Between GMO’s, hormone disrupting chemicals, and radioactive contamination, modern life has turned into a nightmare for human health. Every day your DNA is being bombarded with substances that your body was never capable of processing. What’s worse is that it’s nearly impossible to avoid these toxins. Unless you live your life in a bubble, you will be exposed to them one way or another.
Fortunately, you can still protect yourself with the right nutrition. Even though these substances are capable of damaging and mutating your cells, your body has some pretty impressive defense mechanisms, so long as you provide it with the right nutrients. Granted, just about every vitamin and mineral can prevent a whole host of diseases, but there are several nutrients that are responsible for the most healing. Below, are the 5 most important supplements for protecting and repairing your DNA.
Zinc Gluconate
It’s estimated that 12% of Americans don’t get enough zinc, which rises to 35% among the elderly. A whopping 2 billion people around the world are deficient. Which is a shame, because this one mineral plays a pretty big role in preventing cancer. Studies have shown that zinc deficiency causes oxidative stress and impairs DNA repair, so if you want your cells to replicate properly, make sure you receive plenty of this mineral.
The best natural sources of zinc include beef, oysters, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. If you think a supplement is in order, try Zinc Gluconate. It’s not the best form of zinc (of which there are many) but it is the best you can get for the price. Just don’t over do it, since too much zinc can inhibit the uptake of other nutrients. Usually 50 mg is more than enough.
B Vitamins
Together, vitamins B3, B6, and B12 all work together to prevent genetic mutation. While most people in the Western world receive plenty of these nutrients in their diets, stress tends to deplete them. Not only do these B vitamins prevent DNA damage, numerous studies have shown that they can actually reverse some of that damage as well.
Natural sources of B vitamins are abundant, and can be found in multiple food groups. However, B12 in particular is pretty much impossible to find in produce, so as a rule of thumb you can always get plenty of B vitamins by eating seafood, eggs, and beef. Oysters and beef liver both have astronomical levels of B12. If you feel that your diet is lacking in these nutrients (especially given the price of meat products) there are some very effective supplements that contain all eight B vitamins.
Magnesium Glycinate
Despite being one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, there is a widespread epidemic of magnesium deficiency in America. This mineral has an effect on nearly every function in the human body, but among the most important is its role in the stabilization and replication of your cells and DNA. There are dozens of symptoms related to magnesium deficiency, and since it’s very difficult to test for it, you may be hurting from a deficiency and not even know it.
Foods that contain large amounts of magnesium include spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, and almonds. But even if you consume these foods, you might still be lacking. Magnesium Glycinate provides good absorption, and unlike the more common Magnesium Citrate or Milk of Magnesia, it doesn’t have laxative properties.
Astaxanthin
This one is unique in this list for not being an essential nutrient, but it’s worth mentioning due to its powerful effects. Numerous studies have shown that it may be the most powerful antioxidant known to man. In terms of scavenging free radicals, it is significantly more potent than vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-Carotene.
A study conducted on rats in 2011 found that it may be able to prevent damage from gamma radiation, which you might recognize as the most lethal kind of radiation that is emitted from nuclear weapons. So if you’re prepping for the big one do some research, and if you’re thoroughly convinced, pick up some supplements. Just make sure it is the natural form of astaxanthin and not the artificial kind that is used in food dyes.
Vitamin D3
Of all the nutrients involved in the health of your DNA, few are as important as vitamin D. Research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in well over 200 genes, and 2,776 binding sites have been found throughout our genome. In fact, the lack of vitamin D may play a role in most cancers. A study conducted in 2011 found that 75% of cancer patients have a vitamin D deficiency, and the lowest levels were related to the more advanced stages of cancer. It also helps prevent autoimmune disease, promotes bone health, and is an essential part of your overall immune system.
If you’re looking for a natural food source, vitamin D can be found in fish, beef, cheese, and eggs, although the amount you can receive from exposure to sunlight will dwarf those sources. However, for those of us who work inside or live in cold northern regions, vitamin D3 supplementation would be a good idea.
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