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Are you doomed by your genes? Not according to epigenetics, the science of how our environment selects, modifies and regulates gene activity. We can, through environmental factors including nutrition, lifestyle, what we do, think, perceive (real or imagined), believe and feel, change how certain parts of our DNA blueprint are read and implemented – or not. So you are not a victim of heredity. You can modify your epigenetic activity.

For example, identical twins having identical genes can be very different people including health wise, even though they may have genes that equally predispose them to certain health problems, from obesity to cancer.

Omega 3 being a polyunsaturated fat is good for heart health. A ratio of 3:1 EPA:DHA is preferred because while DHA increases LDL, EPA and DHA are co-dependent. Avoid Omega 3-6-9, as, while Omega 9 is great, Omega 6 is another source of inflammation and most of us get plenty of it from cooking oils and whatever processed foods we consume.

DHA is vital for brain health, especially for developing children and the elderly. The ratio of EPA:DHA would lean towards higher DHA when used for brain health, but since DHA increases LDL, it must be used with caution.

Are your hormones making you fat and tired? Take your body temperature thrice daily for five days and watch if you vary +/- from the 37°C mark. If you have the symptoms and your body temperature is somewhat lower than normal, you might have subclinical hypothyroidism even if blood/urine/saliva tests are normal.

Here is what you can do:

Nutrition wise, avoid goitrogens like soy, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, flaxseeds, peanuts, pine nuts, pears, peaches, spinach, sweet potatoes etc.

Foods to include are seaweed, pumpkin seeds, cashews and selenium rich foods like chicken, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, coconut oil etc.

Don’t go overboard in either avoiding or consuming such foods.

Nutrients should include iron, which also helps with dark circles around the eyes; selenium and zinc that aid the conversion of T4 to T3, iodine found in sea vegetables, probiotics, tyrosine, vitamins B2, methylfolate (B9 or folic acid) and methylcobalamin (B12) – the methyl variants if you have the MTHFR mutation.

Ashwagandha and Phosphatidylserine (PS) have been used to reduce cortisol as well, but dietary supplements must be used with caution under qualified supervision. PS can incidentally induce migraines in some people.

I discovered that Nascent Iodine, a highly bioavailable consumable pure atomic iodine in an energized state, is nothing short of a miraculous cure for subclinical hypothyroidism, low metabolism and its associated symptoms when iodine is deficient. I have seen beneficial results from a single drop taken sublingually.

It is known that toxic halides, including chlorine (e.g. chlorinated municipal water), fluorine (e.g. fluoride in toothpaste) and bromine (e.g. in breads) compete for uptake with iodine in the body, thereby contributing to iodine deficiency. Moving away from refined iodized table salt to sea salt could be another reason.

The thyroid is particularly susceptible to radiation so ask for a thyroid collar when undergoing diagnostic imaging.

If everything checks out but you’re still feeling listless, you might examine the quality and duration of your sleep and go to bed as early before midnight as possible.