It isn’t news to learn that if you routinely eat a diet rich in sugars and processed foods, you will gain weight, feel lousy and put yourself at risk for future problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
On a cellular level, the effects of a bad diet are much more complicated than most people know. What we ingest is actually altering our genes and influencing our cells to read these genes in ways that are harmful to the body.
Studies have even shown that this equation holds true during pregnancy: that pregnant women who eat diets low in vegetables, fruits and whole foods are more likely to give birth to babies whose genes are affected so much so that by 9 years of age, they are more likely to be overweight and have higher percentages of body fat than those whose mother’s ate a more balanced and healthier diet.
Epigenetics, or the study of how external and environmental factors have a direct impact on our genes and their function in the body is at the heart of this phenomena. A lousy diet does not rewrite our DNA, but it plays a very important role in switching certain genes on and off, causing our cells read and express these genes in a certain way – in many cases, leading to disease.
But lucky for us, these genetic changes can also be undone using the same process of epigenetics. If you take a stand today and forego that daily chip fix, that glass of wine, that sugar-loaded muffin while you’re waiting in line to buy your tea and replace them with real, whole, organic foods free from processed carbohydrates and added sugars, your genes will be switched on or off in a way that helps the body repair the damage done and be optimally supported.
Here is a fascinating and insightful short video on this phenomena featuring Dr. Pamela Peeke, an internationally renowned physician, scientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, metabolism, stress and fitness.
There is no easy way to overcome food addictions, that much is certain. But what science tells us is that if you make that leap towards healthy eating and continue down that path, your genes will be expressed and read in a way that supports and improves your health. And the better you feel, the more you will want to continue to eat this way.
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Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, Pam chose an alternative approach to recovery. Now decades later and still symptom free, she coaches others on how to treat the root cause of chronic disease, using a holistic approach. She can teach you how, too.
Pam is the author of Become a Wellness Champion and founder of Live Disease Free. She is a wellness expert, coach and speaker.
The Live Disease Free Academy has helped hundreds of Wellness Champions in over 15 countries take charge of their health and experience profound improvements in their life.
