What is Epigenetics and How Do You Influence Your Genes? (Natural & Holistic) 🌿
What is epigenetics and why is it interesting to me?
We are born with a certain genetic code, but did you know that your genes do not determine your destiny ? The science of epigenetics shows that diet, lifestyle and environmental factors influence how your genes are expressed . This means that you can actively control your health, aging and even how your body responds to stress and toxins.
A fascinating example of this is a famous study of twins , where two genetically identical brothers were raised separately, one in a Western country and the other in a country with a completely different lifestyle and diet. After decades , their health, weight, stress levels, and even their biological ages were found to be very different – despite having exactly the same DNA !
How was this possible? Epigenetics played a major role. Their environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to toxins, exercise, and stress , ultimately determined how their genes were “turned on or off.”
But how does this work exactly? And how can you apply epigenetics in your daily life, for example with food, exercise and even plants and essential oils ? In this blog we dive into the power of natural epigenetic influencers and how you can use them!
What is epigenetics and why is it important?
🔬 Epigenetics literally means “on top of genetics.” It refers to processes that determine which genes in your DNA are turned on and which remain “off.”
💡 Example:
- Two people can have the same 'stress gene', but in one it remains switched off , while in the other it is activated by a stressful environment.
- You may have a genetically increased risk of inflammation or aging, but you can minimize this risk through diet and lifestyle .
🔍 What influences your epigenetics?
✅ Nutrition and antioxidants
✅ Essential oils and plant extracts
✅ Exercise and sleep quality
✅ Mindset and stress management
✅ Exposure to toxins (or avoiding them)
This means that your daily choices directly impact your health at a cellular level .
Twin Study: How Environment Overrides Genes
One of the most impressive pieces of evidence for epigenetics comes from a twin study that followed genetically identical twins who grew up in completely different environments .
📌 Result:
The twin brothers, who shared exactly the same DNA , developed major differences in their health, appearance and life expectancy over the years.
🔬 What was discovered?
- The twin brother, who ate a Western diet high in sugars and processed foods, became overweight, had diabetes and heart problems.
- The other brother, who lived in a country with natural foods and lots of exercise, stayed slimmer, had stable blood sugar levels and aged more slowly.
- Mental health and stress levels also differed significantly between the two.
💡 Conclusion: DNA determines only a small part of our health. Our lifestyle choices, diet, exercise and stress regulation have a greater impact than genetics alone !
This shows how powerful epigenetic influence can be and how you can consciously choose a healthier life by making smart choices .
Nutrition as an epigenetic switch
What you eat affects which genes are activated . Certain foods and plants contain bioactive molecules that can modify epigenetic expression .
📌 Research from The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2021) confirms that certain polyphenols (antioxidants in plants) reduce DNA damage and activate genes that stimulate cell repair .
🌱 Top Foods for Positive Gene Expression:
- Wolfberries (goji berries) → Contain polyphenols that activate anti-inflammatory genes.
- Curcumin (turmeric) → Activates genes that stimulate cell protection and detoxification.
- Broccoli & Cruciferous Vegetables → Contain sulforaphane, a powerful epigenetic 'on switch' for detox genes.
- Ningxia goji berry → Rich in antioxidants that counteract DNA damage and activate the Nrf2 gene pathway (an important cell protection pathway).
💡 Tip: Start your day with a shot of NingXia Red to give your body an epigenetic boost! Learn more here .
Essential Oils and Epigenetics
🔬 Research from Epigenomics Journal (2020) shows that terpenes and phenols in essential oils can influence epigenetic gene regulation.
🌿 Essential oils that work epigenetically:
✔ Frankincense – Stimulates DNA repair and activates cell regeneration.
✔ Lemon Oil – Rich in limonene, which stimulates the natural detoxification genes in the liver.
✔ Oregano & Thymol – Contain phenols that combat DNA damage and regulate the immune system.
✔ Sandalwood – Supports the expression of genes related to relaxation and cell renewal.
✔ Lavender – Activates genes that help lower stress hormones like cortisol .
💡 Tip: Diffuse Frankincense and Sandalwood during meditation or yoga to support regeneration at a deep cellular level.
How do you apply epigenetics practically?
Want to start applying epigenetics right away? Start with these 3 simple steps:
1. Start your day with an epigenetic boost:
🔹 Take a shot of NingXia Red .
🔹 Diffuse lemon or frankincense for mental clarity.
2. Manage your stress and sleep quality:
🔹 Diffuse lavender or cedarwood in your bedroom.
🔹 Take magnesium for peace and balance.
3. Avoid toxins and strengthen detox genes:
🔹 Use natural cleaning products like the Thieves cleaning line .
🔹 Add cruciferous vegetables to your diet to activate detox genes .
Conclusion: your genes are not fate, but choices!
Epigenetics shows that your health is not set in your DNA , but is largely influenced by your daily choices . By investing in nutrition, essential oils, sleep and stress regulation , you can activate positive gene expression and support your cellular health .
Do you want to switch your genes to 'on' for a healthy and vital life?
At Suzanne Shares, with more than 6 years of experience, we are happy to guide you with a holistic view of your well-being.
Contact us for a measurement and your personal plan!
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