Epigenetics

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms based on shifts within their genetic code. More specifically, how environment impacts exposures to the genetic code that may influence variations in future generation’s genetic health and in turn, physical health.

This is to say that your health, throughout your lifetime, is impacting the function and expression of your genes. Down to a cellular level, your health is paving the way for generations to come.

Now, this is more specific to those who are procreating or who are planning on having children in the future. The food we eat, the air we breathe, the overall status of our mental health - all influences how our genes work. And to a further point, the environment we create for our children will have an influence on not only their health, but the health of their potential children.

What should I do about it?

I think the most important action you can take today, is mindfulness. Becoming more mindful and learning more about our environmental impact on our health is a perfect place to start. The mindfulness lends itself to have that compassionate, purposeful eye and often ask the question, “is this _______ serving me and my health goals”?

There is a fine line here. I don’t want to encourage obsession over the impacts on our health. That certainly does not serve you! Especially in the realm of fertility, trying to conceive, maintaining chronic illness, etc. I so often see the narrowing of eyes and the constant anxiety surrounding health. Anxiety about your health is not the goal here - my hope is for you to feel empowered and educated on the ways you can positively impact your health and nourish the health of future generations.

Environmental Influence on my health

This list would be too lengthy for a website post and really is specific to each of our bodies. One great example is with the research on BPA, or bisphenol A. BPA is a commonly used chemical or plasticiser found in many common products: grocery receipts, plastic drinkware, utensils, styrofoam, to-go containers, etc. Over the years there has been extensive research proving that BPA is an endocrine disruptor. That is, when BPA molecules are ingested or enter the body, they circulate in the bloodstream and mimic our natural endocrine hormones. BPA has been shown to influence estrogen dominance as it looks like estrogen in the body and causes a host of downstream effects.

In the role of epigenetics, your exposure to BPA may change the balance of your hormones. In a state of hormone imbalance, many things are possible including symptoms of fatigue, night sweats, anxiety, depression, irregular periods, brain fog, abnormal hair growth, dry skin, etc.  

An insightful understanding

As a person with female anatomy (ovaries, uterus, etc.) if you’re to become pregnant with another female [daughter], the DNA for your future grandchildren will be stored in your daughters ovaries, in your daughter’s egg cells. Come week 20 of gestation with your future daughter, six to seven billion eggs will be stored in her microscopic ovaries. The environment you are in during pregnancy can influence the health of your daughter and further, the health of your daughter can influence the health of your grandchild (female or male).

Now remember, mental health plays a role here too - don’t let this spur anxiety! You’re doing a great job. That you’re here, reading this proves you care. Keep it up! Feel inspired and grounded in the small steps you’re taking toward improving your health!

Summary:

Understanding epigenetics is a fascinating way to know that the small changes we make toward improving our health are having a direct impact on future generations.