Epigenetics Role in Gene Expression and It's Importance in Health and Fertility

The importance of nurturing ourselves….to support the expression of how certain genes are turned on or off. Epigenetics is the aspect that allows the outler layers of the gene to be influenced. Acupuncture, nutrition, Chinese Herbs, have been shown to have an epigenetic influence. This is of particular importance to the ovaries and sperm and their role in fertility.


You have heard me speak of this subject time and again because I think it is a hot topic that will be getting more and more hype as we realize we have more influence then we thought on our capacity to influence our cellular structure chromosonally and how this can be passed down to our children.

The Case for Inheritance of Epigenetic Changes in Chromosomes

www.scientificamerican.com

Harmful chemicals, stress and other influences can permanently alter which genes are turned on without changing any of the genes' code. Now, it appears, some of these “epigenetic” changes are passed down to—and may cause disease in— future generations

Epigenetics

Epigenetics is an interesting concept and one that acupuncture and lifestyle can influnce.
"Epi" refers to "around" or "surrounding". Epigenetics is the surrounding layer of information that decides if and when genes are expressed. Specific epigenetic processes include:
Paramutation, bookmarking, X chromosomes inactivation, position effect, maternal effects, the progress of carcinogenesis and many more. So essentially certain genes get tagged for expression others for nonexpression. The expression of some genes is believed to be predetermined but others can be influenced by the cell's environment. Influences on Epigenetic Factors include many but some subjects of research have been:
-Diet
-Environment
-Nutritional Status
-Acupuncture
-Herbs
-Psychosocial
45% of our DNA is so-called "junk" that has accumulated over the eons from infectious bacteria, viruses and other organisms that insert their genetics into our DNA. In Chinese Medicine we say when pathogens enter deep into the body they enter the "jing level", once there, they can be incorporated into our DNA. How do they do this?
-Unresolved exterior conditions often very common with OTC meds
-Vaccinations
-Severe Emotional Trauma
-STD's
-Heavy Metals
I find this subject fascinating. I believe we have more influence on our genes then we realize.
I have been told that between acupuncture, diet, herbs and lifestyle, IQ scores have risen by 5 points or so. I think this is apparent in schools where kids are given a healthy breakfast and it is shown they respond quicker and overall are more attentive. I also, have seen women both young and old who have premature ovarian failure and are told they will never conceive without donar eggs, turn around their hormone levels and develop some healthy eggs. It might take a year and some discipline on their part but it has been done.