Is it possible to "rewrite" your genetics? Yes, if you eat the right food

Is it possible to "rewrite" your genetics? Yes, if you eat the right food.

How does it work?

Our genes are a kind of script laid down by nature. However, it can be edited with the help of epigenetic mechanisms - certain marks that "turn on" or "turn off" genes, affecting health and longevity.

Key mechanisms

DNA methylation is a kind of "switch" that determines whether a gene will be active or not. In this case, methyl groups are added to DNA that can "turn off" certain genes, such as those associated with inflammation or aging.

Modification of histones affects the availability of genetic information for reading.

And the most interesting thing is that these changes are not permanent! That is, nutrition and lifestyle can both trigger certain epigenetic mechanisms and reverse them.

Which foods have the greatest impact?

Folic acid and vitamin B12 (greens, meat, eggs) promote DNA methylation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Polyphenols (green tea, cocoa, dark chocolate, berries) regulate genes responsible for inflammation and metabolism.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flax, nuts) can change the activity of genes that affect inflammation and brain health.

Sulforaphane (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) stimulates the activity of genes responsible for detoxification and anti-tumor protection.

Curcumin (turmeric) affects genes associated with cancer.

Added sugars and processed foods can accelerate the biological aging of cells.

Interesting facts.

One of the most famous studies of epigenetics is based on the "Hungry Winter" (Hongerwinter) in the Netherlands. Children of mothers who went hungry during pregnancy had altered methylation levels of the IGF2 gene, which is associated with growth and metabolism. This affected the health of even their grandchildren!

Another study found that high sugar consumption can accelerate the biological aging of cells through oxidative stress and inflammation. People who reduced their intake of added sugar showed a slowdown in changes in their epigenetic age.

Genes are not a sentence! They only set a possible scenario, and it's up to us to decide who will direct this story.