Thanks to toxins, radiation, poor diet, genetically modified food and unhealthy lifestyles, human DNA and gene expression are being changed in unnatural and unhealthy ways. In effect, we are turning ourselves into genetically modified organisms and the modifications are threatening our present health and our future viability as a species.

Scientists are increasingly discovering how our DNA is being changed by outside agents and how the changes are being passed sideways to other humans as well as downwards to future generations. In one example of the dangers of DNA changes, a European study found that DNA from GMO corn was incorporated into those who consumed it and was subsequently passed down for several generations.

Much of the evidence of changes in DNA and DNA gene expression is coming from scientists in the booming field of epigenitics. Epigenitics is the study of horizontal gene transfer, also known as lateral gene transfer. Horizontal gene transfer describes an organism transferring its genetic material to an organism other than one of its own offspring - including transfers from one species to another.

In just the past year, scientists have conclusively found that a blood sucking insect can pass DNA off to the mammals it bites and also take the mammal's DNA from them through their blood - not just exchanging it, but integrating it. Epigenetic scientists and others are postulating that this horizontal gene transfer drives larger life form adaptations and evolution. In other words, what was once described as a vertical evolutionary "tree" is now being more accurately described as a "web". Indications are that the web we are weaving for ourselves is a wicked one indeed.

The evidence of how our health is being affected and our species becoming less viable is abundant. Despite spending more per capita on drugs and medical care than any other country, the US continues to plummet in the two important measurements of health: longevity and infant mortality. Alarmingly, we have plummeted to almost 50th in the world for longevity while we have seen increases in chronic illness across all age groups. Even worse, studies are beginning to indicate that our lifespan is actually decreasing.

Two other alarming indications of decreased viability are declines in sperm count and natural immune markers. Average sperm count measurements in the U.S. have dropped over 50% in only a handful of decades. In less than a century, markers which measure immune system response have dropped even further. Decreasing sperm counts combined with decreasing immunity means that we are capable of producing fewer offspring and the ones we do produce are less viable. Though some might welcome declining births, beyond a certain point continued declines in birth rates will inevitably lead to unsustainable populations.

Normally, animals increase the viability of future generations through the process known as "survival of the fittest" where the most healthy and best adapted individuals have better odds of surviving and dominate mating. Thus each successive generation gradually improves. Thanks to our weakening of our viability through genetic changes and a medical and social system which assures survival of the weakest, successive generations of humans are becoming less viable.

Evidence of our declining health and future viability should be a huge wake-up call for all humanity. Don't look to mainstream medicine to save the day though. In many instances, their toxic drugs and treatments are major culprits. Vaccines are a stark example. Most vaccines contain known mutagens, yet there have been virtually no studies on their long term affects either singly or in combination. Mainstream medicine's role is compounded by ignorance of the roles toxins, diet, nutrition and nature all play in our health.

Better solutions for reversing the DNA changes which are reversible and coping with the ones which aren't should include taking other steps to build a strong immune system and health foundation, such as:

*avoiding and eliminating toxins and other causes of DNA changes
*eating an organic diet of nutrient dense whole-foods
*living a healthy, active lifestyle

For more suggestions, see:

Building a Foundation for Better Health and Longevity
http://www.tbyil.com/healthy_foundation.htm

Sources included:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epigenetics
http://www.curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1736733#i
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/genes/issa.html
htp://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Horizontal_gene_transfer
http://www.psrast.org/hrtrintr.htm

Glutathione is important for DNA repair and exerts a variety of protective effects, including detoxification and intracellular defense against oxidative stress.