I wanted to know how to increase my life expectancy. Do I really have to avoid everything? | Annie Macmanus

I took a DNA test a few weeks ago. It arrived by post. I had to prick my finger, squeeze out several drops of blood and put them in a box to send to a lab in Scandinavia.

It's a matter of management risks. For the first time, I'm looking to make a long-term investment in my body, and to do that, I need to explore what might happen in terms of disease. I want to do what I can now, to maximize my chances of living a healthy, longer life. I want my body and mind to be aligned; I want to feel strong and flexible and capable. I thought that might mean taking a few extra supplements. Exercise more. Eat more green vegetables.

But when I got my results back from the lab, they were considerable. I could feel my concentration slipping as I read to the end of the section on how to read your results. Focus, Annie, focus. I cast my eyes over the column labeled "AVOID".

Limit alcohol. I thought I already limited alcohol - I only drink on weekends! Reduce exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution, pesticides and plastic. This therefore excludes living in the city – or in the countryside. Avoid all foods high in sugar and refined grains. I google refined grains. No crackers, croissants, toast or cereal. What am I going to smother peanut butter or pâté with now? Reduce saturated fat intake, such as cheese and butter. Ah, come on, no butter? It's getting worse: avoid all trans fats, processed foods, fried foods, commercially made cookies.

It's doomsday. The "everything" in the "avoid everything". This morning, I hesitated in front of the bread basket. I can confirm, by biting into my toast covered in butter and peanut butter, that risk-taking tastes really good.