Epigenetics: what is it and how can you help you?

Knowing genetics and epigenetics can develop therapeutic and preventive strategies, taking into account both genetic predispositions and epigenetic factors, which we can control.

A word that was currently used in the middle of health is the word epigenetic. Only when reading seems complicated, but if you want to understand the mechanisms they send in your health, it is useless, you have to understand a little genetics and epigenetics.

Knowing genetics and epigenetics can develop therapeutic and preventive strategies, taking into account both genetic predispositions and epigenetic factors, which we can control. The difference between genetics and epigenetics becomes clear when we consider that although genes (genetics) affect our health, external factors can activate or disable them. In summary, genetics deals with the inheritance of the genes, while epigenetics is the response of how these genes express external stimuli such as stress, diet and exposure to toxins.

Let’s assumes that you have inherited a gene that predisposition it to type II Diabetes, regular exercise and a Balanced Diet Can “Turn Off” Genes Associated With Insulin Resistance, Preventing The Emergence of These Conditions, The Manifestation of This Gene Will Depend on How How How This gene will be activated throughout life. So the way we guide our life can prevent this genetic predisposition from being activated, that is, genetics establishes potential, but the environment and habits establish activation.

But we are more specific: genetics refers to the study of genes and inheritance, transmitted by parents to children. The genes, composed of DNAThey are the basic units that bring the instructions for the development and functioning of the organisms and determine a wide range of characteristics, from the color of the eyes to the predisposition to certain diseases such as the transmission of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis such as or muscle dystrophy or even Diabetes and cancer that occur due to specific gene mutations. Another proof of how genetics directly influences our health.

Unlike genetics, epigenetic studies that occur in the way genes are activated or deactivated without changing the DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environment, lifestyle, diet and stress.

Epigenetic changes occur through processes such as DNA methylation, which acts as a “switch” that can turn on or deactivate genes. If a gene is put in place, it tends to be silenced and will not be expressed, while without the methylation genes they can be activated and they normally work and the changes of the histones, which make the genes more or less accessible. The therapies that aim to restore normal gene expression, such as the disadvantage of DNA, are already used in some types of cancer and have shown promising results.

Gene methylation can, for example, prevent or encourage the development of chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Diets rich in antioxidants, such as fruit and vegetables, help to regulate these processes positively, while excessive consumption of food and transformed sugars can compromise epigenetic health, increasing the risk of diseases.

Factors that influence epigenetics

Several factors influence epigenetics, so it keeps us adapt to us. Among the main factors there are:

• Diet: Food plays a central role in epigenetic regulation. Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins promote the correct methylation of the DNA, while the diets rich in trans fats and sugars can deregple the gene expression, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves the regulation of the genes involved in the metabolism and in the inflammatory response. Studies show that exercise not only prevents the disease, but also positively alters the gene expression.
• Exposure to toxins: Exposure to pollutants, cigarette smoke and other environmental toxins can trigger harmful epigenetic changes, leading to the development of chronic diseases. Avoiding these toxins is essential to preserve epigenetic health.
• Stress: Prolonged stress negatively influences the gene expression by increasing cortisol levels, stress hormone. Stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga can protect epigenetic health.

Some impacts of epigenetics on our health

Chronic diseases and cancer: Hypermethalation of cancer suppressor genes can cause their inactivation, contributing to the development of cancer. Studies show that environmental factors, such as fat diet and exposure to pollutants, can induce these epigenetic changes.

Mental health: The epigenetics was also related to psychiatric disorders. Research indicates that adverseness experiences such as trauma or abuse can cause epigenetic changes that influence the gene expression associated with diseases such as depression and anxiety. For example, studies with animal models have shown that stress can lead to epigenetic changes that alter social behavior.

Metabolic diseases: Epigenetics influences the predisposition to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Diet and exercise can change an individual’s epigenetic profile, influencing the way the genes related to metabolism and insulin are expressed. A study has shown that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can have a positive impact on DNA methylation in gene control associated with weight control.

Development and aging: The way in which genes are expressed during fetal development can be influenced by maternal nutrition and environmental factors. In addition, the accumulation of epigenetic changes over time can contribute to aging processes and associated diseases.

Epigenetics and diagnosis

Simple exams such as bioimpedance that evaluate body composition, monitoring factors such as the amount of fat and muscle mass and mineralogram that identify nutritional deficiencies that influence epigenetic health, can already give a north in the decision -making process for more treatments accurate by your health professional.

There are also specific exams, so the choice goes based on the health professional and pocket. Exams such as the analysis of DNA methylation The sequencing of Exom (method that allows the analysis of the regions of coding proteins in a DNA person), the methylation chip, the analysis of the changes of the Istone, among the Others who can help identify biomarkers for early diagnosis or even prediction of certain health conditions.

Finally, we cannot “still” change the genes that we inherit, but we can change the way they express themselves throughout their lives. Preventing diseases through adequate control of epigenetic factors is certainly the key to a long and healthy life. But be careful: do not expect the exams to start this change in your life, now the transformation begins in a better life!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.