Promises of Nutritional Genomics #Health #Nutrition #NutritionalGenomics
Advances
in science have allowed researchers to explore the effects that different
factors have on genes. One such area of
study, known as nutritional genomics, looks at how one’s nutrition can influence
the behavior of their genes. In recent
years, this interesting science has exploded with extensive news coverage and
research dedicated towards its progression.
Perhaps one reason why nutritional
genomics is being given prominent attention is due to the breadth of topics and
subtopics it includes. Among these are:
increased knowledge of the relationship between genetics and health and
disease, improving healing interventions for controlling different diseases,
promoting the awareness of disease risks, starting prevention tactics and many
others (1). These key areas allow the
application of nutritional genomics in a wide variety of settings. Someone with a family history of heart
disease for example, would likely need to follow different nutritional patterns
than one without a genetic predisposition.
Each individual’s genes react differently towards different foods,
beverages and nutrients. As a result, it
is essential to find an appropriate and balanced diet that benefits one’s
genes.
There is strong reason to believe in
the effectiveness of nutritional genomics.
According to an invited review of nutritional genomics research by
Patrick J. Stover; “Individual dietary components markedly affect gene mutation
rates” (2). This means that although
genetics plays a big factor in disease risks, improving one’s nutrition can
positively affect gene behavior. In
April 2005, the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association listed common illnesses like “heart disease, cancer,
diabetes,” and others as “disturbances in homeostasis.” The journal goes on to state “Among the most
potent homeostasis-influencing agents are environmental signals such as
bioactive dietary components, which include both nutrient and non-nutrient
factors” (3).
This presents us with a view as to
how and why chronic diseases progress.
Initially, a poor diet may not appear to be doing harm. Over time however, the cells are burdened by
nutrient devoid foods. Without proper
nourishment, these cells become more likely to succumb to disease instead of
fighting it.
Nutrition’s role in health and
disease becomes even more evident when one looks at its real life
applications. For example, “Inadequate
levels of serum ascorbic acid” (vitamin C in the blood) is associated with
“glucose homeostasis, high blood pressure, oxidative stress, high sensitivity
CRP, and indicators of obesity such as a higher BMI waist: hip ratio” (4). Vitamin C’s ability to positively influence
gene activity results in a healthy behavior capable of warding off various
diseases. Given that this is just one
isolated nutrient, a healthy diet supplying many essential vitamins and
minerals can broaden the positive aspects these nutrients have on genes.
As the science behind nutritional
genomics expands, so will essential knowledge about the effects of various
foods and nutrients on health. However,
of the studies that have been done, the majority depict a clear relationship
between the quality of one’s diet and their overall health. This health begins at the cellular
level. An essential area to delve into
for understanding of cellular health is the analysis of metabolism. Having a working knowledge of this topic
provides a foundation for researching related areas. Mitchell A. Lazar and Morris J. Birnbaum
identify metabolism as “the chemical processes that occur within a living
organism in order to maintain life” (5).
From this definition, one can include respiration, digestion, reproduction,
and many other key biological factors.
Research in nutritional genomics and related sciences is now confirming
that foods and nutrients influence these biological processes for better or
worse. Determining the appropriate diet
can vary greatly depending on, among other factors, genetic predisposition.
There are an
increasing number of studies devoted to explaining how foods and nutrients
influence gene behavior. In some cases,
this occurs by inhibiting certain biological factors. For example, the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology reported that “Activity of
the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)- a target for blood pressure
medication-was significantly inhibited by dark chocolate containing 72% coca,
with the degree of inhibition dependent upon the genotype of the human
subjects” (6). Here one can see how a
nutrient’s effect on genes is not the same for everyone. Because no two people have exactly the same
genes and cell behavior, the effects of nutrients can vary. However, it is promising to witness the
benefits of foods and nutrients in maintaining good health.
The nutrients or lack of nutrients one takes in
dictate which actions cells will take to carry on homeostasis. Cells are always striving to achieve the most
efficient and effective means of functioning through cellular communication and
other means. As a result, anything that
causes an imbalance in regular cell biology negatively interferes with the
health of a particular organism. When
the body is healthy, cells are capable of utilizing their defense mechanisms to
ward off diseases. It’s therefore
crucial for one to ensure that their actions are contributing to the health of
their cells, rather than burdening them with poor nutritional and lifestyle
choices.
As the science behind nutritional genomics expands,
doctors, dietitians and researchers will have more tools available for facing
critical issues related to the role of nutrition in supporting health and
combating diseases. The application of
this science towards creating a healthier society holds much promise when
presented with the mounting epidemics and crucial health crises of our time.
Works Cited
5.
Lazar, MA. And Birnbaum, MJ. 2012. De-Meaning of Metabolism. Science, 336:
1651.
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