My mother-in-law likes to connect traits to people in the family. Like most of us, she was taught that genes determine our fate and that if someone has “something” in the family, we better accept the fact that it’s going to show up and get us, sooner or later!

She’s always puzzled when someone in the family turns up with a condition she’s never seen before and she says: “but no one in the family had xyz”.

Most of us believe this, right?

Have you ever wondered why some people with similar genetic backgrounds experience different health outcomes? The answer lies in the science of epigenetics.

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. It's like a molecular switch that can turn genes on or off, influencing how our bodies respond to factors in our environment. Unlike a fixed genetic code, epigenetic modifications are reversible and can be influenced by lifestyle choices.

You can read that again. Let it sink in.

This is great news for all of us, especially if you've received a diagnosis of elevated blood sugar or metabolic syndrome or any other chronic illness, for that matter.

What if you could heal your body by altering your environment? What if healing was possible? What if all it took was for you to make some changes that would change everything for you?

What are the possibilities? If you ask me, they’re infinite. In fact, it’s been shown that when you change your environment and start to turn off the expression of specific genes, you can affect the expression of those genes in future generations. Mind blowing!

Research suggests that certain lifestyle factors can impact gene expression related to these conditions. By making positive changes in your daily habits, you have the power to influence your genes towards better health outcomes.

So, if this is true, how difficult is it and is this something anyone can do? The answer is yes, it’s available to all of us and within our reach.

Here are three steps you can take today to help shift your environment and gene expression:​

According to the latest research, sleep may play a vital role in regulating gene expression related to metabolism and overall well-being. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Create a calming bedtime ritual, limit exposure to electronic devices before bed, ensure a comfortable sleep environment, and consider relaxation techniques such as slow breathing, meditation or gentle stretching.

Nutrition has a profound impact on our genes' expression patterns. Focus on consuming whole foods rich in nutrients while minimizing processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats.

- Include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants.

- Opt for clean proteins like wild-caught fish, pastured organic poultry and legumes, and grass-fed beef.

- Choose whole grains without gluten, nuts, and seeds for fiber and essential nutrients.

- Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day.