The DNA Challenge Defined

First off, since not everyone has had human biology courses a little basics.

What is DNA?

"DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA)."
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna

"DNA can be damaged by many sorts of mutagens, which change the DNA sequence"Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA Mutagens Mutagens is defined as "a physical or chemical agent that changes the genetic material" Wikipedia. What this means is that known chemicals cause the human DNA structure to be altered in a negative manner resulting in aging, and diseases like cancer. Most human beings are destroying their DNA structures on a daily basis by exposing their cells to known and not so known mutagens. Most people are not aware of the damage they are doing to their DNA nor are aware that there are various steps they can take to halt destruction and repair of DNA. What we present here is a combined approach in making a healthier positive transition through DNA support and repair. We will present this challenge in 3 phases to be announced over the next 3 weeks. We present now phase 1.
First is necessary to present several known DNA mutagens.


Some known DNA mutagens are

Alcohol-" Excess Intake of Alcohol Results in Permanent DNA Damage."
"Alcohol can damage your DNA ... and when you damage your DNA you effectively age faster.
That's the bottom line. So if you want to preserve your youthfulness it's not advisable to drink alcohol in excess,"
http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=6488

Caffeine- Among the various negative affects on the body,caffeine Alters DNA Repair and Metabolism
and changes the cell cycle."
Effects of Caffeine and Coffee on Aging
http://www.teeccino.com/PDFs/aging.pdf


Refined Sugar- "Sugar can impair the structure of your DNA."
http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/dangers_of_sugar.htm

Soft drinks- "A common preservative found in most soft drinks may cause serious cell damage, according to a report in Britain's The Independent." "Sodium benzoate has the ability to switch off vital parts of a person's DNA, according to research from a British university."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275736,00.html

Smoking- Cigarette smoke alters DNA in sperm
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/cigarette-smoke-alters-dna-sperm-13349.html

Effects of smoking and aging on oxidative DNA damage of human lymphocytes
http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/19/4/695

Tobacco smoke carcinogens, DNA damage and p53 mutations in smoking-associated cancers.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12379884

Aspartame- "Aspartame contains 10% methanol" When NutraSweet is digested, it yields 10% methanol (wood alcohol). The wood alcohol (methanol) is widely distributed throughout the body including brain, muscle, fat and nervous tissue. It is then metabolized to FORMALDEHYDE which enters the cells and binds to the proteins and DNA (the genetic material). "
"Cytogenetic effects (changes in DNA) have been shown to result from FORMALDEHYDE exposure and DNA damage occurs from FORMALDEHYDE. The nature of the injury generally involves breaking and then creation of cross linking within the genetic material which alters the cells. "
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/aspartame.htm

Phase 1 of the challenge, 90 days.

A. Reduce or eliminate all caffeine intake.

B. Reduce alcohol intake or eliminate all hard liquor.

C. Eliminate all refined white sugar including turbinado sugar and replace with Fructose,Sucanat,organic maple syrup,Stevia or brown rice syrup, most of these are available in health foods stores or sections.

D.Eliminate all Soft drinks especially diet sodas which contain aspartame.
Instead Drink only pure water and organic fruit juices.


E. Eliminate all products which contain aspartame,if in doubt read the label!

Tanning Salons Vs. Direct Sunlight exposure
many experts believe that the U.V. rays of tanning salons harm DNA and cause premature aging in skin and contribute to skin cancer
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm186687.htm
. While direct UV sunlight is suspected to also harm the skin's DNA, other experts agree that normal exposure to natural sun light is essential for Vitamin D. Most mammals need regular exposure to sunlight, direct sunlight exposure may actually help prevent cancer, that means that DNA is repaired rather than destroyed.
"Researchers discover moderate sunlight exposure helps prevent skin cancer" http://www.naturalnews.com/021543_skin_cancer_sunlight_exposure_cancer_prevention.html
If you have pets, you will notice that they have a tendency to sun themselves indoors our out, that's because they naturally know that sunlight is good for them.

Challenge
if you are a regular Tanning Salon visitor, instead of going to the tanning bed try getting more direct natural sunlight exposure, best times are close to sunrise and sunset when the sun is not as strong.

Stay tuned for more!