Epigenetics Explained: How Your Lifestyle Talks to Your Genes

Aside from being another cool word to add to our repertoire to throw around at the next family gathering, let’s talk about what epigenetics really is. 

Did you know your genes aren’t your destiny?

While your DNA lays the foundation, the choices you make can really shape how your genes behave. 

Epigenetics is a powerful lens into how environment, nutrition, and stress influence your health, aging, and even your future children - no pressure there.   

At Rooted Health, we believe knowledge is power so let’s explore beneath the surface.  

What Is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the science of how your environment and lifestyle can switch genes on or off without changing your DNA itself.  These “switches” are chemical tags that affect how genes are expressed.  Think of your DNA as a script and epigenetics is the director deciding which scenes to play and which to cut.  

What Influences Epigenetic Changes?

1. Nutrition:

   • Diet rich antioxidants, healthy fats, and whole foods can positively impact gene expression

   • Nutrients like folate, B vitamins, and choline are known to affect epigenetic markers

2.  Stress and Mindfulness:

• Chronic stress can turn on genes linked to inflammation and disease

• Meditation, breath work, and other mindfulness practices may help reverse these effects - see my blog on this topic 

3.  Movement and Exercise:

• Regular physical activity has been shown to promote healthy genes related to metabolism and immunity

4.  Sleep Quality:

• Poor sleep can disrupt epigenetic regulation, especially in genes tied to aging and cognition 

5.  Environmental Toxins:

• Exposure to pollutants, pesticides, or smoking can lead to harmful changes

Why Should You Care?

Epigenetics is at the heart of personalized wellness.  It explains why some people thrive on certain diets or lifestyles while others don’t —and why your current habits may influence your risk of chronic disease, mental health challenges, or premature aging.  

Even more pressing, some changes can be passed to your children and grandchildren!  That means your healthy changes today can positively spread to future generations.  

Rooted Health Takeaway:

You’re not just managing symptoms — you’re shaping your biology and that of future generations every day.  At Rooted Health, we encourage your to support your epigenetic health:

• Eat clean, vibrant, whole foods

• Prioritize sleep and stress recovery

• Move often and with joy

• Reduce toxic load in your home and body

After all, wellness isn’t just in your DNA—it’s in your decisions…