How your environment, lifestyle choices, and nutrition can affect your well being.
For years, there has not been a more polarizing subject among biomedical scientists such as that of the role of nature and nurture in shaping our lives.  On a basic level, proponents of the nature theory posit that our genetic makeup is hardwired into our DNA and that an individual’s physical, emotional, and behavioral traits are already predetermined and downloaded into you during conception. Thus, your family history will largely determine your genetic expression. On the other hand, those on the side of nurture insist that our gene expression is also affected by our environment. As such, even though one might be born with ‘bad’ genes, they still have the ability to switch those genes off or on. New research reveals that cancer is only 10 percent hereditary and 90 percent influenced by the environment and its triggers. Thus, you have control over how your life turns out regardless of your genetic makeup. This is what the science of epigenetics is all about.

What is Epigenetics?
It is the study of biological processes responsible to switching genes on or off. While genetics refers to the passing of genes from parents to offsprings, epigenetics refers to how those genes are used or impacted by our environment.  Stressors such as chemicals, heavy metals, EMF exposure, viruses, bacteria, mold and more can impact our genetic expression leading to chronic health challenges.
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It presents us with the idea that even though it is possible to inherit ‘bad genes,’ the environment – toxins, foods, stresses, etc. – plays a huge role in turning those genes on or off. 

An excellent example of epigenetics at work is in the case of identical twins. This type of twins contains the exact sequence of genetic DNA code. However, over time, one twin could find themselves at a higher risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or mental health disorders. This can be caused by a difference in lifestyles. The environmental factors which surround them result in different epigenetic expressions, despite identical genetics.

Change Your Gene Expression

A gene cannot activate or deactivate itself as it is not self-emergent. A factor in the environment must trigger gene activity.

Environmental Factors
Even though not all environmental factors are within your control, most of them are. Our immediate physical environments such as our homes and workplaces impact our genetic expressions significantly, from the water we drink and the air we breathe to what we apply on our skins.
Today, toxins are everywhere. From processed foods to chemical-full beauty products, there are multiple avenues of coming into contact with these toxins. This results in negative implications on the kinds of signals that are sent to our cells. As such, even though it might not be feasible to lower the overall pollution levels in your city, you can still choose to consume healthy foods. 

Stress Factors
Stress can undermine your efforts of staying healthy. This is because stress releases chemicals in the brain that can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Epigenetic expression is a rapidly growing area of scientific study that holds a lot of promise to clients and their families when used as part of a holistic plan. This is because it not only gives you control over your long-term health but also allows you to pass those good genes to your future generations.

We Offer Genetic Evaluations
Contact us for an evaluation of your genetic makeup. We can help you understand your genetic expression and make better long-term lifestyle choices that will optimize your wellness potential.