Epigenetics
‘Switching on’ optimal gene performance for health and wellbeing
We’ve all heard comments like, ‘oh, she’s just lucky – she’s got good genes’ but your genes aren’t static. Your lifestyle and environment profoundly affect how your genes express themselves – switching ‘on’ or ‘off’ the mutations that can lead to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
Not only can these lifestyle-induced mutations damage your health and shorten your life, but your genes, including any mutations, are passed down to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, so they suffer too.
Most people aren’t aware, however, that you can promote normal gene expression and reverse lifestyle-influenced mutations by minimising environmental triggers and tailoring your daily habits to improve your genetic performance.
The science
Your lifestyle and environment crucially influence your genes in a number of key areas
Nourishment
This encompasses everything you’re exposed to on a daily basis. Examples include unfiltered water (exposing you to harmful compounds); poor quality air (subjecting you to dangerous pollutants); insufficient sleep (compromising your health); lack of access to sunlight (suppressing immunity), etc. We’ll optimise these elements to enhance your genetic performance.
Movement
Regular movement is crucial, even more so than exercise. Prolonged sitting reduces heart health and increases fat absorption, whereas standing up forces the heart to maintain good blood pressure, and activates an enzyme that carries fat to muscles for use as fuel. I’ll provide tips to help you incorporate more movement into your day and will optimise any exercise you do.
Mindset
How you view yourself and your body profoundly affects your wellbeing, in particular, understanding that your innate value has nothing to do with your body shape. Your thoughts and feelings can support or detract from your health, influencing your life energetically. This third pillar is essential for optimising your health and wellbeing.