Do you fear certain diseases because you are genetically predisposed to them?
Well I’m here to tell you that there are certain genetic diseases that you don’t have to get, with some know-how.
You see, environmental factors play a role (as well as genetics) in type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and arthritis. And there are things you can do to protect yourself from getting them at all. Live a healthier life than your ancestors and leave the inheritance in the bank.
So today, for your hacks, I want to give you some short but important ways to stave off those disorders.
Happy Monday. Here are your predisposed hacks:
- The key to preventing Alzheimer’s is to make sure you get all of your B Vitamins, especially B-12 . You see, the problem in our modern world is that we don’t get enough B Vitamins in our diet. Add stress to the mix and that depletes your Vitamin B. Take a supplement and take regular deep breaths. But there is more. Researchers have also found a connection between a lack of antioxidants and dementia in Alzheimer’s patients. So taking Vitamin C, D3 , E and Omega 3’s and curcumin will go a long way in protecting your brain from Alzheimer’s.
- According to clinical studies eating lots of fish, or taking a fish-oil supplement , may prevent arthritis . It’s like oil to the tinman and will keep your joints moving freely. Keep a healthy weight and limit alcohol consumption to keep arthritis at bay. Vitamin D3 , or some sunshine, is another nutrient for your bones … have your levels checked if you are predisposed to arthritis to make sure you aren’t Vitamin-D deficient. If you are, be sure to supplement.
- Let’s face it, if you are predisposed to type 2 diabetes you probably shouldn’t be eating donuts every day. That’s just asking for trouble. So if you are predisposed to diabetes, or are prediabetic, a sensible diet and exercise are key. But recent studies show a connection between people with low Vitamin D levels and type 2 diabetes. And clinical trials show that just 2000iu of Vitamin D3 a day may prevent type 2 diabetes. Lastly, chromium deficiency has also been linked to prediabetes. Just 200mcgs of chromium a day is all you need to make up the deficiency.
- Heart disease is another scary thought if you are predisposed. Not only could you have a heart attack but stroke becomes a real concern too. Bad habits will put you in the same path of your relatives. But if you stay on the straight and narrow path (a healthy lifestyle) you can take a few supplements and really protect your heart. Magnesium (400mgs a day) will help keep your arteries free flowing, as will Omega 3’s , which you can get by eating lots of oily fish or taking a supplement . You should also try to reduce stress so that you can maintain a normal blood pressure and keep your healthy heart.
I know there are a lot of supplements mentioned above but science is proving that they are insurance against certain genetic and age-related diseases.
Eating healthy, not smoking, getting proper amounts of sleep and exercise should also play a role in any health plan (if that wasn’t clear). You’ve heard it before, but as we get older if we want to live healthier we have to take our lifestyle more serious. If you already do – you are ahead of the pack!
Have a great week.
To a healthy more beautiful you!
Sandy DeRose
P.S. I’ve written several articles about magnesium before but if you missed them you can read them here .
References:
Arun Swaminathan and Gregory A Jicha. Nutrition and prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia. Front Aging Neurosci. 2014.
Barbara Rita Cardoso, Et. Al. Importance and management of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Clin Interv Aging. 2013.
Greg M. Cole, Et. al. Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease: Omega-3 fatty acid and phenolic anti-oxidant interventions. Neurobiology of Aging. 2005.
Giuseppe, D.D. Et al. Long-term intake of dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study of women. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2013.
Robert Scragg. Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes. Are We Ready for a Prevention Trial? Diabetes. 2008.
Boucher BJ, Et. al. Inadequate vitamin D status: does it contribute to the disorders comprising syndrome ‘X’? 1998.
Bo S., Et. al. Role of dietary magnesium in cardiovascular disease prevention, insulin sensitivity and diabetes. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2008.
Azin Mohebi-Nejad, Et. al. Omega-3 Supplements and Cardiovascular Diseases. Tanaffos. 2014.
