What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of science. While many people assume their genes determine their health, research shows that our environment and lifestyle choices can influence which genes are expressed or silenced. This insight has reshaped our understanding of health and disease.

The prefix epi- comes from Ancient Greek and means “upon, near, over, or in addition to.” In the context of genetics, it refers to the external factors that influence gene expression. These factors — such as nutrition, sleep, stress, and toxic exposure — may help determine how our genetic code is read and translated into function.

Rather than changing the genes themselves, epigenetics affects how genes behave. It helps explain why identical genetic profiles can result in very different health outcomes, depending on how those genes are influenced by internal and external signals.

Is Predisposition Destiny?
While your genes may increase your susceptibility to certain conditions — such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance or obesity — they are not necessarily your fate. Scientific evidence increasingly suggests that diet, lifestyle, stress management and even emotional resilience can influence gene expression.

Your body is constantly responding to its environment. Everything from what you eat, how you sleep, move, and manage stress, to the quality of your relationships, can contribute to patterns of gene activity. These patterns help shape how you feel and function — day by day, year after year.

Seven Key Areas That Influence Gene Expression

1. Nutrition
A nutrient-dense, unprocessed diet supports many of the pathways involved in cellular repair, immune balance and detoxification. Conversely, diets high in ultra-processed foods and refined sugars have been associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic stress.

2. Physical Activity
Movement plays a vital role in metabolic flexibility, brain health and emotional resilience. Regular physical activity supports mitochondrial function and may influence gene expression related to energy regulation and inflammation.

3. Sleep Quality
Adequate, restorative sleep is essential for hormonal balance, cognitive clarity and immune function. Sleep deprivation has been associated with altered gene expression in areas related to metabolism and stress response.

4. Stress Regulation
Chronic stress can disrupt multiple physiological systems. Learning how to regulate physical and emotional stress is essential for supporting long-term wellbeing — and may influence epigenetic signalling pathways.

5. Personalised Supplementation and Botanical Medicine
When carefully tailored to your individual needs, certain nutrients and plant compounds may support healthy gene expression and cellular function. Genetic testing can offer additional insight into potential vulnerabilities or nutrient requirements.

6. Medication Use
While medication can be life-saving or necessary, it may also have unintended effects on cellular pathways. Supporting the body’s natural systems through nutrition and lifestyle may help reduce side effects or restore balance where possible.

7. Mental, Emotional and Social Wellbeing
Feelings of connection, meaning, purpose, and emotional safety are all deeply linked to physiological health. Emerging research suggests that positive emotional states — such as gratitude and joy — may influence gene expression in ways that support healing and resilience.

By understanding and addressing these modifiable factors, many individuals discover a renewed sense of vitality, clarity and wellbeing. The science of epigenetics continues to affirm what many healing traditions have long known: our environment — both inner and outer — matters.

“The environment writes the story of our genes. Science is just beginning to catch up in its understanding of nature’s wisdom.”
— Dr. Joe Dispenza