Why Is Our DNA Breaking Down?

In recent years, more and more scientific research is pointing toward a common issue behind aging, chronic diseases, and even weakened immunity: DNA damage.
But what causes our DNA to deteriorate? Is this the price of modern life, or is it part of a deeper evolutionary story?

Our DNA Used to Produce Vitamin C—But Not Anymore!

Believe it or not, the human body once had the ability to synthesize vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on its own.
Just like cats, dogs, rats, and many other mammals still do today, early humans also had a working version of the GULO gene (gulonolactone oxidase). This gene is responsible for producing the enzyme needed for the final step of vitamin C synthesis.

However, over millions of years, this gene became inactive in humans, some primates, and guinea pigs. As a result, we lost the ability to produce vitamin C naturally and are now entirely dependent on dietary sources such as fruits and vegetables.

The loss of this vital function is a compelling example of how our DNA has changed—and in some cases, deteriorated—over time.

Why Does DNA Deteriorate?

DNA damage can be caused by a variety of factors, broadly categorized into endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) sources.

🔬 Endogenous Factors

• Replication errors: Every time a cell divides, its DNA is copied. Minor errors in this process can accumulate over time.
• Oxidative stress: Cellular metabolism generates free radicals that can damage DNA molecules.
• Telomere shortening: Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. They shorten each time a cell divides, eventually leading to cell aging and dysfunction.

☢️ Exogenous Factors

• UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Tobacco, alcohol, and chemicals: These substances can directly break DNA strands or trigger harmful mutations.
• Pollution and environmental toxins: Long-term exposure to air pollution or radiation can disrupt the DNA structure.

What Happens When DNA Breaks Down?

When DNA is damaged or its code is altered, the instructions for making proteins can become scrambled. This may lead to:

• Impaired cell function and aging
• Increased risk of cancer
• Neurological diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
• Weakened immune system
• Transmission of genetic defects to offspring

In essence, even a small change in DNA can cause a ripple effect that impacts the entire body.

Other Animals Still Produce Their Own Vitamin C

While humans and some other species have lost the ability to make vitamin C, many animals still retain this life-saving feature:

• Cats, dogs, and rodents synthesize their own vitamin C in the liver.
• Birds and fish also possess the necessary enzymes for this process.

These animals are naturally protected against vitamin C deficiency, whereas humans must consume it daily.
This fact shows how evolutionary DNA damage can lead to significant biological consequences.

Can We Prevent DNA Damage?

While it’s impossible to stop DNA degradation entirely, there are proven ways to slow it down and support DNA repair mechanisms.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Eat antioxidant-rich foods:
   – Vitamin C, E, selenium, and zinc help neutralize free radicals.
2. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
3. Use sunscreen to protect against UV exposure
4. Manage stress:
   – Chronic stress affects hormone balance and DNA stability.
5. Get enough sleep and exercise
6. Consume DNA-supportive nutrients:
   – Broccoli, garlic, and cabbage are high in sulfur compounds that aid DNA repair.

DNA Is Changing, but So Can We

Our DNA isn’t unbreakable. We’ve lost functions like vitamin C synthesis through evolution, and we’re still vulnerable to modern environmental threats.
But the good news is: we can influence how well our DNA holds up.

A healthy lifestyle, nutrient-rich diet, and conscious habits can support our genetic material and delay deterioration.
Understanding how and why our DNA breaks down is the first step toward protecting it—and ourselves—for generations to come.

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