How to tame your own genes

Stop complaining about the genes you inherited from your parents. You have control over how you look, how fit you will be and whether you will suffer from health problems. You just need to know how to activate the right genes and turn off the ones that are bad for you.

In order for our organism to be able to read a certain gene, i.e. to create proteins according to it, this gene must be switched on. Every day, however, we are exposed to a number of influences that trigger biochemical reactions in our body that can turn many important genes off or on. We are talking about so-called epigenetic processes (you can read more about them here www.epivyziva.cz/zaklady-epigenetiky/).

Many of the epigenetic influences can be brought under control simply by making a few basic adjustments to our lifestyle. By doing so, we can significantly slow down our aging (including its outward manifestations such as wrinkles), support the prevention and treatment of many serious diseases (such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease), facilitate weight loss or improve our athletic performance.

So what should you do to keep your own DNA healthy?

Limit carbohydrate intake

Excessive consumption of sugars is one of the most significant negative epigenetic factors. Insulin resistance, which is caused by fluctuations in blood glucose levels, significantly increases the risk of weight gain and many serious diseases (cancer, diabetes, etc.).

Include the right foods

Many foods, on the other hand, contain substances that have a significantly positive epigenetic effect. These include green tea, fish, fruit and vegetables, red wine, olive oil and many spices (turmeric, ginger, rosemary, basil…)

Avoid toxic chemicals

A number of environmental pollutants also have a significantly negative effect on the epigenetic patterns of our DNA, whether it is traffic exhaust (nitrogen oxides and fine dust particles, for example, increase the risk of cancer or Alzheimer’s disease), or pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, heavy metals or substances used in the production of plastics (e.g. bisphenol A).

Don’t smoke

Smoking is also one of the major influences that damage our DNA by activating negative epigenetic processes (again, particularly gene methylation). The deleterious effects on health, physical and mental fitness and the rate of ageing that this habit has are largely due to its epigenetic effects. The worst consequences are those of pregnant women who smoke, increasing their children’s risk of reduced immunity, allergies and cancer, as well as reducing their intelligence.

Reduce stress levels

Acute and chronic stress, as well as intense negative emotions or lack of sleep, trigger epigenetic processes that impair our health and physical and mental fitness.

Meditate

Regular meditation, on the other hand, is one of the significantly positive epigenetic influences, as is the practice of yoga and other energetic exercises.

Bet on the right herbs and nutrients

Certain nutrients and herbs have a significantly positive epigenetic effect when taken in concentrated form. You can try the following:

EGCG – has anti-cancer effects, anti-Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, promotes weight loss.

Curcumin (to be used with piperine) – strongly anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, reduces hair loss, has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels and joints.

Pomegranate – increases sexual desire, fertility and erectile capacity, improves prostate health and cardiovascular function.

Astaxanthin – a powerful immunostimulant with anti-cancer effects, improves eye health.

Resveratrol – protects the heart and blood vessels, counteracts osteoporosis, slows aging, suitable for menopause.

Boswellia: suitable for arthrosis and diabetes.

A comprehensive overview of epigenetic nutrients and herbs with a description of their effects can be found here: https://www.epivyziva.cz/kategorie/byliny/ and here: https://www.epivyziva.cz/kategorie/ziviny/

Keep moving

Regular physical activity is a great way to prevent diabetes. It alters the activity of genes that improve the transport of glucose from the blood to the muscles and improves the body’s overall use of sugars. The epigenetic effect of exercise is also behind the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and many cancers (for example, exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer by up to 30%). Physical exercise also improves brain fitness, especially in older age.

Don’t overeat

It has long been known that reducing caloric intake leads to increased life expectancy. This is due to epigenetic processes that are triggered when food intake is restricted.