Your DNA is damaged about 800 times an hour – by environmental toxins, unhealthy water, soil, air, and even the unhealthy thoughts you think (your mental diet). [1] If not repaired, this damage can cause mutations to your DNA and eventually lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, clinical depression and more.
Some obvious food choices can damage our bodies, and make it more difficult for our DNA to repair itself, resulting in illness, malaise, and even a shorter lifespan. Steering clear from processed foods, meat, and food additives is a good start, but you can actually repair your DNA based on the types of foods you choose.
The opposite is also true, though. If we choose the right foods, we can actually boost DNA repair. Carotenoids modulate DNA. Micronutrients modulate and repair DNA
Try adding the following foods to your diet to support the health and vibrancy of your DNA. According to Vegan Magazine, they work at even low concentrations, but higher doses of the phytonutrients in these foods can protect your DNA from further damage, acting as a preventative measure against future mutations:
- Lemon
- Persimmon
- Strawberry
- Apple
- Broccoli
- Celery
Yet another study found that eating almost any fruit and vegetable can aid DNA repair. [2] This means that adding Bok Choy, spirulina, chlorella, sea vegetables, onions, garlic, turmeric and the host of other herbs with high ORAC values are likely going to boost the health of your DNA too. The take-away? The way you eat can alter your DNA – permanently. [3]
You can also support your DNA with sound (certain frequencies are known to return your DNA to its natural state), sunlight, and clean water.
Be sure to only eat organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables to avoid the DNA-mutating effects of the carcinogenic compounds found in foods sprayed with Round Up, glyphosate, neonicotinoids, and other pesticides and herbicides.
You can activate your inner connectedness and fully support your DNA by eating a conscious diet. Visit our conscious eating page, here.
[1] Which Fruits & Vegetables Boost DNA Repair? Retrieved from https://nutritionfacts.org/video/fruits-vegetables-boost-dna-repair/
[2] Chang, J., Chen, G., Ulrich, C. M., Bigler, J., King, I. B., Schwarz, Y., … Lampe, J. W. (2010). DNA Damage and Repair: Fruit and Vegetable Effects in a Feeding Trial. Nutrition and Cancer, 62(3), 329-335. doi:10.1080/01635580903407106
[3] Astley, S. B., Elliott, R. M., Archer, D. B., & Southon, S. (2004). Evidence that dietary supplementation with carotenoids and carotenoid-rich foods modulates the DNA damage:repair balance in human lymphocytes. British Journal of Nutrition, 91(1), 63-72. doi:10.1079/bjn20031001