Epigenetics & You: How To Influence Your Genetic Destiny For A Longer Life

What Goes On Outside Affects Inside

C hanging an environment is often the best way to change behavior. A change in environment does more than impact behavior but also genetics. Conventional science declares that an individual’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and genes cannot be changed. This is only half true. Thanks to the study of epigenetics, DNA and genetics can be influenced. This knowledge has opened the door to ways to improve health, limit chronic disease, and increase longevity.

Breaking down the basics of epigenetics

Epigenetics is an exciting field of science that is influencing the health and wellness community. In layman’s terms, epigenetics means above genetics. This is a layer of control on top of DNA that turns on or off certain genes depending on external environments or behaviors. When this happens, the genes can function differently while the DNA sequence remains unchanged. Epigenetics is possible due to chemical changes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. DNA methylation adds tags to the genes of DNA strands, turning specific genes on and off. Histone modifications impact the proteins connected to DNA, which, in turn, unlocks access to specific genes.

So, what’s the big deal?

External factors can unlock or silence genes responsible for poor health outcomes, like cancer or chronic disease. The opposite can also occur, as positive habits can change health outcomes, prevent disease, and increase longevity. Diet, nutrition, and physical activity, for instance, influence the body on an epigenetic level. Studies show that exercise can trigger the epigenomes responsible for healthy muscle mass and a healthy metabolism. Food also has a role to play in gene expression and disease. Other factors include stress, sleep, environmental toxins, and even general upbringing. In other words, through these habits, humans can influence the body and imprint long-lasting changes on a genetic level by ensuring certain genes remain switched on.

Epigenetics and aging

Epigenetics also plays a significant factor in the life of the aging adult. Scientists have recognized the human body has both a chronological and biological age. For instance, someone can be 40 in calendar years but have the biological age of a 25-year-old adult. This individual will often comment on feeling more energetic, reminiscent of younger times. These epigenetic disparities are common in high-performance athletes who spend extensive time on exercise, nutrition, and recovery. Biological age is influenced by epigenetics and can even be measured with tests that show the degree of DNA methylation. Someone who focuses on epigenetics can slow the aging of tissues and cells, influencing biological age.

How you can bend epigenetics to your will

Everyone can positively influence genes via epigenetics. Lifestyle habits can have long-lasting effects without the need for extensive scientific intervention. Adopting a healthy, whole-food diet while removing ultra-processed foods can improve epigenetic health. Adding supplements like B-12, folate, and B6 have a direct impact on regulating DNA methylation. Consistent exercise, such as resistance training, also has major benefits to biological age. Stress reduction and sleep quality, in particular, can rapidly age individuals. Studies show exposure to certain toxins and chemicals, such as bisphenol A, has epigenetic effects. Reducing toxin exposure can help. Combining these daily habits significantly increases longevity.

Epigenetics goes beyond you

Epigenetics kicks into gear from birth. The genes and DNA inherited from parents were all affected by epigenetic changes. As a result, everyone is born with specific traits passed down from generation to generation. Stress, trauma, and the effects of certain environments influence genes even though someone is born into a new environment. Some of these cannot be changed, meaning there are limits to epigenetic influences. Similarly, the habits of today are passed onto children on a genetic level. Scientists and psychologists encourage talk therapy to help heal generational stress and trauma. Dealing with stress and trauma can improve epigenetic changes and longevity while passing positive outcomes to future generations.

Keep epigenetics top of mind

The study of epigenetics continues to produce new findings and amazing results. The external environment and habits, for better or worse, impact the body on a genetic level. These behaviors influence disease, aging, and longevity. Make positive habits like a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and reducing environmental toxins. These will lead to fewer instances of disease, more energy, and longevity. Epigenetic changes also improve the quality of aging. Over time, there will be therapies that improve epigenetics. Until then, doctors and health advocates will encourage healthy habits that can transform life and health in more ways than one.