Each of the cells in our bodies carries our unique genetic code based on our DNA, which is the chemical inside the nucleus of all cells that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. The aging process occurs as the new cells our DNA makes photo copies for new cells. Over time, environmental pollution, dietary factors, lifestyle issues and genetic inheritance erode the cellular infrastructure. As the quality of the new cells degrades, the molecules, nutrients and chemicals that circulate in and among the cells become deficient. This can cause a breakdown in functions throughout the body and, over time, promote the aging process. What is the connection between DNA and aging?

Put simply, DNA is our genetic code or the "blueprint" that we inherit from our parents. When we are born, our genetic code, or DNA, is virtually pristine. Every cell in our body is formed based on our DNA, and each cell becomes a holder of our entire genetic blueprint. As we grow and age, our bodies and our DNA are constantly bombarded by things in the environment that can damage our DNA. A good example is the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun ultimately damages our skin cells (and their DNA) and results in wrinkles or worse. In fact, any damage to our DNA ultimately becomes the cause of the negative effects we associate with aging. This damage can also manifest itself as the cause of various ailments we encounter throughout our lifetimes.

What is DNA damage and how does it effect our age?

Our DNA was formed in a pristine, natural environment where there were optimal nutrients, minimal stress, and little or no pollution. The environment is what has radically changed in the last 100 years, and it is in this less than perfect environment that our DNA is now forced to work.

We live in a more polluted, stressful, crowded world that, along with the pace at which we live, contributes directly to the diseases of aging. In a clean, pristine environment, our cells typically have the ability to rid the body of excess levels of free radicals, a normal bi-product of cellular activity. But today, with all of the external pollutants our bodies are forced to deal with, excess free radicals can build up and inflict damage on our bodies.

Free radicals could be viewed as subatomic particles, little asteroid-like charged particles that attack our cells right down to the level of our DNA. DNA is our "aging blueprint", where all the essential information on optimizing our health and aging resides.

Our bodies were able to neutralize most of the excess free radicals when we were young. Problems begin to arise as we age and produce more free radicals than we can neutralize, or as we are exposed to large quantities of free radicals in the environment. Excess free radicals can then begin to damage our DNA and cause it to reproduce poorly.

Throughout our lives, our DNA reproduces and replaces itself continually. In optimal conditions our DNA copies itself over and over again making nearly perfect reproductions. But if our DNA is damaged through continual bombardment by excess free radicals, it begins to reproduce poorly and ultimately stops reproducing at all.

Think of it as if making a photocopy. If you copy an original document on a well-maintained machine, it reproduces an excellent copy. But if the machine is poorly maintained it will ultimately begin to produce poor copies. Taking it one step further, if you continue to make poor copies of copies of copies, the degradation gets worse with each successive copying cycle. The same thing in essence happens with our DNA. If the body can't produce clean copies of our DNA, our health and longevity will be directly affected. The key to optimal health, therefore, is to keep our DNA clean and healthy and producing "clean" copies. We do this by helping our bodies neutralize excess free radicals, and at the same time, strengthen and nourish our cells and their DNA.

Our DNA contains approximately 30,000 genes. Within our cells, our DNA is organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes. Genetic variations in our DNA are called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). If we compare the DNA of two individuals, they will appear to be over 99% identical; however, variations SNPs can be associated with a predictable increase in risk of certain conditions commonly associated with aging diseases or pre-diseases. Genetic research has also revealed that our genes can be activated in a positive or negative fashion based upon the quality of the environment, lifestyle and diet in which they operate

Genetic Nutrition offers a unique variety of powerful DNA-based predictive assessments designed to measure SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms, pronounced "snips"). SNPs are slight variations in an individual’s genetic makeup associated with almost all diseases; these genetic variations themselves don’t cause disease but rather influence an individual’s susceptibility to certain factors that can increase a person’s risk for disease.

Genetic Nutrition's state-of-the-art genetic testing technologies are designed to accurately assess these genetic variations and ultimately provide information that can help guide customized therapies, treatments or regimens.

Customized Formulations Address Individual Needs

Beyond testing, Genetic Nutrition has taken the important step of now providing truly customized whole food mostly organic customized nutritional supplements made specifically for you.

Genetic Nutrition's Assessments are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and are for education purposes only.