Epigenetics is the study of how our environment and experiences can influence our genes without changing the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetic changes can have a profound impact on our health and well-being, and they are increasingly being used to develop personalized nutrition and healthcare plans.
![Foods resulting in epigenetic changes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/224123_2ddf6d922f984f2f9000d04b6fe53575~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_1280,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/224123_2ddf6d922f984f2f9000d04b6fe53575~mv2.jpg)
Your body has anywhere from 10 to 30 trillion cells. Each of these cells contains DNA, which has a copy of your 22,000 genes. These genes contain the instructions for every cell shape, process, protein, and instinct in your body.
Despite each cell having a copy of all 22,000 genes, each cell can perform a different function. For example, a liver cell is different from a skin cell. How can they be different if they have the same DNA? Epigenetic changes.
Epigenetic changes alter how portions of your DNA are read and accessed. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. These factors can turn genes on or off, or they can change the way that genes are expressed.
![Identical twins can be different through epigenetics](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/224123_d4799d2de16b4e07a4d425b3373c64bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/224123_d4799d2de16b4e07a4d425b3373c64bd~mv2.jpg)
Identical twins illustrate epigenetics. Even though identical twins share the same DNA, their unique experiences can cause different genes to express themselves differently.
Epigenetic changes have been linked to a wide range of diseases and conditions including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Genetic testing for epigenetics can help to identify individuals who are at risk for these and other diseases, and it can also provide insights into how to optimize their health and well-being by identifying epigenetic changes that are associated with different health outcomes. For example, genetic testing can identify individuals who are likely to benefit from certain dietary changes or lifestyle modifications.
At The Gene Company, we offer a genetic test that looks at 654,072 different genetic variations for each individual and overlays that with the most up-to-date research from multiple medical research libraries to provide a comprehensive insight into your genetic profile. With over 20 different functional groupings, we can show a range of different lifestyle interventions to optimize your health tailored specifically for you.
![The Gene Company provides personalized nutrition, and a broad range of other lifestyle interventions backed by science](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/224123_1cd67ab593fe4bfe9ee1d9dcb3e3ff58~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_596,h_266,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/224123_1cd67ab593fe4bfe9ee1d9dcb3e3ff58~mv2.png)
We provide you with the information to empower yourself to live your best life.
If you would like to learn more please visit www.thegenecompany.co.nz for further information and to book a free discovery consult.
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