Epigenetics has been mentioned in the complementary health world, but what is this? Clinicians from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre modify treatment plans for personal needs, and sometimes they’re targeted for epigenetic changes. 

You’re likely aware of what genes are: these are features and conditions passed down to our generations.Our genes play a crucial role in cellular health, providing instructions for cells to produce proteins. These proteins tell the body to execute specific functions, such as contracting a muscle. 

Epigenetics is a science field in which internal and external factors (i.e. nutrition, sleep, lifestyle factors, social life, etc.) can change the functioning of your genetic DNA. Epigenetics does not involve mutating genes; rather, it considers the alterations of your body controlling and expressing genes on a cellular level. These biochemical changes can modify gene-related functions, such as “…DNA methylation, histone acetylation, miRNA, and non-coding RNAs—reactions that play a significant role in promoting health or tendencies towards illness,” explains an article from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 

So, what’s there to know about epigenetics? We list facts about this topic, examples of epigenetic changes, and details about our integrative and functional clinical care. 

Suggested Reading: Personalizing ADHD Strategies with Functional Medicine from Toronto

Quick Facts to Know About Epigenetics

• • Epigenetics can help suppress or activate certain genes, such as those linked to cardiovascular disease and some cancers. These DNA changes affect your wellness and your future children. 
  • Think of it as a light switch that turns certain genes on and off. This means that some inherited genes are not necessarily carved in stone. (But there are some features we can’t change, such as eye color!). “Thus, while genetic factors exert potent influences, environmental factors have the ability to alter the genes that were inherited,” confirms Harvard University. 
  • Because epigenetic changes can switch genes on and off, they can tell our cells to make specific proteins for functioning only. “For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells,” explains Medline Plus. 
  • When we’re developing in the womb, our DNA collects unique chemicals that dictate how our genes are expressed – this accumulation of chemicals is known as our epigenome. 
  • When we’re kids, our experiences (i.e. learning, living conditions, etc.) can reshuffle this epigenome, altering this arrangement of chemicals. Researchers posit that this is how identical twins have different traits, behaviours, etc. 
  • Epigenetic changes may lead to positive or negative effects on your DNA; and these may be short- or long-lasting. Positive epigenetic changes can result from lifestyle modifications and healthy environmental factors, which could help prevent or delay inherited conditions (i.e. obesity, high blood pressure, etc.). 

Examples of Epigenetic Changes

To further understand how epigenetic changes happen, read these examples: 

Mindfulness strategies: 

Chronic stress can hinder genes expressed in the brain. “What’s more, maternal genetic changes that result from high cortisol exposure may even be passed down to future generations,” deems The Institute for Functional Medicine. Scientists can analyze methylation levels as biomarkers to measure the body’s epigenetic modifications. In a three-year study on tai chi participants, it was shown that this calming activity lowered methylation levels. In particular, methylation levels linked to age-related genes were slowed down. Researchers interpret this as mindfulness having the potential to delay inherited age-related conditions. 

Healthy Diet: 

B vitamins, such as B12 and folate, are mandatory for metabolizing DNA, so these nutrient deficiencies can be concerning for your genes. For instance, folate deficits can affect the DNA of the fetus in the womb, increasing the chances of neural tube defects. Thus, restoring vitamin B levels with food and supplementation, especially while pregnant, can make a difference in gene expression. Actually, a study from Clinical Epigenetics found that, “Long-term supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 in elderly subjects with mildly elevated homocysteine levels resulted in changes in DNA methylation of several genes implicated in normal developmental processes and carcinogenesis.”

Smoking: 

One study showed that boys who took up smoking during their early teens not only boosted their chances of forming a respiratory illness; they also upped their risks of tampering with their offspring’s genes. Scientists discovered genetic changes in kids of the dads who took up smoking prior to age 15. “These changes in the way DNA is packaged in cells (methylation) regulate gene expression (switching them on and off) and are associated with asthma, obesity and wheezing,” summarized the University of Southampton. 

Consequently, understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle – and adhering to it – not only affects you, but also the next generations. So, how can epigenetics affect your optimal health? And what’s the root cause of your health obstacles? Learn about our lab testing services and functional medicine therapies today. 

Personalize Your Clinical Experience with Us

Our integrative and functional medicine treatments aim to address health issues with compassionate clinical care. Our complementary medicine strategies are adapted for biological needs, helping to alleviate nutrient deficiencies, chronic symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and more. From Western medicine and naturopathic medicine to acupuncture and other holistic treatments (i.e. holistic nutrition, herbal medicine), patients can potentially draw relief and promote disease prevention from various treatment options. 

