Why You Need to Know About Epigenetics and Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is the study of the relationship between the food we eat and our genetic makeup. It is how the food we eat talks to our genes, telling them to convey themselves loudly or softly or not at all. This is done through the studying of epigenetics and by altering the epigenome, which sits on top of the genome and changes the way the gene expresses itself.

This emerging science has groundbreaking implications not only for our own health but that of our children.

If I Choose to Eat Unhealthy, It Only Affects Me Right?

Wrong! Studies done on pregnant mice show that when given prenatal nutrition, that nutrition effectively turned off a certain gene which predisposed the mice to developing diabetes, cancer, and becoming overweight. This gene actually stayed turned off not only in their offspring but also the subsequent generation, regardless of what their mothers ate. The ramifications of these studies are huge.

Other studies show that when pre-pubescent males smoke, their sons are predisposed to having a higher than average body mass index and will probably even have shorter life spans than that of their peers.

The way we eat and the lifestyle choices we make as children, teenagers, and eventually adults can actually affect our own children and even our grandchildren!

Since the completion of the human genome project, nutrigenomics has made us aware of the differences in the genetic profile of all individuals. Scientists discovered that food does not just give energy to cells; it in effect changes the very expression of our genes and is unique to the individual.

This explains why one identical twin would develop cancer and the other twin would not.

The Health of Our Genes

Emerging research shows promise in the field of nutrigenomics. It appears certain diseases like diabetes can be slowed or even reversed by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Studies done on mothers caring for children with chronic illness suggest that through nutrigenomics the adverse reactions to stress can be reversed.

Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?

Your genetic makeup can be optimized to help you lose weight, live longer, and achieve a state of permanent wellness. Nutrigenomics can be utilized for weight loss and anti-aging strategies by postponing or even eliminating disease from your genetic makeup and turning off any fat genes inherited from your parents. You can live a longer, healthier life and pass this health on to your future descendants.

The Future of Nutrigenomics

Eventually people may go see a dietician specializing in nutrigenomics, submit a DNA test and receive a personalized diet unique to them that will effectively turn off the inherited genes that predispose them to becoming fat or developing diseases such as cancer or diabetes. A smart or intelligent diet would be given to that individual enhancing their genetic health and allow them a longer, healthier life.

In fact, eating right for your genotype may become the norm. When eating specifically targeted foods, you can in essence prevent disease you are prone to, by using food to solve the gene problems you have inherited.

Want to learn more about epigenetics and the study of nutrigenomic strategies to achieve a healthier, thinner you? Russ Curran is here to help. Please visit http://www.EpigeneticsAndNutrition.com for more information.