How Lifestyle Influences Your Genes
Epigenetics eXPlained: How lifestyle Influences your genes
What is epigenetics?
When we think about our genes, we often assume they’re fixed, unchangeable traits we inherit from our parents. While it’s true that your DNA sequence doesn’t change, what if I told you that we can actually influence how our genes behave? This is where the fascinating science of epigenetics comes in!
Current epigenetics research is shedding light on how our environment, diet, stress levels, and lifestyle choices can affect the way our genes behave.
Your genes guide everything about you, from your eye colour to how your body digests food. All the trillions of cells in your body carry the same DNA, but not every cell uses the same genes in the same way. In recent years, we’ve discovered that while your genes may be fixed, how they’re used can change. This is thanks to the epigenome!
Your epigenome includes all your genes plus the chemical compounds that regulate them. These chemical markers don’t change the DNA itself, but they attach themselves to your DNA and act as switches, influencing how genes are turned on or off - whether a gene is active, silent, or somewhere in between.
Why Identical twins aren’t always so identical
Have you ever noticed a set of identical twins that look very similar as children but then look increasingly different as they age. This is epigenetics! Identical twins have the exact same DNA sequences. So how can they possibly look different? When twins are just born, and even into childhood, both twins' environments are very similar, therefore their epigenomes stay quite similar. However, as the twins age, their environment and life experiences differ and therefore, different genes are influenced to be silenced or activated, causing their genes to be expressed in unique ways over time.
How lifestyle influences your genes
This field of research proves what many of us have suspected - that the way you live your life and the things you do to your body matter (even down to the smallest scale of your DNA).
One of the most studied epigenetic tags is DNA methylation. This is when chemical modifiers called methyl groups are added or removed from your DNA and influence how much a gene is expressed. These chemical markers (or “tags”) respond to everything from the food you eat to the air you breathe. Your body’s internal chemistry is shaped by your external environment. This means that the decisions you make in your day to day life and your lifestyle choices can actually affect your genes. Here are some of the key lifestyle areas that affect your epigenetic profile:
1. Diet
The food we eat provides the building blocks your body uses to regulate gene activity. Certain vitamins like folate (B9), vitamin B12, and SAMe play a critical role in DNA methylation. These nutrients have been studied in their ability to supply methyl groups to the body, therefore they support the maintenance of methylation patterns in DNA and have the ability to modify gene expression. It has been shown that diets high in these methyl-donating nutrients can change gene expression, where increased DNA methylation means genes are silenced (this gene silencing is important when we consider things like cancer causing genes).
2. Stress
Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with gene regulation, especially in areas of the brain linked to mood and memory. Over time, long-term stress can change your gene expression patterns. However, positive experiences like supportive relationships, meditation, and therapy, can help mitigate chronic stress and protect your gene expression patterns.
In one study, researchers found that suicide victims with a history of childhood abuse had more chemical “tags”/DNA methylation on a gene linked to stress response wherease suicide victims without abuse history didn’t have nearly as much methylation on this gene. While this correlation does not mean causation, this study begins to investigate just how deeply life experiences can affect us, down to the genetic level.
3. Environmental toxins
Pollution, tobacco smoke, and even some household chemicals can add or remove epigenetic tags from your DNA - silencing genes that protect you, or activating ones that cause harm. That’s why reducing your exposure through cleaner air, natural cleaning products and organic foods can help protect your epigenome.
How you can support your epigenetic health
The good news is, every day, your choices can influence your genes for the better. Here are a few simple ways to support your epigenetic health:
Eating a whole food, nutrient-rich diet
Managing stress with mindfulness or therapy
Stay active with regular movement
Limit exposure to toxins when possible
Epigenetics reminds us that our bodies are responsive and adaptable by the lives we live. At Crafted Balance, we support this by offering personalized care that supports all aspects of your health, right down to your DNA! Whether you’re looking to manage chronic stress, or optimize nutrition, our circle of care is here to support you. We offer a collaborative team of practitioners all working together to help you feel your best.
Book a consultation today and discover how your daily choices create lasting wellness.