Epigenetics, What is it? and why should we care to learn?

Epigenetics, What is it? and why should we care to learn?

Back in the early 2000s, when scientists finally mapped the human genome, it was a big deal. Scientists thought that would unlock the code to humans’ health and diseases. But here’s the kicker, they discovered we have about the same number of genes as an earthworm! Seriously! So, if our genes don’t solely make us human, what does? That’s where epigenetics comes in. The layer above our genes that tells them how to behave and interact with the world.

Let’s think of our genes as a loaded gun. They hold potential, but it’s our environment that pulls the trigger. It’s a powerful analogy when you consider that while our DNA might nudge us toward certain health issues, things like what we eat, how we move our bodies, and even our mindset play a massive role in determining whether those health issues actually show up.

Bruce Lipton, a real pioneer in this field, dives into this in his book, “The Biology of Belief.” He posits that our thoughts and beliefs can literally change our biology. Stress, for example, can lead to some serious health problems by triggering negative changes in our epigenetics. On the flip side, when we focus on making healthier choices, we can foster a more positive epigenome to help us fight off illness. This is a pretty freeing idea, our genes don’t dictate our fate, we can take charge of our health!

Now, imagine your body as a bowl of soup. Every ingredient—from fresh veggies to savoury spices—affects the flavour and healthiness of the dish. Similarly, everything we choose to do, especially when it comes to food, contributes to our overall well-being. That’s where nutrigenetics comes into play: it’s all about how our genes interact with what we eat. Some foods can turn on beneficial genes, while others might switch them off, kind of like flipping a light switch.

Take whole, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and grass fed/finished protein sources. Eating these types of foods can promote healthier gene expression. In contrast, if we’re loading up on processed junk, we might activate genes that lead to inflammation and other chronic issues. This shifts our perspective on food. It’s not just about filling our bellies; it’s about how the food we choose talks to our genes.

And don’t forget about our gut buddies, the microbiome! This vast community of microorganisms in our intestines plays a huge role in our health, too. Recent research shows our microbiome can actually influence our genes too. A balanced microbiome boosts good gene expression, while an imbalanced one can lead to chronic diseases like obesity and autoimmune disorders. Basically, what’s going on in our guts can affect our entire health picture.

Moshe Szyf, another heavyweight in the epigenetics game, emphasizes how our surroundings shape our genes. By making thoughtful lifestyle choices like eating better, moving more, managing stress we can actually tune our epigenome for the better. In a world teeming with environmental toxins and stress, it’s crucial to recognise how these factors can sway our genes in the wrong direction.

The beauty of epigenetics is how adaptable it is. Unlike our genetic code, which is pretty static, our epigenetic markers can shift over time based on our lifestyle choices and environment. This is fantastic news because it means we have the power to tweak our epigenetic landscape simply by making better lifestyle choices.

Here’s where I like to wrap it all together: I think of every piece of food we consume as part of a conversation with our DNA. When we focus on real, whole foods most of the time, those chats are way more likely to be positive. It’s like building a relationship with our bodies, setting us up for a healthier outcome.

So, as we navigate our daily choices, remember this: while our genes are part of the story, what truly writes the narrative is how we treat ourselves. Embracing this idea allows us to curate a life filled with healthier decisions, empowering ourselves to take charge of our health journey. From every step we take, to every thought we make and every bite we choose becomes a building block for the best conversation we can have with our DNA, leading to a healthier, happier life. Let’s make those conversations count!

Tamara