GENES RESPOND TO THE FOODS WE EAT?

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There is no dearth of recommendations and advice for the healthiest diet in today’s health conscious world.Since our genes respond to the food we eat,biologists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have strived to find answers to certain questions at the molecular levels.

Do the food we eat contribute to healthy cellular processes? Are we getting the benefit of what we eat?

Their recent genetic research actually speaks for what the ‘gene’ might consider a healthy food preference, limiting the risks of lifestyle related diseases. The ideal diet must consist of: one-third protein, one- third fat, one- third carbohydrates.

DIET AFFECTS GENE EXPRESSION CLAIM NITU RESEARCHES

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Gene expression refers to the process where information from a gene’s DNA sequence is translated into a substance, like a protein, that is used in a cell’s structure or function. A diet with 65% carbohydrates, causes a number of classes of genes to work overtime. This affects not only the genes that cause inflammation in the body, but also genes associated with development of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, dementia, type 2 diabetes and all major lifestyle-related diseases. A common dietary advice to keep genes healthy and prevent chronic diseases is one that reduces inflammatory reactions in the body and also minimizes the body’s need to secrete insulin.

Dr. Berit Johansen, a professor of biology at NTNU, says “In choosing what we eat, we choose whether we will provide our genes the weapons that cause disease”.

Be it the ‘youth gene’ or the genes that are linked to cardiovascular diseases, a new balanced diet sheet needs to be drawn keeping in mind that every meal has the right amount of fat, protein and good carbohydrates..

I AM WHAT MY GENES WANT TO EAT

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Eating disorders can be caused by a mix of sociological, psychological and genetic factors. According to Johansen, “the ability to resist or otherwise, it seems, maybe built into your DNA.” Some noteworthy findings are:

• The ‘junk food gene’ which is a genetic flaw creates a craving for fatty and sugary food and explains why some can’t resist
• A rogue version of a gene called FTO, is responsible for two thirds of Britons being obese as a result of being driven to eat high- calorie and energy dense food.
• Sense of Taste and ability to try new food can also be established by studying specific genes. Those with less- intense receptors (or less taste buds) tend to eat more cruciferous vegetables.
• The galanin gene and its coded protein may be involved in the regulation of food and alcohol consumption. Researchers found that GAL5.1 acted as a booster to the region of DNA responsible for switching on the GAL gene.

On a positive note, research proves that volunteers showed positive changes within 6 days of diet- change. So remember it’s never too late to alter your food preference in spite of the genetic inclinations.

How To Keep Your Bones Healthy?

Bones are a very important part of our body as they protect our organs. Strong bones are necessary to be physically fit and healthy. When we are young, our bones are stronger and harder. But, as we age and reach our 40s, they gradually lose their density. This problem especially affect women as they are prone to suffer from Osteoporosis. Though Osteoporosis has no initial symptoms, an X-ray can show the amount of damage done. But, not many realize the condition until they have a fracture.

Why are bones necessary?

• They provide structure to the body.
• They protect organs and anchor the muscles
• They store and provide calcium.

The factors that affect Bone Health

• Your calcium intake.
• Your daily diet
• Your Physical activity.
• Tobacco and alcohol intake.
• Gender, size and age. (Women, overweight people, extremely thin and aged people are more prone to bone issues.
• Genetics and family history.
• Hormone levels. (Thyroid hormone can cause bone problems.)
• Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
• Medical conditions like gastrectomy, weight-loss surgery, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and Cushing’s disease can affect your bones.
• Use of some medications.

How to prevent Osteoporosis and build Strong Bones?

• Have a calcium rich diet. Milk and dairy products are very rich in calcium.
• Hence, eat yoghurt, cheese sandwich, almonds and spinach. Also drink at least one glass of milk every day.
• Vitamin D is very important to absorb calcium. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight. Hence, soak yourself in early morning sunlight. Eat fish, liver, cereals, and egg.
• Quit habits like smoking. Smoking will definitely harmful for the bones.
• Do not eat too much of protein. Eating large amounts of meat, cheese and protein can drain the body’s calcium and weaken the bones.
• Take in less salt as it accelerates the body’s loss of calcium.
• Be active and exercise regularly. Walk, run, swim, dance, and play sports. The more you use your bones, the stronger they get.
• Maintain ideal weight according to your height.

Your bones are vital for the nourishment of your body. It is necessary to take care of them to prevent osteoporosis that may occur over time. A balanced diet, regular exercise and good habits can prevent the loss of bone calcium.

Gene-Environment Interaction

Our traits are basically divided into genetic and environmental. Genetic factors are the ones a person is born with, and a large chunk of these factors are inherited from the previous generations. Environmental factors include chemical, physical, nutritional, infectious and behavioural factors. Many prevailing diseases such as diabetes and cancer are caused by the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Both the factors will play a part in influencing the diseases. Some may be more influenced by the genetic factors while others will be largely affected by the environmental factors. But, most of the diseases are always associated with the genetic makeup and many inherited diseases can be influenced by environmental conditions.

Some genetic effects are seen only in certain environmental conditions

If you have a genetic predisposition to antisocial behaviour, you may not demonstrate the trait until you experience abuse or neglect in your childhood. If you have had a stress-free and normal  childhood, you will never express this specific genetic trait. The expression of a specific trait towards which you are genetically predisposed  can be prevented by protective environmental factors. If you have a predisposition to alcohol abuse and live in an alcohol-prohibited environment, it may not express itself. Thus, protective genetic factors have a comparatively less significant  effect if environmental exposure is strong.

Few environmental effects are visible only under certain genetic conditions

Response to environmental exposure depends on the genotype, which is a term that defines your genetic make-up for a specific trait/disease. If you have had stress in your early life, it may cause depression in later years. This is only when certain genotypes are present. A person’s genotype can also determine their response to specific medications and their side-effects through various biochemical mechanisms. There is an entire branch of science that studies this called Pharmacogenomics.

Sometimes, genetic effects can influence your environment too

•         If you are an extrovert, you will prefer different social environments than introverts.
•         If you are a person who likes art and have artistic abilities, you will seek an environment that allows development and expression of           your talent.
•         If you are genetically prone to easily fall prey to depression, it may cause conflicts in relationships.
•         Some scientists theorize that genes also confer susceptibility to stress.

If we can identify our genes and characterize their interactions with the environment, we can have intervention strategies to target them. Therefore, when studying the genetic make-up of individuals to determine their natural predisposition towards certain traits and diseases, it is very important to take into consideration the environmental factors like diet, lifestyle, work environment etc, to be able to characterize their inclination towards these traits and their risk for developing specific diseases.