Diet gun

Epigenetics is a field of genetics that studies the effect of an organism’s environment on its genome (activation and/or deactivation of genes) and the way in which external factors influence its development and behavior.

Such factors can be, nutrition, exercise, toxic loads, mood, etc.

Epigenetics, like genetic information, is inherited, but unlike genetic information, it is reversible and can be influenced by various stimuli or environmental factors. That is, each person is the result not only of their DNA, but also of environmental conditions, their experiences and their lifestyle.

Our lives are not only related to the genes we inherited from our close family environment but also to which genes of those we have are in operation and which of them are deactivated. Cells change characteristics depending on the activation and deactivation of various genes depending on each environment and for specific periods of time. In this way, changes are created in the characteristics of the organism (phenotype) but without changing the genotype (the sequence of DNA bases).

Epigenetic changes

Epigenetic changes are maintained and transferred to subsequent generations of cells, that is, as long as the life of the organism, but they can change if the DNA genes in each cell receive different stimuli, so they change depending on the conditions.

With our choices (e.g. lifestyle and conditions, diet and conditions, climatic conditions) we can activate or deactivate our genes.

Our biological age has been proven to be prolonged if we have a reduced body weight, if we exercise, if we consume a lot of legumes, fruits, vegetables, fish, we limit red meat, we limit saturated fats and processed foods from our diet, if we are optimistic, if we smile, etc.

Epigenetic changes and diseases

Epigenetic changes are the main mechanism of the manifestation of various diseases (90% of chronic diseases !!!).

The stimuli for epigenetic changes either come from the cell itself or its neighboring cells (as part of their normal development and function) or come from the environment.

The environment participates in approximately 80% of the creation of various diseases.

Environmental stimuli are mainly related to the type of diet, the chemicals present in processed and non-processed foods, the presence of exercise, smoking, stress, radiation, air pollution, adequate sleep, our microbiome, the viruses we contract, our relationships with people, the stress we experience, the time of year, etc.

Fortunately, many “bad” epigenetic changes that lead to diseases can be reversed by changing to a healthier lifestyle, choosing better eating habits and the way we deal with life. However, many times the damage that has already been done is not reversible, like a heart attack or a stroke.

Some of the diseases associated with epigenetic changes are atherosclerosis, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune diseases, asthma, neurodegenerative diseases, depression, cancer.

Hereditary similarities between generations may be due to the possible inheritance of DNA mutations and the influence of the fetus in the womb.

Poor nutrition and smoking affect the cells of the fetus during embryogenesis and the influence lasts for many years later, in adulthood. Also, because the reproductive cells of the fetus are also affected, grandchildren may also be affected.

Our attention throughout our lives so as not to negatively affect the cells of the fetus during embryogenesis should be one of our main goals.

In addition to the fetal age, the body is greatly influenced by the environment during early childhood (up to 5-6 years) and adolescence (10-17 years).

Good habits, not only nutrition, at these ages lay a solid foundation for a better life in the future. With a solid foundation, if they continue and good materials are added later, then the edifice of health can be stable and balanced.


Sources and articles that may help:
Genetics, Epigenetic Mechanism
How epigenetics impacts on human diseases
Translational Perspective on Epigenetics in Cardiovascular Disease
The Impact of Nutrition and Environmental Epigenetics on Human Health and Disease
Prenatal epigenetics diets play protective roles against environmental pollution
Role of miRNA in the Transmission of Metabolic Diseases Associated With Paternal Diet-Induced Obesity