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Poor Diet Can Alter Our Genes — Another Reason to Eat Healthy
Image source: Telegraph.co.uk
Everyone wants to stay healthy. So walking around with antibacterial soaps, sprays and sanitizers often seems like a safeguard against disease-causing microbes.
But did you know that 90 percent of the cells in your body are actually microbial – and only 10 percent human cells? Many of these microbiota are good for us. As it turns out, our diet directly impacts these microbiota – and our genes. The science behind this is fascinating but complex, so hang with me.
Each and every one of these microbiota comes complete with their own set of DNA. And just like all DNA, certain genes are “expressed” while others remain silent. Researchers are now linking the expression of microbial DNA with the onset of several diseases, and a healthy helping of these microbiota live in your gut.
The human digestive tract is comprised of millions of microbiota. The microbiota, along with their DNA and gene expression, make up a microbiome that is unique to each individual. Scientists are on the verge of understanding how these microbiota work, but preliminary research has shown that diet is one of the most important factors attributing to healthy gut bacteria. In order for gene expression to be realized, the microbiota need to be fed properly.
Source: http://www.offthegridnews.com/2013/12/18/poor-diet-can-alter-our-genes-another-reason-to-eat-healthy/
