I believe in the potential within us for perfect health, and that health is defined by what we do, not what we take. Epigenetics is a new field of science that studies how our genes respond to both positive and negative environmental conditions, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns and pollution. Epigenetics does not change DNA, and it isn’t evolution. We are born with our genes, and many assume that our inherited genes are the cards we were dealt, and we will become our parents. However, we have enormous power to improve our lives by improving our genes, or more specifically, how our genes are expressed. We cannot change the DNA we inherited from our parents, we cannot add good genes or subtract bad ones. But with epigenetics, we are beginning to understand that we do have the ability to turn up the volume on some genes and turn off or silence other ones.
To look at the basics, we are born with our genetic material, the DNA. This DNA within us has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. We understand that in many cases, we become like our parents, and inherit not only their characteristics, but also their disease patterns.
The DNA is our genetic code, and our blueprint for life, existing in every cell within our body. It is unique to us, and half of it comes from each parent. The DNA is like our hardware. The software that reads the DNA strands, tells it how to work, and responds to the environment is the Epigenome. In life, we have the ability to change the software, but never the hardware. We can change how we read the DNA, but cannot change the DNA itself.
Darwin taught us survival of the fittest, and that change takes place over many generations and through millions of years of natural selection. Recent scientists looking at amassed historical evidence show us that powerful environmental conditions (such as near death from starvation) leaves imprint on genetic material in eggs and sperm. These imprints short-circuit evolution, and pass on traits in a single generation. If interested, look at Norrbotten county, northern Sweden, in the town of Overkalix, and the results of suffering with starvation or seasons of overabundance on future generations. Or look to Hongerwinter 1944-45, in Western Holland, and the greatest example of prenatal epigenetic programming.
In 2003, Dr. Randy Jirtle did a groundbreaking study of genetically identical overweight mice, which had for generations given birth to the same overweight mice with diabetic tendencies. In a single generation, by giving the pregnant mothers supplemental B12 and folic acid, the offspring born were healthy body weight, normal colour, and had no diabetic tendencies! Amazing research showing us the ability to silence “bad” genes.
So why is epigenetics important now? Many of us are no longer having babies, but are concerned about healthy aging. As we age we tend to metabolize less efficiently, and our tissues become more likely to accumulate age-related byproducts. Our cells are continually breaking down and rebuilding, being replaced, healing, and rejuvenating. But with age, our organs don’t work as well, and we may see loss of vitality and the start of age-related illnesses related to inflammation such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
As we age, our most important system to protect is the digestive system, as this is how the nutrients from food and supplements get into our bodies. If we can protect our cells ability to metabolize food into energy, and help our aging genes to give our cells better instructions, we may extend our lives and our vitality. Aging becomes about the quality of life, not the quantity of life.
Epigenetics teaches us that we can re-program our body with a healthy diet and exercise plan. I have become convinced over 15 years of practice that the single most important habit for health is exercise. Equally important are the consumption of whole foods and staying properly hydrated.
What are the most important things to influence our genes to be ideal and healthy? The first is to encourage healthy methylation of the DNA. Methylation is being able to turn genes off, or silence them, and this is done by attaching a methyl group to the DNA molecule so it cannot be read. The main factors to do this are vitamin B12, folic acid, and daily use of green tea.
Another way to silence the “bad” genes of disease is through histone acetylation, and this is best achieved by calorie-restricted diets. Eating less has been proven for years to be healthier. Gluttony and excess of North American diets is linked to all age related inflammatory diseases. We need to look at being calorie smart, cutting out the garbage, and using whole natural foods.
There are three different types of common genes that we can influence on a daily basis. The first type is the “REACTIVE GENES”. These instruct our immune system to jump into high gear at the slightest possible threat, and induce inflammation. You will see heat, swelling, pain, and increased white blood cells at the least provocation. These genes, when activated, trigger allergies, asthma attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, joint and muscle inflammation and other conditions. A diet high in “reactive proteins” such as gluten (in wheat and other grains) supports these reactive genes, and therefore need to be reduced or eliminated.
Then there are the “TOLERANT GENES”, and these make us susceptible to one cold after another, and constantly feeling unwell. To turn these genes down, support of the circadian rhythm is very important, and encouraging great sleep in a very dark room, and at least 2 hours of sleep before midnight. Also work towards balanced blood sugar with regular quality meals, supporting the stress response with B complex vitamins and magnesium, and light daily exercise and relaxation.
Lastly, are the “THRIFTY GENES”, the ones that make our bodies hold on to every extra calorie and store it as fat. We want these genes when food is scarce, as they would protect us against famine and hard times. However, if food is plentiful, we want to silence then so we do not gain more weight than our body needs. If thrifty genes are turned “ON” all the time, it can lead to obesity and diabetes. High carbohydrate and simple sugar diet encourages thrifty genes and weight gain, but more lean protein and enhancing insulin function encourages “thrifty” genes to be silent.
I do hope this gives food for thought! Health is about what we do, not what we take. Never smoke, be fit, pure water, clean food, low stress, great elimination, deep sleep, and be passionate!
By Dr. Carrie Rongits, ND
Fonthill Naturopathic Clinic
