It Runs In The Family

Have you ever heard someone say it runs in my family so I don’t have a choice in the matter, I can’t escape it, this statement is like saying poverty runs in a family, so you are destined to be poor, and you don’t have a choice, so you resign yourself and live in abject penury and misery. Just the same way every person would reject this idea, we should also reject the idea of diseased conditions being inherent in one’s bloodline and being powerless about it. if I was to borrow a slang from our GenZ folks I would say “It is giving laziness mentality”.

Epigenetics is a field in modern biological science that explores how environmental factors can influence gene expression. In simple terms, it shows that our lifestyle and experiences can affect which genes are turned on or off, potentially influencing our health and traits. For example, exercise can change the patterns of chemical marks on our DNA and proteins called histones, which can turn genes on or off. This can lead to beneficial changes in our bodies, such as improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. By exercising regularly, we can positively influence our gene activity, which can help protect us from diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

The food we eat can also impact our epigenetics. Certain nutrients and compounds in foods can alter gene expression by affecting DNA methylation, histone modification, and other epigenetic processes. For instance, consuming a proper diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can promote healthy gene expression and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats may lead to adverse epigenetic changes that increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Stay with me don’t be put off by these science terms that I am using, I will soon get to the interesting part, keep reading.

Aside from exercise and diet, other lifestyle factors such as stress management, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol can also impact our epigenetics. Chronic stress, for instance, can trigger epigenetic changes that contribute to inflammation, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders. Conversely, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy social life can promote positive epigenetic changes that support overall well-being and disease prevention.

Now let me give you the final shocker of why you should consider epigenetics as an important field and be conscious of it in your daily life, our lifestyle choices do not just influence only us but can also influence the epigenetics of future generations. Research suggests that environmental exposures and experiences during pregnancy and early life can leave lasting epigenetic marks on the DNA of offspring, potentially affecting their health and disease risk later in life. For example, maternal nutrition, stress levels, and exposure to toxins can all influence the epigenetic programming of the developing fetus, shaping its susceptibility to various diseases in adulthood.

If a certain condition runs in your family, you knowing this is already an expo for you, it puts you in the know and gives you the advantage of doing something about it. So do better for yourself and don’t just bury your head in the sand like an Ostrich; remember also that what you do now, you do, not only for yourself but also for your future generation.