Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny: The Power of Your Plate

You’ve likely heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” While this wisdom has stood the test of time, modern science is now backing this up: what you eat can influence which of your genes are expressed.

Based on the research of the following peer-reviewed publications:

Epigenetics: The Master Control Panel of Your Body

Think of your genes as a fixed set of blueprints for your body. For a long time, we believed these blueprints, our genetics, determined our fate. Enter epigenetics – epigenetics are the instructions for how to read the blueprints. When a gene is ‘tagged’ epigenetically, it acts essentially as an on/off switch, or sometimes a dimmer, for that gene. The epigenetic tag can tell a gene to turn up and express itself, or to turn down and remain dormant. 

This is an exciting and empowering revelation, because it gives us immense power and control over our health destinies. Many lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, can directly influence these epigenetic tags.

This means that while you may have genetic predispositions for certain health concerns—like a tendency for inflammation or a family history of a specific disease—your daily choices have the power to influence whether those genes are ever fully expressed. 

The Foods That Signal Health and Vitality

For the discerning person focused on building a strong body and brain while reducing their biological age, understanding this connection is a game-changer. Every meal is an opportunity to send a powerful signal to your genes.

Here’s how what you eat can positively impact your epigenome:

• Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are rich in compounds such as folate that support DNA methylation (methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications that can be made to the gene, altering its expression). They help turn on genes that protect your body and turn down those that promote inflammation.
• Turmeric & Green Tea: These have been studied for their ability to influence genetic expression in a positive way. Compounds like curcumin (found in turmeric) and EGCG (found in green tea) can act as epigenetic regulators, helping to manage inflammation and cellular health.
• Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats from sources like avocados, nuts and seeds are essential building blocks for your brain and cellular membranes. They support the proper functioning of your epigenetic machinery, helping your body perform at its best.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Think cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. They contain compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which act as epigenetic modulators to potentially reduce cancer risk and promote healthier aging by preventing cellular damage.

Beyond the Plate: The Full Longevity Strategy

While diet and nutrition are major players here, they are still only one piece of the puzzle. Other lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, physical activity, and environmental exposures also play a crucial role in shaping your epigenetic programming. The key to reaping the full potential benefit of the epigenetic modifications associated with a healthy, long life is to apply the knowledge via an integrated, whole-person approach. This is where our concierge, direct care model comes in. At The Prolongevity Clinic, we take a very personalized, precision medicine approach that synthesizes all your data—from your lifestyle, to biomarkers, to your genetic profile, to your nutrigenetic profile (how your body uniquely responds to certain nutrients)—to craft a customized, evidence-based plan for health that is as unique as you are.

If you are ready to start using your lifestyle as the ultimate tool for a longer, healthier, more vibrant life, consider allowing us at The Prolongevity Clinic to help you curate a living strategy that promotes vitality from the inside out.