Epigenetics: The Science of Lifestyle, Live the Optimized Life

Researchers have in recent years come to realize that genes aren't a fixed,

predetermined program. DNA is not your destiny! Instead, genes can be turned on

and off by experiences and environment. What we eat, how much stress we

undergo, and what toxins we're exposed to can all alter our genes. In this new

science of "epigenetics," researchers are exploring how nature and nurture

combine to create the science of lifestyle.

“Genes can be turned on and off by experiences and by the environment.”

WHAT IS EPIGENETICS?

Epigenetics literally means "above" or "on top of" genetics. (Epi-genetics) It

refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes "on" or "off." These

modifications do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how

cells "read" genes. Each one of our cells, from skin cells to neurons, contains an

identical DNA blueprint, yet they perform vastly different functions.

The Human Genome Project was an international, collaborative research project

that identified and mapped all of the known human genes. It specified where

these genes are in the sequence and their purpose from a physical and

functional standpoint. This project has completely revolutionized the way we

understand genes, health, and medicine.

WHAT DO DNA TESTS TELL US?

DNA tests do more than tell you where your ancestors were from. They offer an opportunity for you to take control of your health and live an optimized life. These kits provide a way for you to optimize your health based on your own genetic makeup, and take preventative measures to transform and optimize your health. With your own INDIVIDUALIZED plan. Not only that, they offer a chance for you to expertly tailor your exercise, sleep, diet, and overall routine based on the specific results of your DNA.

Now that technology allows anyone to get a breakdown of their genetic makeup, this information can provide insights into your health that would have seemed impossible only a few years ago. The key to DNA testing however, is interpretation! That’s an important point to say twice. The key to DNA testing however, is interpretation!

One gene does not equal one outcome. The human body is a complex system and many factors contribute: diet, sleep, hormones, thoughts, nutrition, environment, toxins, and more. This is something an AI generated report cannot fully synthesize.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM OUR GENETICS?

Let’s look at two examples. Fitness and nutrition.

Wouldn't it be great if you knew the exercise best suited for you? For example. If you have the GG variant of the PPARA gene, then you’ll be more efficient and respond better to endurance sports such as running and cycling. Whereas, those with the CC variant are more

responsive to power training, for example lifting weights. This information can then be taken into your fitness plans. An athlete looking to build muscle will be more responsive to one

method of training than another. If they carried the GG variant of the gene, then there would likely benefit more from doing lighter sets of weights over a longer period of time.

In comparison, someone with the CC variant, would benefit more from heavier weights with a smaller number of reps. This explains why one person does well with a fitness plan and another may not.

Now, how might this apply to nutrition and weight loss?

Genetic factors influence how your body processes certain nutrients. This may have a direct or indirect effect on weight loss or weight gain. For instance, the gene “Apolipoprotein

A2” (APOA2) is involved in the production of a particular protein which affects how your body responds to saturated fats. If you happen to be one who possesses a variant of this particular gene, no matter how much you control your calorie-intake, you could still be

gaining weight. Yet, if you cut down saturated fat from your diet, weight loss may finally happen for you!

It may not always be this straightforward. It is important to note that, there are other genes,

variables and lifestyle habits that impact your weight.

And, there genes for how your metabolize caffeine, sleep genes, stress genes, genes for how you process toxins. The list goes on and on.

A bit deep into the science here…

So how do you optimize your gene expression?

Within our bodies we have trillions of cells doing their individual jobs. Each cell has

individual DNA genetic material. This DNA has different proteins or sequences to carry out the job of that DNA. If the gene is turned off, it no longer has the protein or instructions to carry out its particular function. This process is called gene regulation. The expression of those genes can change over the course of your life based on your lifestyle and other environmental factors.

Genetic DNA tests are just the first step.

Did you know? Studies show that people are more likely to stick to a custom eating plan based on nutrigenetic reports because they are more likely to adhere to the eating plan.

Where can I get my genetic data?

DNA Tests are everywhere from 23 and me, Target, Amazon Prime, Ancestry DNA, and more.

How do I know what test is best?

I recommend getting a professional genetics test accompanied by a comprehensive consultation with an epigenetics coach. This gives you data of your test results, but it also takes it one step further to understand exactly what that data is trying to tell you about your health. Understanding your genetics is your path to an optimized life. The best part about professional genetics coaching is that your data is secure.

Apeiron’s Epigenetic Human Performance Coaches learn a systems-based precision approach to optimize the performance and potential of the human system by leveraging genomic and epigenetic lifestyle strategies along with leading edge research and technologies. They are on the leading edge of human evolution and are part of a TRIBAL Global Movement creating a new paradigm in precision epigenetic programming, one that leaves sick care and even wellness far behind to create an optimized and enhanced state of

thriving human performance and potential.

Apeiron Coaches empower themselves and their clients to achieve limitless potential and

establish lifelong patterns that create youthful longevity. They connect on specific topic driven webinars and live discussions to have Q & A time and share what they have learned to

contribute to everyone’s success in a greater way.

Fun Facts:

1. Science shows that mindfulness and meditation turn genes on and off

to reduce inflammation. Because excessive inflammation causes

disease, a reduction in excessive inflammation translates into health

benefits. A study published in 2014 shows that the anti-inflammatory

effect of mindfulness happens quite rapidly. In this study, a group of

expert meditators underwent eight hours of intensive mindfulness.

Researchers performed a gene analysis comparing the expert

meditators to a control group who underwent eight hours of quiet

non-meditative activities. What they found was that an intensive day

of mindfulness in expert meditators is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

2. Working our for just 20 minutes a day can affect the expression of over 7000 genes.

3. EFT (Tapping) produced changes in the expression of 72 genes.

About Leann Spofford, Epigenetics Lifestyle Coach

Leann Spofford has been in the healthcare industry for 25 years. She is passionate about health and wellness and takes a nature-based approach to her own lifestyle and with her clients. She’s created a nature immersion retreat experience to educate and empowers others to optimize their life and human potential with epigenetics. And, she provides one-on-one epigenetics lifestyle coaching. Apeiron coaches are recognized as experts in epigenetic coaching and gain access to proprietary genetic templates that have been validated through scientific research and translated into evidence-based clinical use over the past eleven years. An Apeiron coach receives the epigenetic human performance coaching manual and template guides to make genetics and epigenetic translation easy to understand and implement.

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