I was having the most interesting conversation with a fellow blogger the other day and he told me about this concept. I’d honestly not heard anything about epigenetics and the subject fascinated me. I’m excited that he agreed to give us his cliff note version on this very complex and promising science.
Epigenetics
Just when you think you have it all figured out some scientist comes along and scrambles everything up. Turns out you can’t go blaming your genes for anything anymore! Studies on epigenetics – the latest baby of the mysterious world of genetics – have brought out some astounding facts about how we are responsible for our own genetic makeup and that of generations to come.
The easiest way to explain how genes work is that genes act as switches. Turning a gene “on” or “off” can manifest physical and behavioral changes in the body. Epigenetics are changes in gene expression (the process of gene activation that results in the formation of proteins) that are cause by “outside” factors like lifestyle. Genes are made up of DNA and DNA wraps itself around proteins called histone. Epigenetic changes are the result of two processes called DNA methylation and histone modification which can switch a gene on or off.
Now let’s cut the sci-fi stuff and switch to normal-speak. To cut a long story short your life experiences, your diet and your behavior can cause changes to your genetic makeup that can affect generations to come. There haven’t been many studies on humans but this is what we know so far:
– Substance Abuse. Addictions can cause epigenetic changes which make it more likely for an individual to indulge in the future. This accounts for a lot of behavioral changes generally associated with addicts. Not only that, future generations may be pre-disposed to addictions.
– Prenatal care. Mommies, be warned. A mother’s diet and mental health during pregnancy and an infant’s diet can cause critical changes that last till adulthood.
– Diabetes and obesity. Adaptations by the body to account for excess or shortage of food can transfer to future generations and are may be the cause of diabetes, obesity and early puberty.
Lifestyle and your Genes
What does this really mean? It means that gene expression can be modulated by changes to nutrition and lifestyle. A lot of diseases, such as cancer, obesity, heart disease and autism, involve epigenetic change. So we can reasonably conclude that those changes can be counteracted by epigenetic treatments. Scientists are already working to develop medications that reactivate tumor-suppressing genes in the body.
We already know (through studies on humans, rats, flies and bees) that certain nutrients are beneficial in silencing or activating genes. For example,
– Sulforaphane – found in Broccoli –turns on anti-cancer genes.
– Butyrate is a compound produced in the intestine when dietary fiber is digested and turns on protective genes which can lead to a longer lifespan. Hurray oatmeal!
– Diallyl sulphide, found in garlic, turns on anti-cancer genes. And here you thought it was only to keep the vampires at bay!
– Folic Acid, B Vitamins, available as OTC supplements, help form methyl group molecules – important epigenetic tags.
The future holds some very important breakthroughs in nutrition and inheritable genetic changes! One interesting idea is Smart Food. Scientists will be able to create personalized diet plans for individuals based on their genetic code and thus reduce risk of disease and increase lifespan. Thought for the day – can we eat our way to immortality?
Ali Jan Qadir is passionate about art, food and fitness. He loves to share things he has learned by experience. He is a contributor for http://www.thebest-mattress.org where he writes about tempurpedic bed complaints. If you want to learn more about him visit his twitter profile @alijanness.
Thanks so much Ali for sharing your wisdom with us today.
Healthy Blessings,
Sandy
Please visit my Healthy Living Blog for more great health secrets.
