Our experiences and thoughts can influence the marking of our genes through epigenetics, impacting our overall health and function.
Functional medicine considers physical, cognitive, metabolic, and behavioral functions, with nutrition playing a crucial role in modulating genetic function and well-being.
By envisioning the person we want to be and reinforcing positive health outcomes, we can send signals to our epigenome to remodel our genes and improve health.
Deep dives
The Influence of Experience on Gene Function
The podcast discusses how our experiences and thoughts can influence the marking of our genes, which in turn affects our overall function and health. It emphasizes the concept of epigenetics and how it shapes our development and health outcomes. The speaker provides examples of epigenetic marks in response to stressful experiences, such as the ice storm babies in northern Quebec and second generation Holocaust survivors. The podcast also highlights the reversibility of epigenetic marks and the potential for positive changes through interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and promoting hopeful narratives.
Functional Medicine and Nutrition
Functional medicine is described as a comprehensive approach to health that considers physical, cognitive, metabolic, and behavioral functions. The speaker emphasizes the role of nutrition in modulating our genetic function and overall well-being. They discuss how the information we consume through our diet speaks to our genes, influencing their performance and our health outcomes. The importance of consuming a diverse and nutritious diet, along with maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, is highlighted as a means to optimize function and support the immune system.
The Path to Reaching Human Potential
The podcast explores the idea of reaching human potential by developing our skills and creating positive impacts in our own lives and the lives of others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building confidence in ourselves and recognizing our skills and abilities. They highlight the reciprocal nature of personal growth, where helping others and creating goodness can enhance our own well-being. The discussion touches on the significance of finding our zone of influence and utilizing it to promote growth, positivity, and goodness in the world.
Epigenetic Influence on Gene Expression
Our genes remain unchanged, but the way they are expressed can be influenced by the epigenome. The epigenome, which is like the software that lays on top of our genes, can be shaped by our thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyle choices. By envisioning the person we want to be and reinforcing positive health outcomes, we can send signals to our epigenome to remodel our genes, leading to favorable gene expression and improved health.
Immune System and Epigenetic Aging
The immune system plays a vital role in our overall health and can serve as a marker for biological age. The immune system constantly communicates with the nervous system and the microbiome, influencing our overall wellbeing. Through a program focused on sleep hygiene, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and other factors, we can rejuvenate our immune system. Research has shown that such interventions can lead to epigenetic changes in immune cells, resulting in a more efficient and younger immune system. Wearable devices, like the Aura Ring, can provide valuable insights into our biometrics and serve as indicators of our immune health.
This week’s conversation is with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, an accomplished and highly respected thought leader who has spent more than four decades studying the improvement of human health.
Due to his groundbreaking contributions the field, Jeff is known worldwide as “the founder of the Functional Medicine movement”, which represents his vision for a care model that is grounded in systems biology and informed by research.
His pioneering work has created the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI), as well as the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), both of which are recognized as global leaders in Functional Medicine education.
Jeff’s latest project, Big Bold Health, is on a mission to transform the way people think about one of nature’s greatest innovations — the immune system.
Jeff’s deep knowledge across disciplines and bold ambitions for how we can enhance human health made for a fascinating conversation. We discuss some of his exciting new discoveries in epigenetics - reprogramming them and how they relate to everything from aging and disease to productivity, brain function, immunity, and mental wellbeing.
To learn more about Big Bold Health: https://bigboldhealth.com
For more information and shownotes from every episode, head to findingmastery.net.
-----
Please support our partners!
We're able to keep growing and creating content for YOU because of their support. We believe in their mission and would appreciate you supporting them in return!!
To take advantage of deals from our partners, head to http://www.findingmastery.net/partners where you'll find all discount links and codes mentioned in the podcast.