Excited about Epigenomics…What??

Ok, so you probably read this title and asked the same question I did, “Epi..geno…What?”  Since I refuse to be intimidated by big words, I was intrigued enough to learn more and I hope you will too because what you’re going to learn about your DNA and your health will knock your socks off!

At its core, there are three essential components to health and disease: your genes, your behavior and your environment.  Intuitively you know that you can change your behavior with regard to eating better and exercising to improve your health.  And maybe you can improve your environment by eliminating chemicals in your home, reducing stress, and even moving to a healthier climate.  But, your genes?  There’s no way you can change your genes, right?  Your DNA is the hand you were dealt at birth and that’s the only hand you’re going to get.  There is no reshuffling the deck and you can’t swap out your cards.  Aces or jokers, you’re all in.  Enter your personal game-​​changer,  Epigenomics. 

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, the epigenome “consists of chemical compounds that modify or mark the genome (your body’s complete set of DNA and genes) in a way that tells it where to go, what to do, and when to do it.”   Like an orchestra conductor telling each instrument how to express itself, softly or loudly, fast or slow, the epigenome tells the skin cells to be skin cells and organs cells to be organ cells.  Just like the conductor isn’t the musician and stands over the orchestra, the epigenome isn’t our DNA;  it works “epi” or above/​over our genes and is therefore able to influence our DNA through cellular reproduction.

According to a recent article by Reliv International, “the epigenome is made up of the DNA packaging material called histones and chemicals that tell the genome what to do. These chemicals can turn different genes on or off to create different types of cells.” (ref. 1)

Disease and DNA

We already know there are several factors that lead to disease.  I recently read an article about the possible connection between room air fresheners and an increased cancer risk.  When the epigenome is affected by chemical compounds whether natural from food or man-​​made from chemicals and drugs, it can trigger heart disease, autoimmune diseases and diabetes to name a few.

Nutrients and DNA

Hippocrates (Greek philosopher) profoundly stated that our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.  That philosophy has become fact with critical scientific discoveries regarding food and DNA.  Here comes the science so hang in there!  Per Reliv’s Science & Health Today, “Our food provides nutrients necessary for methylation of DNA, an essential biochemical process that affects the expression of genes. DNA methylation can be improved or inhibited by our nutritional intake. For example, choline — a micronutrient found in cauliflower — can improve fetal brain development by improving DNA methylation.  The release of genes that cause inflammation can also be affected by nutrition. For example, resveratrol — a micronutrient found in grapes — can reduce symptoms of colitis by reducing the effect of inflammatory genes.

Lunasin: The Future of Nutritional Genomics

One of the most exciting discoveries in nutritional genomics is a soy peptide called lunasin. Changes in the epigenome can cause serious diseases. Lunasin attaches to the histones and helps the epigenome function properly, so that these changes do not occur in the cells.

Lunasin nourishes — provides the nutritional fuel to promote optimal expression of genes required for normal cell function.

Lunasin protects — reduces inflammation and cell damage caused by free radicals and other environmental hazards. Provides protection in two ways:

1. Prevention. Activates the expression of genes that help reduce cell damage and prevents the expression of genes that can cause cell damage.

2. Maintenance. Helps remove damaged cells from the body that may cause chronic health problems. (ref: 1.)”

Bottom Line:

Okay, you made it through the science part.  Here’s what’s important for you to take away: this is the next big innovation and evolution in your health. Through proper nutritional choices, you now have a full deck of cards in the genome game.  Using whole foods especially fresh vegetables, fruits, lean protein and adding lunasin rich supplements (exclusive LunaRich™ soy powdercontains five to ten times more lunasin than ordinary soy powder) you can positively influence your epigenome to create healthy cells for a lifetime of wellness.  Now go find your socks and let’s all dance to a healthier DNA!

Feed your Epigenome with Epic Nutrition: Go to www​.My24kVIP​.com vip code: gold to create your personal shopping lounge.  Enjoy discounts on 24K^TM (healthy energy/​focus shot loaded with Resveratrol) and access an entire line ofLunaRich™ nutrition.

Copyright © 2012 by Christine A.Toriello, all rights reserved.   This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written consent from the author.

 

Tags: autoimmune disease diabetes diet DNA epigenome epigenomics heart disease lunasin nutrition resveratrol supplements weight loss