EPIGENETICS

Written by Caroline Meyer

Epigenetics may sound like a very science based word and you may wonder what it has to do with having babies. Simply put, it related to changes in what genes are expressed (the genes that are active) without any manipulation or changes to the actual gene sequence. So no petri dishes and test tubes needed. Epigenetic changes are quite normal and occur naturally but they can be influenced by certain factors. This includes lifestyle and environment, age and whether or not you have illnesses and diseases that can affect which genes are expressed. Changes in Epigenetics can change which genes up end in the various cells which can be positive or negative which can result in changes leading to diseases such as cancer. As the research continues it is becoming clear that epigenetics has a role in many diseases and disorders in humans. 

Epigenetics controls your genes. While you can’t use epigenetics to alter the genes that your baby is composed of, but you can ensure that the best genes are expressed and the genes you don’t want expressed stay dormant. You can nurture the good genes through environmental and lifestyle factors. What affects epigenetics? Where you live, what you eat, your sleep patterns, your age, exercise and even the people you interact with can all result in changes to which genes are active and which ones aren’t. These interactions can cause chemical changes in the body causing the genes for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer to switch from off to on resulting in expression of the disease in your body. 

Our genes are what make us unique. Epigenetics is related to everything from hair and skin colour to what tastes are enjoyable to us. These genes can even affect whether you are shy or outgoing. These unique traits for each and every human being are related to which genes are turned on and which are turned off. While we may not be able to change our eye colour through gene expression after birth, we can hypothetically prevent obesity, cancers and various other diseases. We may even be able to slow the aging process.  All of this simply by having the body adjust the genes that are turned on or off. There are endless combinations that can be affected to result in a positive outcome. 

We often pass on our epigenetic markers within the genes that we give to our babies. So how we live and behave may be able to influence the genes we pass on before conception and pregnancy.  What both parents do in their everyday lifestyles can change which genes are turned on and off for their progeny. 

The impact of parent’s lifestyles, eating habits, health and mental stability can have far reaching effects on children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. So what can you do to influence your baby’s genes epigenetically so that you can try and ensure they get the “good” genes turned on and the “bad” genes turned off? 

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT 

This is true for both partners, but especially women who are trying to conceive or are already pregnant. Try and avoid obesity and stick to a healthy eating plan. Eat a lean diet composed of all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Stick to whole foods as far as possible and avoid chemical laden and processed foods especially those with added sugar. There are studies that show that what you eat before and during pregnancy have a marked increase on the health of your child. Women who are eating healthy during their pregnancy are less likely to have babies that are prone to obesity later in life. Even if your child is not predisposed to obesity, they are also more likely to have children that are more at risk of being obese when they are grown. If you are obese when you conceive it is important not to go on diets that severely restrict calories during your pregnancy. You need to stay adequately nourished in order to ensure your child is born healthy. Restricting your food intake during pregnancy can also result in children that are predisposed to overeating. So cut out the sugars and fats but make sure you still eat enough healthy foods and maintain your supplements for the best outcome for your little one. 

Focus on eating healthy foods and don’t resort to supplements to give you the necessary vitamins and minerals. Instead, try and get all the nourishment necessary from whole foods. These are generally foods that come from nature and are not treated chemically or altered through processing or the addition of any additives. Supplements should only be for vitamins and minerals that are not easy to obtain naturally. The use of excessive supplements by both parents before conception can also have a negative effect on a child’s memory and learning ability. Discuss your supplement requirements with your doctor and do not overdose. Less is more when it comes to supplements such as betaine, folic acid, methionine, vitamin B12, choline and zinc. 

REDUCE STRESS LEVELS 

Stress levels for both parents before conception should be reduced as far as possible with mum maintaining low levels during pregnancy as far as possible. High stress levels in the father before conception can lead to a disposition for high blood sugar later in life. High stress during pregnancy can cause the baby to inherit stress symptoms. This can lead to metabolic disorders and depression later on in life for your child, even if they have no idea of the trauma or stress experienced by mum. Relax where you can, put your feet up when you need to and try and remain at a low level of anxiety to improve the outcome for your little one. 

AVOID CHEMICALS AND POLLUTANTS 

While it is very hard to completely avoid all the pollution and chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis, you need to try and avoid excessive exposure. The higher the pollution mums are exposed to, the higher the likelihood that the babies may develop asthma and other allergies. Exposure to exhaust fumes and other contaminants in the air increases the risk of respiratory issues in little ones. This can also be carried forward so that if your baby gets asthma, they can pass it on to future generations. Stay out of heavy traffic or areas of high air pollution and avoid chemicals and other types of pollution as far as possible to help your little one stay as healthy as possible. 

Research is still continuing when it comes to everything that effects epigenetics but at this point we know that if the parents are healthy and relax before conception and during the pregnancy there is likely to be a much greater chance of the “good” genes being turned on and less risk of disease and stress reactions in the babies.  We already know to avoid smoking and alcohol and non-prescription drugs during pregnancy, but you also need to try and improve your health and fitness overall so that you offer your child the best possible chance at a long, healthy life. It also means that you are likely to be around longer for your children if you are healthy and exercise, so that is an added bonus to improving your lifestyle and diet before having children.