By Christina Warmenbol

Epigenetics is a relatively new branch of genetic science that sheds a new light on the functioning of genes in the body.

The generally accepted idea in genetics was that genes are all-powerful and that they determine every function, and generate health or illness. The new insights reveal that genes, without changing the DNA sequence, can be switched on or off by aspects in the environment. This influence from outside on the genes is called epigenetics (epi=above).

Laurel Wilson, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and Perinatal Expert described it as such: the genome (the complete set of genes in an organism) can be seen as the ‘hard drive’ of the computer world. The epigenome can be compared to the ‘software’, which can be changed. You can change the program that is running by changing the software.

Recent studies show that the environment is a big player in the gene expression.

Examples of the environment are chemicals, nutrition, but also stress and emotions. “We control our health with our beliefs, our perceptions and our attitudes about life,” stated geneticist Bruce Lipton (2001).

So it is not the events that are happening in our lives that determine the reactions on our genes, but the way we perceive the events.

Simply stated, genes are switched on and off, but in reality, we should speak about dimming, as there is more variety in gene expression.

This is a very important discovery to understand the power we have over the functioning of our body. We are not ‘victims’ of our genetic inheritance, because we can influence the expression of our genes by choosing our environment, or better: how we respond to our environment.

Therefore, this invites us to ignite the power in our DNA, so that we can express the health, vitality and well-being that exists within us.

Epigenetics has an extreme impact in early life and especially on the unborn baby. Experts argue that the most critical period of human development is the 1,000 days from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, a period known as the 1,000-day window (United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition, 2010). This is emphasized through the discovery that the in utero environment that a fetus is exposed to can cause direct epigenetic effects in the fetus, resulting in the offspring being predisposed to a number of conditions. Its previous in utero environment affects the child’s cognitive performance and ability for memory and learning. Decades later, it can start cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism spectrum and reduced lifespan.

The genome we inherit from our parents only counts for five per cent of unchangeable genetic material. But it is encouraging to know that 95% of our genes can be turned ‘on’ or ‘off’ through epigenetic effects. The epigenome can be inherited by the next generations. Some changes are long term, whereas others are open to change.

Many circumstances and choices of the mother-to be can have epigenetic effects on the baby.

1. A toxic environment like smoking, drugs and alcohol intake but also nutrition: an unbalanced, high-fat, low-protein or energy-restricted diet can modify epigenetic markers. Toxic elements like glyphosate (pesticides) are to be avoided.
2. The physical activities of the parents-to-be: too low (couch potatoes) or too high intensity (extreme sports).
3. Stress management: excessive stress at work or in life and/or mental imbalance.
4. Having a purpose in life: lack of dreams or ideals or having a positive outlook on life.
5. Family and Social network efficiency: relational stress: dysfunctional relationship in couples, at work or in the family; bullying, harassment or intimidation and interactions with others.

The mothers’ emotions, moods, surroundings and state of mind have a significant impact on the developing baby. Lipton stated: “Maternal emotions such as anxiety or anger or on the contrary love and hope influence, biochemically, the selection and the rewriting of the genetic code of the child in utero with very profound evolutionary consequences on future generations. Parents-to-be are real ‘genetic engineers’. It is urgent for them to be informed.”

The communication with the baby in utero and the way a mother cares for her baby in the very first period after birth: if she is involved or indifferent to her baby leaves its mark on the epigenome of the baby.

Up-to-date prenatal care will be an important player in creating a positive environment for a pregnant mother, by both informing and giving tools to the parents to improve the quality of life so that they can bring balanced, harmonious and healthy children into the world and so shape a peaceful humanity.

For more information: Ideal Family http://prenataleducation.org/ or phone: 250-429-3332.

Lead image from WhatIsEpigenetics.com

– Christina Warmenbol, CCE, PPNE

---

Article Share

---