Researchers found that genetic mutations that allowed our ancestors to survive in cold climates may speed the onset of age-related diseases today.
In the study, researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 1,125 people ranging from Africa to Europe to Arctic Siberia. Mitochondrial DNA tells the mitochondria what proportion of the calories in our diet should be allocated to generate body heat and to synthesize ATP, a chemical form of energy that permits us to do such things as exercise. When calories aren’t producing body heat or ATP, they are redirected to generate free radicals that can damage the mtDNA, which can lead to disease.
Researchers found that after our ancestors migrated to the far northern climates, their chances of survival increased when mutations in their mtDNA resulted in greater body heat production than that of those living in tropical climates.
They found that these mutations were beneficial to our ancestors because the body’s temperature was managed by metabolism and not technology, whereas now we have technology such as indoor heating. Also, people have adapted to a particular climate zone based on their ancestry, and moving to a different zone may cause certain stresses. The findings suggests that calorie intake and local climate of many individuals are now out of balance with their genetic history, which may be linked to many current diseases.
Science January 9, 2004;303(5655):223-6
New research is providing some of the hard science that is validating metabolic typing. Clinically I have used this approach in my office for nearly two years and I am absolutely convinced of its value. It is terrific to see that the researchers are beginning to provide the science to back up the clinical observations.
According to William Wolcott, author of The Metabolic Typing Diet, each of us today carries the genes of our ancestors and the genetic predisposition to thrive on certain foods and decline on other foods. The secret of the right diet for each person depends not on whim, fancy or philosophy but is irrefutably dictated by our genes. Eating right for your metabolic type should be the foundation of any quest for good health.
We each have a unique metabolic type and each type demands varying ratios of macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates) to function optimally. This is why you may respond well to a low-carb diet while your best friend on the same exact diet may not.
My new book provides a deeper understanding of eating the right foods for your specific metabolic type and includes a test and the means to learn and understand your own metabolic type and gear your diet precisely toward the foods that are right for you. This process is key to fighting diseases, losing weight, preventing premature aging, increasing energy and improving your emotional well-being, so I encourage you to find out more.
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