Our genetic code, also known as our biological software, was written thousands of years ago and laid the foundation for how our bodies work. But while evolution has achieved a remarkable feat of adapting us to the environmental conditions for which this code was created, today we face challenges that are severely testing our biological hardware. Advancing technology has catapulted us into a world that differs in many ways from the primitive environment of our ancestors. While we eagerly await versions 2.0 and 3.0 of the human body that could be developed by biotech and nanotech engineers, we must use our current insights to reprogram our biochemistry and deepen our understanding of metabolic processes.

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Glycation, Inflammation, and Methylation: The Three Pillars of Metabolism

Glycation, inflammation, and methylation are essential metabolic processes that originate naturally to perform specific functions. They were designed to ensure the survival and reproduction of our ancestors in a world characterized by primitive conditions. These processes have proven to be essential for survival in order to cope with environmental stress and the demands of living in wild nature.

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Glycation

This process occurs when sugar or glucose molecules bind to proteins in the body without being regulated by an enzyme. In the primitive world of our ancestors, glycation was beneficial as it regulated energy demand and storage. It has helped save energy for times when food is scarce. However, today's diet, which is rich in sugary and processed foods, causes excessive glycation. This can cause damage to proteins, which in turn has been linked to various age-related diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis.

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Chronic consumption of sugary foods and high-glycemic index foods causes sustained increases in blood sugar levels, which means more glucose is available to glycate proteins. In the body, this results in increased formation of so-called advanced glycation end products or AGE (Advanced Glycation End Products), also known as glycotoxins - sticky conglomerates of sugar and protein. AGEs are deposits that block enzymes, increase exposure to toxic waste that must be processed by the detoxification system, and accelerate the aging process.

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The way food is prepared has a direct influence on the glycation and AGE content of the food. When the outer surfaces become brown and hard during baking, grilling, roasting and roasting, this increases the AGE content of the food. Cooking or steaming, where the food never exceeds the boiling point of water or 100°C, produces fewer AGEs.

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The aim is to achieve the right level of glycation so that the proteins that need to be glycated do the same, but not so much that excessive AGE formation occurs.

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Inflammation

Inflammatory responses were an integral part of the immune response and helped our ancestors fight infections and injuries. Short-term inflammation is necessary to protect the body and initiate healing processes. However, in today's world of chronic stress, environmental pollution, and an unhealthy diet, the immune system can overreact and lead to persistent states of inflammation. This chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer.

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What can you do about inflammation?

Choose an anti-inflammatory diet: Studies show that people who eat a Mediterranean diet have less inflammation in the body.

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The choice should be made for foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as:

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• Fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon or sardines
• Leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes

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Excessive consumption of certain foods, on the other hand, can increase inflammation. In the case of chronic inflammation, the following should be avoided:

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• Fried foods, including many fast food products
• Cured meat with nitrates, such as hot dogs
• Highly refined oils and trans fats
• Refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, pastries, or white bread.

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What can you do to reduce inflammation?

The risk of chronic inflammation can be reduced through healthy lifestyle habits. Some of them include:

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• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid or give up smoking
• Exercise at least three to five times a week (preferably daily)
• Limit alcohol consumption (maximum 2 glasses per day)
• Managing stress through healthy methods such as meditation or journaling

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Methylation

Methylation is a process by which methyl groups are attached to DNA strands to regulate gene expression. In a primitive environment, this was important in order to be able to react to changing environmental conditions. Methylation allowed genes to be switched on or off depending on the need for adaptation. In the modern world, however, environmental toxins, poor nutrition, and stressors have become commonplace, which can lead to unnaturally high levels of methylation. This can disrupt gene regulation and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

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There is three simple laboratory tests, which can provide the necessary information about how well the body performs these critical metabolic functions. hemoglobin A is a direct measure of how well our body processes sugar in the blood. that C-reactive protein (CRP) measures inflammation, and the homocysteine levels provides information about the status of processes known as methylation.

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The challenges of adapting to modernity

While glycation, inflammation, and methylation played important roles in their original forms, the modern world presents them with new challenges. To maintain health in this complex environment, we must use our knowledge to understand these processes and, where appropriate, modulate what can be achieved through conscious nutrition, stress management, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

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Hoping for versions 2.0 and 3.0 of the human body

While we are in a world of information technology and biomedical research today, looking into the future is not far off. Bio and nanoengineers could one day be able to optimize and adapt the human body to the needs of the modern world. This could defeat incurable diseases today and improve our physical and cognitive abilities.

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Our genetic code has served us surprisingly well so far, but the challenges of the modern world require us to adapt our biological software. Glycation, inflammation, and methylation are just a few of the metabolic processes that were useful in a primitive environment but can lead to health problems in today's world. By using our knowledge, we can make conscious decisions to reprogram our biochemistry and achieve better health in the modern world. While we wait for potential future technological developments, we should remember that improving our health also depends on our own actions.