Patrick Holford: Simple Wisdom for a Healthy Life Genes Unplugged: To what extent is your health destiny pre-determined?
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Nov 8, 2024 Emma Beswick, a nutrigenomics expert and founder of LifecodeGX, unpacks the fascinating interplay between our genes and lifestyle choices. She breaks down how our understanding of genetics can tailor personal nutrition, offering insights into genetic polymorphisms that affect health. Emma discusses conditions like sickle cell anemia and its evolutionary advantages, and how genetic variations can influence risks for diseases like Alzheimer’s. The conversation also highlights the critical role of methylation and the significance of personalized dietary strategies.
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Genes: The Blueprint of Proteins
- Genes are strings of four letters arranged in codons, coding for amino acids that form proteins and enzymes.
- Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions, acting as facilitators controlled by genes.
Polymorphisms Aid Survival
- Genetic polymorphisms exist as variations helping survival through environmental adaptation.
- Some gene variants offer advantages in certain environments, influencing natural selection.
Lactose Tolerance Evolution
- Most humans lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning, but some populations evolved gene variants to digest milk sugar.
- This adaptation depended on diet, environment, and culture, showing gene-environment interactions.