genetics vs. epigenetics
As a health coach specializing in autoimmune issues, one of the most important concepts I discuss with my clients is the difference between genetics and epigenetics. Understanding these terms is crucial, as it can help you take control of your health, especially when managing autoimmune conditions. Let's break it down, so you can see why it's vital to care about both, and how a health coach can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes.
What is Genetics?
Genetics is the study of genes, the building blocks of life. Your genetic makeup, which you inherit from your parents, determines a lot about you. Your eye color, blood type, and even your susceptibility to certain health conditions. In essence, genetics is the blueprint that shapes who you are.
When it comes to autoimmune diseases, genetics can play a role. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, your genes may predispose you to develop one yourself. But here's where the distinction between genetics and epigenetics becomes important. Just because you have genes that could make you more likely to develop an autoimmune disease doesn't mean it’s inevitable. The real question is: What activates those genes?
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. In simpler terms, epigenetics looks at how your environment, lifestyle, and experiences can turn certain genes on or off. These changes can influence how your body responds to various factors like stress, diet, toxins, and infections, all of which are crucial when managing autoimmune diseases.
Unlike your fixed genetic makeup, epigenetic changes can be reversible. This means that by making certain lifestyle adjustments, you can potentially alter how your genes express themselves, positively impacting your health. This is particularly important for autoimmune issues because the right changes in diet, stress management, and environmental factors can either trigger or calm down an autoimmune response.
Why Should You Care About Genetics and Epigenetics?
You may have heard the phrase "You can't change your genes," but with epigenetics, that's not entirely true. While you can’t change your DNA, you can influence how your genes behave. This is particularly important for those with autoimmune conditions.
Many autoimmune diseases are considered “multifactorial,” meaning they result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Even if you have genes that make you more susceptible to an autoimmune condition, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on whether or not those genes are activated.
For example, stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins can all act as triggers. By managing these factors, you can potentially lower your risk of developing autoimmune flare-ups or even delay the onset of autoimmune diseases if you are genetically predisposed.
How Can a Health Coach Help?
As a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach, who has additional training and first-hand experience in dealing with autoimmune issues, I am trained in guiding you through the process of making lifestyle changes that can influence your epigenetic expression in a positive way. Whether you’re dealing with an autoimmune issue or trying to prevent one, I can support you by:
Assessing Your Lifestyle: Together, we will identify factors like stress, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and environmental exposures that could impact your autoimmune health. By recognizing patterns and triggers, we can create a personalized plan.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can activate certain genes related to inflammation, which is at the core of many autoimmune diseases. I can teach you stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises that can help reduce stress and positively impact your gene expression.
Nutrition and Epigenetics: Your diet plays a crucial role in epigenetic changes. By guiding you to an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and healthy fats, I can help you reduce inflammation and support your immune system. We might also explore foods that can influence the expression of certain genes linked to autoimmune conditions. If you’ve already been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, I can guide you through a special low allergen, nutrient dense diet that can have a positive impact on your inflammatory markers, antibodies, energy and quality of life. Research has shown for over a decade now that some can even achieve clinical remission in as little as 6 weeks when combined with the guidance of a qualified health coach and doctor prescribed medication.
Sleep Optimization: Poor sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones and genes involved in inflammation and immune response. I can help you establish a consistent sleep routine, improve your sleep environment, and recommend practices to enhance the quality of your rest.
Environmental Awareness: Environmental toxins, such as pollutants, chemicals in household products, skin care products and even certain food additives, can impact gene expression and contribute to autoimmune flare-ups. I can help you make informed decisions about reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and improving your environment. I can also show you how to determine if any of these factors might be a root cause and ways to support the body through a gentle whole-body detox if desired.
Exercise and Movement: Regular physical activity can help regulate immune function and reduce inflammation. As your health coach, I can help you develop an exercise routine that works for your body and condition, ensuring it’s supportive of your overall health and wellness.
Hormone Assessments and Referrals: Optimal hormone levels at any age are crucial to stay healthy, age well, maintain a healthy weight, support brain and heart health, help your bones and muscles stay strong, and even prevent autoimmune conditions. I have symptom check lists and assessments that can give us an idea if you should be referred to a practitioner who can further evaluate your hormone status and prescribe therapies if indicated.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between genetics and epigenetics is empowering because it shows that you have more control over your health than you might think. While you can’t change the genetic hand you were dealt with, you can influence how those genes express themselves through your lifestyle choices.
As a health coach, I’m here to guide you in making those positive changes—whether it's reducing stress, optimizing your nutrition, improving your sleep, or getting moving. Together, we can create a personalized plan to help you feel better, manage your autoimmune condition, and take charge of your health. The key to thriving with an autoimmune issue lies in the power of epigenetics, and with the right lifestyle changes, you can make a meaningful difference.
It has been said that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. If you’re ready to dive into your health journey and make lasting changes, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to help you feel your best—inside and out! I work both one on one with clients or in small groups to ensure there is a budget-friendly option for everyone.