In Part 1 of this two-part series, we discussed specific genes associated with addiction and how these genes can have an estimated 40 percent to 60 percent influence on addiction susceptibility.
This does not mean to say, “Oh well, there’s nothing I can do. I’ve got those addiction genes.” Gene function can be turned on and off throughout our lives, depending on our environment and lifestyle choices, including the foods we eat or avoid.
In this article, we explore how to support your genes and enhance brain function for long-term health.
Our DNA Makes Us Unique
Our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is what makes us all human, yet different from each other. We all share some similar characteristics; however, unless we have an identical twin, each of us has a unique combination of traits.
Our genes are sections of DNA that have chemical codes to make specific proteins. These proteins create different cells that shape how we look, think, and feel, making each of us unique.
This DNA code acts like a set of instructions that influences how different parts of our bodies grow, develop, and function, affecting how we handle stressful life events.
Balancing Brain Chemistry
Even without specific addiction gene risks, maintaining healthy brain function using the strategies adopted by Rose, our patient who was introduced in the previous article (Part 1), can benefit anyone’s health.Rose’s brain responded to sugary and ultra-processed foods similarly to how it responded to drugs and alcohol because of her inherited DRD2, a dopamine receptor gene variant. This genetic predisposition made her extremely sensitive to substances that spike dopamine, resulting in a low baseline level of the pleasure–reward chemical dopamine.
To soothe her emotional stress, Rose defaulted to consuming excessive amounts of fruit, fruit juices, and processed foods labeled as “healthy,” such as gluten-free products. These highly refined carbohydrates caused huge sugar surges followed by low blood sugar crashes, putting her brain in a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) state. This impaired her ability to think rationally and make wise food and lifestyle choices. Sugary drinks and refined grains, with their long chains of sugar molecules, can trigger addictive patterns in those who are genetically susceptible.
Rose felt immense relief knowing it wasn’t a lack of willpower that caused her decades-long struggle with rebound weight gain amid periods of intense exercise and food restriction. She longed to be free from her addiction and to protect her mind from what she now understood to be a brain illness.
By healing her brain, Rose’s thoughts became rational, and she regained control over her choices and life. With low-carbohydrate nutritional changes, routine meals and sleep times, a few supplements to support her genes, and online support groups, Rose escaped her addictive lifestyle.
The ability to influence your health lies in the relationship between gene variations and metabolic brain health. These factors affect our stress response, brain energy, and, ultimately, the risk of addictive behavior.
3 Tips for Healthy Genes
- Eat balanced meals: Eat protein, fat, and fiber at every meal to keep blood sugar levels stable. Aim for at least 3 cups of low-carbohydrate vegetables daily to support gut health and satiety.
- Avoid skipping meals: This can trigger low blood sugar and impulsive overeating of addictive foods.
- Establish a healthy sleep routine: Adopt a sleep routine that allows your brain to detoxify and clean up waste. Adequate sleep is essential for daytime blood sugar stability.
