March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The initiative centres upon a Hippocrates quotation:
“Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
Science is now providing evidence for what we know intuitively – that how we live, our state of mind, the food we eat, how active we are, and our environment determine much more than our genes ever will.
The decoding of the human genome, over twenty years ago, unlocked the potential to end human suffering but, sadly, the burden of human disease has only increased across the world. What has become clear, however, is that individuals can take control of their personal genes by eating well. The components of food: macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), fibre, and phytonutrients (plant-based bioactive compounds) wash over an individual’s DNA on a daily basis turning on or off signals from the genes. This field, known as nutrigenomics (broadly defined as the relationship between nutrients, diet, and gene expression) offers a powerful way for individuals to control their destiny.
My own health journey provides a revealing example of the huge impact diet can have upon the body. In 2001, whilst studying for a Law degree, I suffered with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which made my periods irregular. A doctor advised that there was no cure and suggested I take the contraceptive pill to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (associated with not having periods). I was also informed that women with polycystic ovaries often have infertility issues treatable with more drugs and possibly IVF. At that time, the prospect of a baby was merely a distant future possibility but the idea of an indefinite intake of synthetic hormones was frightful. As a result, I conducted some research.
A brilliant Nutritional Therapist, who had helped many women remove symptoms of the condition, explained the causes of my PCOS. I completely overhauled my diet and used several naturopathic techniques such as castor oil packs. A year later my symptoms had gone and my menstrual cycle resumed. An ultrasound even revealed that all trace of my cysts had disappeared. Essentially, the change in my diet, eliminated a disease which, according to the NHS website, has no cure. Incidentally, I now have two healthy children and experienced absolutely no fertility problems.
I wanted to share my experience to exemplify that the individual has the ability to dramatically affect personal health; changes may not occur overnight but can be significant in the long-term (a few months to a year). Nutrition month is all about taking individual responsibility for health, something which can be hugely empowering and transformative.
I should like to encourage you all to eat your way to good health; cook from scratch wherever possible using real foods packed with nutrition. It is also so important to move your amazing bodies as nature intended. Country walks, yoga, dance, cycling, running – whatever your fix is, get out there and do more of what you love!