Our approach to medicine is patient-centered. This means that you’re welcome to collaborate with us as we tailor your treatments. Knowledge has power when it comes to sustaining optimal wellness; providing functional medicine health education to patients can motivate people to abide by treatment plans, especially for long-term health needs. 

Our treatments can be modified for a wide range of health concerns, including digestive issues, menopausal symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, body aches, aging concerns, and more. Our staff includes medical and naturopathic practitioners, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and more. Visit us for complementary medicine options today. 

The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre invites you to become a new patient! Experience our personalized medicine approach today – phone us now to request your first visit. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Alegría-Torres, J. A., Baccarelli, A., & Bollati, V. (2011). Epigenetics and lifestyle. Epigenomics, 3(3), 267. https://doi.org/10.2217/epi.11.22

“Boys who smoke in their early teens risk passing on harmful epigenetic traits to future children”, from the University of Southampton, posted August 31, 2023, viewed on November 27, 2024. 

Dupont, C., Armant, D. R., & Brenner, C. A. (2009). Epigenetics: Definition, Mechanisms and Clinical Perspective. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 27(5), 351. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1237423

“Epigenetics and Child Development: How Children’s Experiences Affect Their Genes” from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, viewed on November 26, 2024.

Fang, F., Andersen, A. M., Philibert, R., & Hancock, D. B. (2023). Epigenetic biomarkers for smoking cessation. Addiction Neuroscience, 6, 100079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100079

Friso, S., De Santis, D., Pizzolo, F., & Udali, S. (2020). Vitamins and epigenetics. Molecular Nutrition, 633-650. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811907-5.00033-6

Genetic Alliance. A Guide to Genetics and Health. Washington (DC): Genetic Alliance; 2006. Diseases that run in the family. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK115605/

Gurugubelli, K. R., & Ballambattu, V. B. (2024). Perspectives on folate with special reference to epigenetics and neural tube defects. Reproductive Toxicology, 125, 108576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108576

Kanherkar RR, Stair SE, Bhatia-Dey N, Mills PJ, Chopra D, Csoka AB. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Integrative Medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4365429. doi: 10.1155/2017/4365429. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28316635; PMCID: PMC5339524.

Kanherkar, R. R., & Csoka, A. B. (2014). Epigenetics across the human lifespan. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2, 105911. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2014.00049

Kitaba, N.T., Knudsen, G.T.M., Johannessen, A. et al. Fathers’ preconception smoking and offspring DNA methylation. Clin Epigenet 15, 131 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-023-01540-7

Kok, D.E.G., Dhonukshe-Rutten, R.A.M., Lute, C. et al. The effects of long-term daily folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation on genome-wide DNA methylation in elderly subjects. Clin Epigenet 7, 121 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-015-0154-5

Launer, J. (2016). Epigenetics for dummies. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 92(1085), 183-184. https://doi.org/10.1136/postgradmedj-2016-133993

Lee, J., Papa, F., Jaini, P. A., Alpini, S., & Kenny, T. (2019). An Epigenetics-Based, Lifestyle Medicine–Driven Approach to Stress Management for Primary Patient Care: Implications for Medical Education. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 14(3), 294. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827619847436

Meral, G., Aslan, E. S., Burkay, N., Alper Acar, E. G., Karagöz, M. F., Özkaya, M., Sahin, E., & Alp, M. Y. (2024). Importance of Using Epigenetic Nutrition and Supplements Based on Nutrigenetic Tests in Personalized Medicine. Cureus, 16(8), e66959. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.66959

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2020 Jun 24]. “What is epigenetics?” viewed on November 26, 2024. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/howgeneswork/epigenome/

Plaza-Diaz, J., Izquierdo, D., Torres-Martos, Á., Baig, A. T., Aguilera, C. M., & Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J. (2022). Impact of Physical Activity and Exercise on the Epigenome in Skeletal Muscle and Effects on Systemic Metabolism. Biomedicines, 10(1), 126. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10010126

Simmons, D. (2008) Epigenetic influence and disease. Nature Education 1(1):6

Stylianou, E. (2018). Epigenetics of chronic inflammatory diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 12, 1. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S129027

“The Epigenetic Effects of Stress” from the Institute for Functional Medicine, viewed on November 27, 2024. 

Zhong, J., Karlsson, O., Wang, G., Li, J., Guo, Y., Lin, X., Zemplenyi, M., Trevisi, L., Urch, B., Speck, M., Liang, L., Coull, B. A., Koutrakis, P., Silverman, F., Gold, D. R., Wu, T., & Baccarelli, A. A. (2017). B vitamins attenuate the epigenetic effects of ambient fine particles in a pilot human intervention trial. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(13), 3503-3508. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1618545114