Epigenetic modifications are changes in our genetic material that do not change our DNA sequence. They are heritable—they can pass from parent to child—but are reversible. Therefore, epigenetics is also referred to as gene control without gene mutation. If we compare DNA to the hardware of a computer, then epigenetics can be compared to the software update that controls how the hardware runs. Epigenetics control which genes are active, when they should be active, and how active they are. This lets the cells produce the right kinds of proteins for their specialized functions.

What affects epigenetic changes?

Epigenetics has roles in DNA damage repair, cell-division cycle, and many other cellular processes. But factors such as unhealthy diet, pollutants, chemicals, toxins, microbial metabolites, drugs and aging can influence unwanted epigenetic changes. These factors can lead to different modifications in the DNA and its components which, in turn, determine whether certain genes are activated or not.

Why should we care?

Lifestyle behaviors, such as following a balanced diet and leading a healthy lifestyle with quality sleep and regular exercise, can have a positive impact on epigenetics. These changes influence how our genes are expressed and can lead to health benefits. Whereas physical inactivity, smoking, chronic stress and a poor diet can disrupt normal epigenetic processes.. When epigenetic changes go wrong, it can lead to various conditions such as abnormal gene activity or inactivity, cancer, autoimmune disease, diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Because epigenetic change is a reversible process, we may be able to lower the risk of harm by making healthy changes such as moving more, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing our stress.

Epigenetics in medicine

Epigenetics holds tremendous potential as a biomarker for early disease detection and as a target for precision medicine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already approved several epigenetic drugs (sometimes referred to as epidrugs) and more are undergoing clinical trials. These drugs have opened new avenues for developing personalized therapies customized to our epigenetic profile.

One exciting breakthrough is the discovery of epigenetic “clocks” (a marker for epigenetic change) that tracks biological aging. Research has also found that omega-3 and vitamin D supplements combined with exercise can slow down the aging process. These studies suggest that we may be able to influence our biological age through lifestyle.

Take away message

We cannot rewrite our DNA, but we can reprogram how it’s read through our lifestyle choices. As the saying goes, “We are what we eat,” but perhaps more accurately, “We are what we eat and how we live.”