Epigenetics may sound like a term straight out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s a crucial field of study that informs us why our DNA is not our absolute destiny. While conventional medical thought has long held that our DNA is unchangeable, recent research in epigenetics shows us otherwise. Factors such as our environment, lifestyle, and diet can affect how our genes express themselves, allowing us to influence the behavior of our DNA through the control of what we take in and experience in daily life.
One of the most promising applications of epigenetics lies in cancer prevention, specifically in the prevention of breast cancer. Cutting down your daily calorie intake by as much as 30% has been shown to help survivors manage breast cancer, as well as protect against it in the first place. This is possible because reducing your daily calorie intake also triggers a set of genes called “sirtuins” that can help you live longer. These sirtuins have a direct and positive impact on your body’s ability to combat breast cancer.
Fighting Breast Cancer with a Low-Calorie Diet
Clinical trials have demonstrated that reducing the amount of food you consume if you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer may lead to a longer, healthier life. By cutting down on daily calories by 30%, you can help your body restrict the cancer cells’ ability to spread and metastasize in other parts of the body, thereby reducing the chances of a more advanced case of breast cancer.
This reduction in the consumption of food correlates to a decrease in cancer cells’ production of microRNAs 17 and 20 (miR 17/20), which are associated with deadly metastatic triple-negative cancers. Researcher Nicole Simone explains, “Calorie restriction promotes epigenetic changes in the breast tissue that keep the extracellular matrix strong… A strong matrix creates a sort of cage around the tumor, making it more difficult for cancer cells to escape and spread to new sites in the body.”
Epigenetics and the Power of Vaccinium Berries
Vaccinium berries are another powerful tool to give yourself an epigenetic advantage against cancer. These berries contain a compound called resveratrol, which activates the sirtuins in our bodies. The consumption of red huckleberries, cranberries, lingonberries, and blueberries may help you harness the power of epigenetics in the fight against cancer.
The Future of Epigenetics and Cancer Prevention
The field of epigenetics is expanding rapidly, and new discoveries are constantly being made. As new findings continue to emerge, people may soon be able to take even greater control over their genetic destiny in combating diseases like cancer.
It’s crucial to understand how crucial genetic influences are in our lives, and how they can impact both our health and the ways we manage any illnesses we may suffer from. By changing our lifestyle and eating habits, we can make our DNA act younger, prevent genes associated with heart disease from activating, and enable a gene that protects us from diseases to express itself more assertively.
Ultimately, knowledge is power, and that power lies in your hands. Take charge of your destiny and embrace the science of epigenetics to give yourself the best chance at a healthier, longer life. By making simple changes to your eating habits, such as decreasing calorie intake and incorporating specific foods into your diet, you can reap the benefits of this groundbreaking field and fight against cancer.
