The cell membrane surrounding your cells is not the only lipid membrane in your body. Within each of your cells is a smaller spherical nuclear membrane within which your DNA is encased. In this way, your cell separates the DNA from the rest of your cell's activities, like energy production and the generation (synthesis) of proteins, which are performed in the cytoplasm. The nucleus maintains your genetic integrity and serves as the storehouse of your most personal information, the blueprint from which all of your body's proteins, those that make up your tissues, organs and chemical messengers, are designed ' your DNA.

DNA is composed of nucleotides that are made of nitrogen-containing compounds attached to sugar molecules and phosphate. They are arranged in strands in a helix formation, unwinding to create a small intermediate messenger molecule, called RNA, which transports the information from the DNA, through the nuclear membrane, to the cytoplasm where it can be read. From the instructions provided by RNA, new proteins are synthesized. Specific areas of DNA that provide the code for individual proteins are known as genes, and genes are arranged in structures called chromosomes.

Your DNA never leaves the nucleus, and therefore the nuclear membrane is very important in protecting your DNA. Unfortunately, your DNA can easily become damaged by a host of different factors. Damaging toxins, especially ones that are lipid (fat) soluble, as are many pesticides, can get across both the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane. When they do, they can attach to the DNA, causing it to lose its shape or to break a strand. Damage can also occur from compounds called reactive oxygen species (ROS), a type of free radical, which are toxic by-products of altered or unhealthy energy production within your cell. DNA damage of this type is called a mutation. Mutations can lead to altering the cell's programming, sometimes in ways that convert a healthy cell to a cancerous cell.

It is vital to protect the integrity of your DNA. When their helix strands break and their structure becomes compromised, not only are you unable to make the correct types and amounts of proteins necessary for the proper functioning of your body, but these mutations can lead to cancer. Supporting healthy membranes by eating foods that provide unsaturated fats and avoiding those with saturated and trans-fatty acids is one way to protect your DNA. Eating organically grown foods is another way to protect your DNA since by eating organic, you minimize your exposure to pesticide residues in food. Minimizing the use of pesticides not only agriculturally, but also on our lawns and flowerbeds, and supporting businesses that do not use toxic environmental compounds is another way to protect your DNA from damage.

Maintaining adequate dietary levels of protein, inositol, choline, the antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins E and C, and the carotenoids is also important for the health of your DNA, as well as for supporting healthy energy production by decreasing the amount of damaging free radicals inside your cells (discussed below). Nutritional support for healthy DNA also includes adequate dietary intake of folate and vitamin B12, since these micronutrients are involved with DNA replication and repair. Folate is found in high levels in green vegetables, grains and eggs, and vitamin B12 can be obtained from eggs, dairy, meat and fish.

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