It’s early morning, and here I am watching the sun peek over the horizon as the house stirs awake. My tea is lukewarm, the kids are slowly getting ready for school, and I’m thinking about something that’s been on my mind lately—epigenetics.
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Really, Jennifer, epigenetics before school drop-offs?”—hang with me for a minute. Because what I’m about to share is, honestly, kind of amazing. And if you’re anything like me—someone who’s curious about how we can live better, healthier lives without adding more to our already busy plates—you’ll want to hear this.
You see, we’ve been told for years that our genes are our destiny. We inherit traits from our parents and grandparents. But what if I told you that we have more control than we think? That’s where epigenetics comes in. It’s a fad word, but stick with me—it’s worth it.
So, What Is Epigenetics?
Imagine your genes are like a giant cookbook. You’ve got recipes for everything—eye color, height, even how your body responds to stress. But epigenetics is like being the chef in your kitchen. You get to decide which recipes to whip up, when to change the ingredients, and which ones you’d rather skip altogether. You’re not changing the cookbook itself—you’re just choosing how to use it.
In simple terms, epigenetics is the study of how our environment and behaviors affect which genes get turned on or off. And here’s the kicker: things you think, things you eat, how much you move, the stress you carry, and even your relationships can all influence how your genes express themselves.
Why Should We Care?
I don’t know about you, but when I first learned about epigenetics, I tuned in. The idea that our daily choices can hold the power to switch certain genes on or off? Well, that’s powerful. It means that even if you’ve got a family history of heart disease or anxiety, you’re not necessarily destined for the same fate. We have control here!
Let me give you an example.
Stress.
It’s something we all deal with—especially if you’ve ever tried getting kids out the door on time. But it’s not just an annoyance. Chronic stress can actually influence our genes, flipping switches that affect everything from immune function to how we process emotions.
The good news? We now understand, better than ever how to work WITH our nervous system.
It’s like having a magic dimmer switch—we can’t always turn things off completely, but we can definitely turn the brightness down on stress.
How Does This Show Up in Our Everyday Lives?
Epigenetics isn’t something you need a science degree to appreciate. I bet you’ve already experienced it without even realizing. Have you ever changed your diet—maybe added more veggies or cut back on sugar—and felt more energetic? Or started meditating and noticed you’re handling stress better? That’s epigenetics at work but we can use this more strategically and get the most bang for your buck.
So, Is Epigenetics the New Frontier?
In a word, yes. It’s giving us insight into how we can work with our genes, instead of feeling stuck by them. And the more we learn about it, the more we realize just how much power we have to influence our health, our moods, and even how we age.
It’s early days in epigenetic research, but what’s exciting is that we’re only just starting to scratch the surface. As a mom, I don’t have time for long, drawn-out wellness routines. Knowing all of my small, intentional changes, and which things to focus on for the biggest change can make a huge difference. That’s worth paying attention to.
So, as I gather my things, grab my keys for school drop-offs, I’m thinking about the choices I’ll make today and the way I’m going to frame them. Epigenetics reminds me that they matter. And not just for me, but for the people I love the most.
If you want to learn more, there is a webinar coming soon you might be interested in 🤗.
Warmly,
Jennifer Ferrante, CHt.
Ferrante Family Wellness
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