Alchemical Wizard 18 : Epigenetic Health / Helping our Dormant DNA Re-ignite!
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence ( a change in phenotype without a change in genotype) which in turn affects how cells read the genes. Epigenetic change is a regular and natural occurrence but can also be influenced by several factors including age, the environment/lifestyle, and dis-ease state. Epigenetic modifications can manifest as commonly as the manner in which cells terminally differentiate to end up as skin cells, liver cells, brain cells, etc. Or, epigenetic change can have more damaging effects that can result in diseases like cancer. At least three systems including DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA associated gene silencing are currently considered to initiate and sustain epigenetic change.
The nutrients we extract from food enter metabolic pathways where they are manipulated, modified, and molded into molecules that the body can use. One such pathway is responsible for making methyl groups ( important epigenetic tags that silence genes). Familiar nutrients like folic acid, B vitamins, and SAM-e (S-Adenosyl methionine, a popular over-the-counter supplement) are key components of this methyl-making pathway. Diets high in these methyl-donating nutrients can rapidly alter gene expression, especially during early development when the epigenome is first being established.
DNA Methylation is a major epigenetic modification involving the addition of a methyl group to the 5 position of cytosine by DNA methyltransferase to form 5-methylcytosine (5-mC). This epigenetic mark has the power to turn genes on or off and can be inherited through cell division.
Diet has also been shown to modify epigenetic tags in significant ways. The field of nutriepigenomics explores how food and epigenetics work together to influence health and well-being.
OK. So what foods, vitamins and supplements can we take to help us “Methylate” and perhaps re-ignite our dormant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in this Ascension Process!
1. Methionine. Sesame seeds, brazil nuts, fish, peppers, spinach. Epigenetic role : SAM synthesis
2. Folic acid. Leafy green vegetables, sunflower seeds, Nutritional yeast, liver. Epigenetic role : Methionine synthesis
3. Vitamin B12. Meat, liver, shellfish, milk. Epigenetic role : Methionine synthesis
4. Vitamin B6. Meats, whole grains, vegetables, nuts. Epigenetic role : Methionine synthesis
5. SAM-e (SAM). Supplement. Epigenetic role : Enzymes transfer methyl groups from SAM directly to the DNA
6. Choline. Egg yolks, liver, soy, cooked beef, chicken, veal and turkey. Epigenetic role : Methyl donor to SAM
7. Betaine. Wheat, spinach, shellfish, and sugar beets. Epigenetic role : Break down the toxic byproducts of SAM synthesis
8. Genistein. Soy, soy products. Epigenetic role : Increased methylation
9. Sulforaphane. Broccoli. Epigenetic role : Increased histone acetylation turning on anti-cancer genes
10. Butyrate. Fermented foods. Epigenetic role : Increased histone acetylation turning on 'protective' genes, increased lifespan
11. Diallyl sulphide (DADS). Garlic. Epigenetic role : Increased histone acetylation turning on anti-cancer genes
12. Curcumin. Turmeric. Epigenetic role : MicroRNA (miRNA), Histone modifications, DNA methylation
13. Vitamin C. (L-ascorbic acid) is an essential, water-soluble micronutrient that exists predominantly as the ascorbate anion under physiological pH conditions. It is well established that ascorbate is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger and further, an essential cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions. Guavas, Papayas, Oranges, Kale, Broccoli, Kiwifruit, Strawberries, Acerola cherries, Rose hips, Chile peppers, Thyme, Parsley, Lemons. Epigenetic role : Ascorbate serves as a cofactor for ten-eleven translocation (TET) dioxygenases that catalyze the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), further to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC), which are ultimately replaced by unmodified cytosine. The JmjC domain-containing histone demethylases also require ascorbate as a cofactor for histone demethylation. Thus, by primarily participating in the demethylation of both DNA and histones, ascorbate appears to be a mediator of the interface between the genome and environment!
Perhaps this will inspire us to eat healthier and to consider a diet high in methyl-donating nutrients! All of our Epigenomes are different. So diets will very. But we can all agree that heirloom and organic vegetables and fruits freshly picked along with structured water can play a key role in our metabolisms and epigenetic processes for better health!
We will be exploring Nutritional Genomics or Nutrigenomics further in Alchemical Wizard 29 : Nutrigenomics
Blessings Everyone! Stay Hydrated with Structured Water my Friends! We are Sovereign and We are most defiantly Freeing Ourselves!
Travis Carper - Ascension Health Coach / Alternative & Holistic Health Service https://www.facebook.com/traviscarper888/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/traviscarper888/
Additional References :
DNA Methylation and Its Basic Function - https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2012112
DNA Methylation - https://www.whatisepigenetics.com/dna-methylation/
Advances in Nutritional Epigenetics—A Fresh Perspective for an Old Idea. Lessons Learned, Limitations, and Future Directions - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2516865720981924
Epigenetics: A New Bridge between Nutrition and Health - https://advances.nutrition.org/article/S2161-8313(22)00552-X/fulltext
Nutritional Epigenetics - https://academic.oup.com/ilarjournal/article/53/3-4/270/654123
Diet and the epigenome - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-05778-1
The specific features of methionine biosynthesis and metabolism in plants - https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.95.13.7805
30 Vegan Foods High In Methionine: The Most Efficient Sources - https://holypeas.com/vegan-methionine-foods/
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Methionine On A Vegan Diet - https://organicvegansuperfoods.com/make-sure-youre-getting-enough-methionine-on-a-vegan-diet/