemon extract did not remove the protective effect. However, if you boiled the lemon first for 30 minutes, the effect was lost. Now you can see another benefit of drinking lemon juice with water or green tea first thing in the morning. A combined group of carotenoid nutrients known as xanthophylls, combat DNA damage and boost DNA repair mechanisms. This in turn slows the development of cancer and other age related disorders such as advanced macular degeneration (gradual loss of eye sight).
Hempseed and hempseed oil have been found to be a factor in DNA repair. Hemp has the perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6) needed by the human body. One ‘job’ of Omega 3 is cellular repair. Hemp is 65% protein, 35% of which is globulin edestin protein. It is the protein that is closest to human globulin, and is very easily digestible by the body.The protein is a major factor in DNA repair, as the cells use that protein to correct the DNA damage. Because hemp is the highest source of edestin protein AND is responsible for boosting the immune system, it is a perfect addition to the diet. Vitamins B3 (Niacin), B9 (Folate), and B12 (Cobalamin) have also been found as essential for DNA metabolism..
What are the causes of cancer? What makes us older? If lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes or drinking cola increase our risk of cancer, what can we do to try reverse or slow aging? Are cancer and aging related? Adequate, or more than adequate, levels of vitamins and minerals are thought to play a significant role in DNA repair and protection. The repair and protection of DNA is then thought to play a critical role in preventing cancer and slowing aging. Carotenoids (vitamin A precursors) such as beta-carotene are now conclusively considered anti-oxidants which ensure genomic stability. Their role in preventing cancer, however, is still considered somewhat controversial, with some studies reporting that carotenoids prevent cancer, and other studies reporting no effect. Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in stabilizing DNA structure, and has been proven to help in bone health, multiple sclerosis, hypertension and possibly cancer. Vitamin E is a lipid scavenger which makes it very effective at reducing chromosome damage.
It can also happen if a person is exposed to radiation through x-ray imaging, nuclear power, or fallout from nuclear weapons. If severe enough, radiation damage may cause cancer, birth defects, heart disease, and other serious health problems. Doctors try to protect people undergoing radiation therapy for cancer by using low doses, being precise about targeting the radiation, and minimizing side effects.
Radiation damage can cause a number of symptoms. These are common side effects when a person undergoes radiation treatment for cancer:
• Hair loss
• Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Low white blood cells (leucopenia)
• Itchy skin at the site of the radiation
• Sore mouth or mouth ulcers (oral mucositis)
Radiation sickness or radiation emergency happens after exposure to a large amount of radiation. Acute radiation sickness occurs within 24 hours of exposure. Chronic radiation syndrome is a range of symptoms occurring over a period of time. These symptoms can happen immediately or months or years after exposure to radiation:
• Radiation syndrome includes fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, headache with bleeding and complications affecting the digestive system, nervous system, heart, and lungs.
• Central nervous system diseases
• Kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal problems
• Poor growth in children
• Skin conditions
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart)
• Lung infections or conditions, respiratory failure
• Vision problems, including cataracts
• Problems with the reproductive organs
• Heart disease
Damage happens when radiation interacts with oxygen, causing certain molecules to form in the body. These molecules can damage or break strands of DNA in cells. The cells may die. Apart from chemicals in the food, air, water and clothes we wear the greatest threat to our health is from radiation.
People who have been exposed to radiation and who also have the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing radiation damage:
• High dose of radiation exposure
• Young age at time of exposure
• Use of chemotherapy, antibiotics
• Exposure to radiation before birth (while in the womb)
These nutritional tips may help reduce side effects from radiation therapy:
• People undergoing radiation and that means everyone in the world should maintain a healthy diet. It is best to work with a nutritionist who understands the unique needs of people with cancer and people receiving radiation therapy.
• Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Avoid cooking olive oil at high temperatures to prevent carcinogens from forming.
• Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Supplements may be helpful in terms of managing the side effects of radiation therapy while others may interfere with the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. Another supplement you may want to consider is a probiotic supplement containing 5 to 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day. Probiotics may help reduce diarrhoea in people receiving radiation therapy for cancer in the pelvis or abdomen.
Herbs are generally available as standardized, dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas, or tinctures/liquid extracts. Mix liquid extracts with your favourite beverage. Dose for teas is 1 to 2 heaping tsp. per cup of water, steeped for 10 to 15 minutes (roots need longer).
If you are undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, ask your oncologist before taking any herb.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) standardized extract, 80 to 200 mg, 1 to 3 times a day, may offer some protection from radiation damage, although more research is needed. Milk thistle may interact with a variety of medications, and may even have estrogen-like effects in certain people. Speak with your doctor.
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 to 500 mg daily, for antioxidant effects. You may use caffeine-free products. You can also prepare teas from the leaf.
• Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng) standardized extract, 100 to 200 mg, twice daily, may offer some protection from radiation, although more research is needed. Some studies show that ginseng may reduce fatigue, which is a common side effect of radiation therapy. Ginseng may interact with a number of medications, so ask your doctor before taking it. You should not take ginseng for more than 3 months. If you have diabetes, heart disease, an autoimmune disease, insomnia, or schizophrenia, you should avoid ginseng.
• Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) standardized extract, 400 mg daily, may offer some protection from radiation, although more research is needed. You can also prepare teas from the root. Holy basil may increase the risk of bleeding if you take blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin.
• Chamomile oral rinse (Kamillosan), used 3 to 4 times daily, for mouth soreness or ulcers due to radiation therapy.
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) topical cream, apply externally to irritated skin, 2 to 3 times daily. One study of women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer found that using calendula ointment at least 2 times a day reduced skin irritation, pain, and redness.
• Aloe vera (Aloe vera) topical gel or cream, applied externally to irritated skin, 2 to 3 times daily. Studies are mixed about whether aloe helps reduce skin irritation and pain from radiation.
Other foods that repair DNA are…. Selenium, kale, broccoli, spinach, water cress, guavas, kiwi fruits, beans (red kidney beans, black beans, split peas, lentils and chick peas, all very good sources of fibre, protein and folate which is an excellent source of vitamin B. Avocados and asparagus are also high on the list. If you are undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, ask your oncologist before taking any herb. Pulses, seeds of legumes that use nitrogen from the atmosphere to make protein are an important protein source worldwide. So valuable in ancient Rome, prominent families derived their names from beans and peas; for example, Cicero is from the Latin word for chickpea.
Cosmic radiation (galactic radiation) reaches earth every single moment. Human DNA is holding ALL information needed to build and “run” the human body. Human DNA is the software of life. The main role of DNA molecules is the long term storage of information. Molecules interact at atomic level with incoming radiation. But the mechanism of how highly energetic radiation interact with the DNA structure is not yet properly understood.
The effects depend on the characteristics (frequency, speed of particles, etc.) of the interacting radiation and how it is absorbed or deflected by the “guest” structure. Sun-gazing is a very effective way to consciously change your DNA for the better but you have to adhere to some simple, basic guidelines. The best times are an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset as the sun’s rays are not powerful enough at that time to damage your eyes. This process is even more beneficial if you are standing barefoot on grass, naked earth or sand at the same time, a process known as earthing or grounding. You can begin by doing this for about ten seconds and gradually work your way up and the health benefits are said to be tremendous. Protecting your DNA is not only important from a physical perspective but also spiritually as it works with your pineal gland in raising your level of consciousness and connectivity to your inner being,, your fellow man and the greater consciousness that controls the universe.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are not intended to replace a one to one relationship with your health practitioner nor are they meant as medical advice. You are encouraged to do your own research and make your own decisions in partnership with your medical practitioner.