Why your Epigenome is worth learning about.

Be Nice To Your Epigenome

New data points more and more to the genetic effect on obesity, even asthma. That is, as they say, in your DNA. You are born with whatever you inherited genetically. That we all know and accept. Today’s big debate in genetic circles is about what we can or can’t do about it, and this is where the term ‘epigenome’ enters the scene.

As we said we are born with genes we can’t change. This ‘batch’ of genes is your genome. However all around your genome is a variety of substances once called ‘junk DNA’. This is your epigenome, and last years’ junk may be this year’s treasure. It includes all the processes and substances that are inter-related to your DNA, and what we have now learned is that they act as switches that actually turn genes in our DNA on and off, where and when the body in its infinite wisdom, sees as necessary for our greater good and survival.

Hence we can se our genes as workmen, skilled in one job, always ready and willing. Our epigenome tells these genes what to do and where. The ‘job’ your gene has to perform may vary from one cell to another, even though all genes appear to do the same job.

So what? What has this to do with me? Well, according to latest research, the epigenome is not a fixed state of cells or substances. It is constantly subject to modification by all sorts of factors, which in turn, affects how our genes are employed.

The most researched and understood epigenome modification is a process known as methylation. Groups of methyls, which are tiny biochemicals composed of just carbon and oxygen, are actually added to our DNA via our epigenome. Interestingly, this process seems only to affect genes that are hardly ever used. Further, special molecular ‘glue’ proteins, called histones, whose sole role is to glue our DNA together, are also affected my methylation.
The big breakthrough is that scientists now understand that this previously mysterious process is actually affected by our environment.. in particular, by our diet and our air supply.

What has Epigenetics got to do with Cancer?

Like so many fields of research in cancer, things remain less than clear. We do know that cancer cells have a very low level of methylation, which, based on what we already discussed, means cancer cells may have the ability to ‘turn off’ tumour suppression genes.
What is clear is that there are many biochemicals that affect methylation. But a trail has been found, starting at breathing and eating, which in turn affects methylation levels which in turn affects the ability of our DNA or genes to get on with their appointed tasks.

Anyone who read ‘The China Study’ will understand that an accurate summation and correlation of diet studies is very difficult. It’s not hard to understand that the effects of sugar on blood glucose, but other ‘cause and effects’ are less simple to unravel, and scientists are of the opinion that many dietary and atmospheric effects may indeed be epigenome modification phenomena.
One large study that has been running for decades (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)) will certainly clarify this relationship.

The study is still underway, but it is expected to point to the fact that if you are adequately fed and have a recognized healthy diet, you will develop less cancer or other chronic illnesses so common to Westerners. So staying with a healthy diet can no longer be seen as a fad or mad supplement adventure.

Eating to Support Epigenome Methylation

Guess what? The foods that support healthy methylation are our old favourites.. almost all with a known antioxidant or alkalizing power. Green tea, cruciferous vegetables, foods laden with folic acid (leafy vegetables, beans, peas, sunflower seeds and liver), fortified whole grain breads, and non-sugar supplemented breakfast cereals.

Methionine stands out. This essential aminio acid is not synthesized by our bodies and we must get it from foods containing it. These include spinach, garlic, brazil nuts, kidney beans , tofu, chicken, beef and fish. Obviously as an Alkalarian, I prefer chicken and fish to red meat.

Choline, an essential nutrient in the B Vitamin complex, is another great source for methylation processes. You’ll get it from eggs, lettuce, peanuts and liver.

Zinc also assists the methylation process, so careful supplementation or the occasional dozen oysters may be worthwhile.

Methylation and Vino

When over-imbibed, the alcohol in wine interferes with folate metabolism and down the track, with methylation. A glass per day, however, yields health benefits in the form of resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant from red grape skin), including cancer prevention. Scientists are agreed about its benefit, but are still arguing about how it achieves the benefit. It seems partly related to switching on specific DNA-repair genes, which are part of the epigenome. Even flagon wine is high in betaine, which may explain why some notable octogenarians who have their daily tipple of cheap wine are still breathing.

In Summary

We are blitzed with obscure medical 'breakthroughs' all the time, usually on the least discriminating source of all - the evening TV news. But surely if we can understand that we can support long term functional genetic health, then we could be more confident of a disease-free future by empowering our resident DNA to do what it's meant to do; support our ongoing life force. And the knowledge that every piece of good alkaline food we eat or drink does support our Epigenome's support for our DNA surely empowers us to make the right dialy choice about diet and environment.

I do not believe in reactive medicine. Sure, if I am already sick, I will resort to it. But proactive health - well - that's another thing entirely. I am blessed with almost perfect health and age 63. A lazy prostate is all I can really say is wrong with me. And believe me, I'm not the sort of guy people would pick as a sperm donor because of my superior DNA. So I do thank God daily for the opportunity I was given to eat well and live well in support of my epigenome's daily management task. And because I'm 'old' I also thank God for the ability to see the oppoerunity i have had and be grateful for it. good food isn't a choice; it's a life insurance policy with the lowest premiums on the market.