Numerous studies have been conducted regarding the existence and validity of epigenetics (“relating to, being, or involving a modification in gene expression that is independent of the DNA sequence of a gene”). This has been seen as the cause of how some diseases are inherited from generation to generation such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart problems, cancer, and other inheritable chronic illness. This is relatively new research that suggests that gene activity can be changed without altering the genetic code and effect later generations. The epigenome is just outside the genome and tells the genome whether to have a pronounced effect to a weak effect. Evidence suggests that our lifestyle can impact future generations by adjusting genomes via this epigenome. Is it really possible?
Theoretically this means that we can potentially alter our genetic predisposition when it comes to health and wellness. Simplistically speaking, if one has a long family history of heart disease and other illnesses most commonly associated with obesity; and decides to start eating better and exercising regularly to become healthy, then this revised healthy lifestyle could potentially suppress the obesity genes and these new less pronounced (not altered) genomes may be passed on to subsequent generations. The fatal family history epidemic is thus potentially altered by changing habits.
There are proof in which people who are at high risk of having type 2 diabetes are exposed to a healthy and fit lifestyle which lead to the prevention of the disease. That is, keeping a healthy and fit lifestyle enabled them to overcome epigenetics. The study was actually published last March 6, 2012 at “Cell Metabolism”. You can check out the details for verifications.
Time magazine featured an article specifically on the epigenome stating that “at its most basic, epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the genetic code but still get passed down to at least one successive generation. It is these epigenetic ‘marks’ that tell your genes to switch on or off, to speak loudly or whisper. It is through epigenetic marks that environmental factors like diet, stress and prenatal nutrition can make an imprint on genes that is passed from one generation to the next.” You can always opt to check on with your doctor about it and determine how exercise will really work for you.
With that all said; it would be necessary to stop blaming your genes for any illness you are at risk to have or already have. Start creating your own life by becoming healthy and fit. Getting yourself a life of fitness will enable to change your destiny as well as the genetic code of your children. Rest assured, you can actually take hold of your life by making your body fit and strong to withstand any chronic illness brought by your genes.
You as a human have the power and knowledge to take hold of your life. Make yourself productive by becoming fit and healthy inside and out. And as exercise is now promoted to being able to alter unwanted genes, the more you should strive to live your life in wellness.