Emerging evidence in the field of epigenetics has demonstrated we can in fact change the expression of our own genes within our own lifetime – and it goes further than that – in many cases these changes go on to be inherited and so can affect our children and grandchildren.
Our genes also influence the way we absorb and metabolize micronutrients. Nutrigenomics is looking at the influence genetic variation has over micronutrient absorption/metabolism and the other biological consequences of this dynamic relationship. It has become clear that our diet also influences which of these genes are turned on or off – such is the power of food and nutrition!
Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D. is an assistant scientist at the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, working with Dr. Bruce Ames – investigating the effects of micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficiencies on metabolism, inflammation, DNA damage, and aging in people. She also researches the role of vitamin D in brain function and dysfunction and has done extensive research on cancer and nutrition generally.
Rhonda earned her Ph.D. in biomedical science from the University of Tennessee and performed her graduate research work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry/chemistry from the University of California, San Diego.
In this talk she explores the ‘intersection’ between genetics, nutrition, and environment and how diet, micronutrients, exercise, heat stress, and sleep can all change the expression of our genes – this has a profound effect on the way the body functions, how diseases emerge and the aging process.
Also see: Epigenetics and Noetic Sciences