#391: Micronutrients, Genetics, and Preventing Age-Related Diseases
Mar 27, 2018
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Researcher Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses micronutrients and genetics in preventing age-related diseases. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing micronutrient intake and the impact of stressors like cold exposure and fasting on health.
Micronutrients play a crucial role in preventing age-related diseases by aiding in DNA repair and cell creation.
Genetic variations impact how individuals process nutrients, emphasizing the need for personalized dietary approaches.
Deep dives
Understanding the Significance of Micronutrients for Health
Micronutrients, essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, play a vital role in preventing age-related diseases and maintaining overall health. Magnesium acts as a cofactor for enzymes that repair DNA damage, crucial for preventing mutations leading to cancer. Folate is necessary for creating new cells and DNA, deficiency can lead to DNA damage similar to ionizing radiation.
Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Population
Studies show that a significant portion of the US population, about 70%, lacks adequate levels of vitamin D, with deficiencies also seen in vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Overweight and obese individuals are more susceptible to micronutrient inadequacies due to poor dietary choices.
Benefits of Multivitamins as a Nutrient Insurance Policy
While multivitamins can help elevate levels of deficient micronutrients and serve as an insurance policy, consuming a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins remains the best approach to ensure adequate micronutrient intake for overall health and well-being.
Optimizing Micronutrient Intake for Longevity
Striking a balance in micronutrient consumption is key to preventing deficiencies and promoting health. Genetic variations can influence how individuals metabolize saturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, highlighting the need for personalized dietary approaches to maximize the benefits of micronutrients for longevity and disease prevention.
When you think about diet and nutrition, you probably think about carbs, proteins, and fats. These macronutrients play a huge role in athletic performance and whether you gain or lose weight. But food is also full of micronutrients that are vital for your health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, most people overlook micronutrients, and consequently are deficient in them. My guest today has spent her career researching the ill effects of micronutrient deficiencies and what you can do to optimize them. Her name is Dr. Rhonda Patrick and she’s a biomedical scientist. Today on the show, Rhonda and I discuss micronutrients: what they are, what they do, and why we’re not getting enough of them. We then dig into her research into nutritional genomics, or how genes affect how your body processes nutrients. We end our conversation discussing how stressing yourself with cold exposure, heat exposure, and fasting can boost your health.
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