EPIGENETICS OF WHAT WE EAT – JUNE 2019 – VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3

Volume 11, Issue 3 June 2019 Follow Ramila on Facebook to receive educational video updates. Last month we looked at the meaning of epigenetics (environmental influences that can influence gene expression without changing our DNA), and how epigenetics is related to our health, including all aspects of our environment in the broadest sense. We briefly mentioned the effect of foods and supplements on our epigenome, and this month I'd like to look at nutrition in more detail. Read on below... These newsletters will help you make better choices for better health. The choices that you make today can either have a positive or negative impact on your overall health. Begin by choosing better as it is a step towards longevity. Ramila Padiachy DNM Doctor of Natural Medicine Epigenetics of What We Eat  A brief review of epigenetics Whereas traditional genetics describes the way the DNA sequences in our genes are passed from one generation to the next, epigenetics describes changing, as well as passing on to the next generation, the way genes are expressed and used without changing the DNA.   The two most common types of epigenetic modification are DNA methylation (and demethylation) and histone modifications. Generally, more DNA methylation of a gene results in the gene being switched off. Histones are proteins that are closely associated with DNA They can be modified either by acetylation which promotes gene activation (or deacetylation which is associated with gene repression), or methylation which is associated with both gene activation and repression.  Two important points: Everything is epigenetics - all aspects of what you do, what you eat, how much you sleep, your emotions, and your environment can cause chemical modifications around the genes that will turn them on or off over time. Epigenetics is reversible. For example, if a person has epigenetically created an increased risk of type 2 diabetes by eating a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed food, he or she can reverse this risk by eating a healthy, whole food diet, low in sugar and refined carbs, as well as by fasting. Please see our May 2019 newsletter for more detail. Epigenetics of what we eat - nutrigenomics Research shows that nutrients can change epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification, thereby modifying the expression of genes associated with physiologic and pathologic processes. You've probably heard the quote attributed to Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Nutrigenomics is a relatively new field, but it gives this a whole new meaning. We are finding out more about how food influences how our genes behave, and that different genes respond differently to different foods. Nutrigenomics (also referred to as nutriepigenomics) looks at the way nutrients and diet can impact the epigenome. Here are some examples: Apple peels, blueberries and cranberries contain ursolic acid, which may be involved in epigenetic modifications that may prevent cancer, particularly skin cancer. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, contain sulforaphane, a compound that has been linked to anti-aging, and also acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor which can effectively turn on anti-cancer genes and slow the growth of cancer.   Arugula contains glucosinolates, which also act as a cancer suppressor. Garlic contains diallyl sulphide which can increase histone acetylation to influence anti-cancer genes. Ginger root contains gingerol which is anti-inflammatory, and also a cancer-fighting antioxidant. Soybeans contain an isoflavone called genistein which can activate tumour suppressor genes and affect cancer cell survival. Note that it's important to choose organic soybeans since soy is commonly a GMO crop. Also, genistein has been shown to impact pregnancy, and, in large doses, can disturb the actions of endogenous hormones because it is a phytoestrogen. Therefore, it is crucial that it be consumed carefully during pregnancy. While further study is needed, soybeans may be an option for helping to prevent or fight off cancer. Shellfish, such as oysters, lobster and shrimp, contain high amounts of vitamin B12, betaine and zinc. Vitamin B12 deficiencies have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and breast cancer. B12 plays a role in methionine synthesis which is responsible for protein synthesis in humans and can also help regulate DNA methylation. Betaine is an amino acid that is involved in liver detoxification, prevention of heart disease, and plays a major role in synthesizing fats. Betaine can affect the levels of DNA methylation which influences gene expression. The zinc in shellfish combats inflammation. Turmeric is a spice often used in Indian cuisine and as a medicinal herb. At the molecular level, curcumin targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway and influences epigenetic markers. It contains many antioxidants, such as curcumin, and has been shown to be an extremely effective anti-inflammatory antioxidant. Note that curcumin is fat soluble, so it should be consumed with fat to aid absorption. Black pepper also helps its absorption.   Fennel: Dried fennel seeds are often used as an anise-flavoured spice and contain an organic compound known as anethole. Fennel can also be used as an herb and is also considered a vegetable. It has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties with underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Studies have shown that anethole has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and anesthetic properties. While there is still a lot to learn about nutrigenomics, as well as practical considerations about how to implement its use, it is an exciting emerging field with a lot of promise for treating and preventing disease through nutrition. Fasting program I am offering a 7-week online program on how to hack your stem cells and blast fat using fasting because it is online it's accessible to everyone no matter where you are. Learn how to remove fear and fast like a pro with a guided system to promote healing in all areas of your life. Learn how to become a fat burner versus a sugar burner. Learn about diet variation. Rid yourself of old diet fads for good and join the group that will transform your health. Intermittent fasting is complicated if you don't know what you are doing. With a group of like minds, you will have direction and understand every step of the way. It's time to live the life you deserve. This program will totally reboot your body. Fasting Program Schedule Week 1: Get rid of "blood sugar roller coaster." Once and for all! This means a more stable mood and less irritability. Week 2: Become more fat adapted! Less brain fog! More clear focus! Get things done! Week 3: Less time eating and digesting = more time healing (bad cells dying, new stem cells growing). This means more energy and stamina, better performance working out! Week 4: Fat, like big logs on a bonfire, burns slow. This week you are challenging your mitochondria and tapping deep into those subcutaneous fat stores. Week 5: Even more fat adaptation, stronger and more efficient fat burner! Become a "professional fat burner"! Week 6: Deep healing going on in the body, rest, rejuvenation, breathing, sleeping, warm baths! Week 7: Re-inoculating the gut with beneficial bacteria. Reboot a robust immune system! Ready to take on the world! The program starts on July 3rd, 2019. To join the program or for more information, please email us at info@ramilas.com or call 613-829-0427. Supplements There are a number of supplements that would help you to maximize your health. You can find information about these products and purchase them in our online store: Vitamin B Complex Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamin D3 Methyl B12 Super Omega 3 Turmeric Curcumin Zambroza References The meaning of epigenetics. Ramila's health tips. May 2019;11(2). Epigenetics in life: what we eat. What is epigenetics? 2017; Whatisepigenetics.com. Choi S-W, Friso S. Epigenetics: a new bridge between nutrition and health. Adv Nutr 2010;1:8-16. Munoz K. Nutrigenomics: does food influence how our genes behave? draxe.com/nutrigenomics/ January 8, 2017, updated November 15, 2017, accessed June 1, 2019. Disclaimer: The suggestions and recommendations in this newsletter are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic. The information is accurate and up to date to our knowledge, but we are not responsible for any errors in our sources of information. For additional information, please email info@ramilas.com or call Ramilas Healing Arts Clinic at 613.829.0427 for an appointment. Please continue letting friends and family know about this newsletter. Also, on our website, please see back issues of this newsletter, information about services, products and our clinic, and order products. AVAILABLE NOW thebellyofthebeast.ca 1437 Woodroffe Avenue Ottawa ON (map)