In this episode Bryce discusses the importance of figuring out your unique genetic predispositions and supporting your optimal health with evidence-based supplements and lifestyle habits.

Can traumatic events experienced by our ancestors impact our emotional well being? Is there a relationship between epigenetics and trauma

The study of epigenetics is illuminating more of the intricacies of how our genes affect, and are affected by, our life. “Epi” comes from Greek, meaning “up ...

A picture worth a thousand words? The term, ‘Central Dogma Theory’ was coined soon after the structure of DNA was elucidated back in 1953. In essence, it refers to the flow of genetic information. Thus, as stated by the theory, genetic information flows in one direction: from gene to intermediary RNA molecules, finally culminating in the production of proteins, the building blocks and rate controlling molecules of life. It was anathema to consider information flowing the other way. And the main heresy, in particular, involved the consequence of environmental factors influencing gene expression with heritable consequences. Sane, grown-up biologists would shudder at the very thought. To think so invited the resurrection of Lamarckism, an 18th-century proto-evolutionary theory. This theory, as presented by the French savant, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, postulated that the environment could influence the genetic form of an organism and hence propagate for posterity. The classic example involved the giraffe. Lamarck’s hypothesis contends that in lean times giraffes would stretch their necks to obtain succulent leaves further up the tree branch. In time the neck would be elongated and this increase in length would be passed on to their offspring. Over generations, an elongated neck would become fixed in the giraffe population. The idea has a certain elegant simplicity especially as it was formulated well before the genetic mechanism had been discovered. However, subsequent experimentation, often involving cutting the tales off mice, showed that Lamarckism was not a viable mechanism for the transmission of genetic information. Conventional genetics contends that gene expression can be altered through dynamic mutation. Alteration of the structure of DNA can occur through mutagenic insults from natural radiation, replication errors and chemicals within the cell environment. If this change occurs within the ‘germ cells’, cells responsible for the production of sperm and eggs, this change may be passed on to subsequent offspring and a given mutation may result in the loss of gene function. This underlying mechanism is important for the transmission of genetic disease. If a mutation occurs in cells, other than the gonads (somatic cells), the gene alteration, in certain differentiated cells and in certain genes (oncogenes), may result, or contribute to the initiation of cancer. This model seemed to be all-encompassing with regard to gene expression up to the middle of the last century, but things were about to change. Let us reminisce to the last Great War. In the latter part of 1944, the Allies seemed poised to liberate the Netherlands and storm into the Third Reich. However, for reasons outside the remit of this post, there was a winter’s pause. The unliberated Dutch folk experienced a period of intense famine during late 1944 and early 1945. Postwar clinical trials exposed an interesting medical trend. Children born to pregnant mothers during this critical 1944/1945 period exhibited relatively high rates of obesity and heart disease in comparison to a control population. Thus, the shade of Lamarckism seemed to emerge from a deep pit of despond, shake off its anachronistic shackles to insinuate on a stunned biological community (Flaxen waxing bollox). Was it conceivable that environmental factors could influence gene expression? Further experimentation and medical trials confirmed the apostasy. It became quickly established that the initiating event was not due to classical genetic mutation altering the genetic code. Gene expression seemed to be altered by other means not involving a change to DNA base pairs. To cut a long story short, with regard to the Dutch study, it was discovered that a methylation change occurred at a growth factor gene called insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2). The methylation status of a gene controls its expression. In this instance, the IGF2 gene was upregulated. I’m not going to delve into the convoluted biochemistry. My blog with regard to biology is pitched at the intelligent layman/laywomen. For those who would like to know more concerning the fascinating world of genetics, I suggest a Google search. We truly live in wondrous times with information, often erroneous information, a mere click away. Changes in DNA chemistry and DNA conformation resulting in changes in gene expression, influenced by the environment, comes under the auspices of epigenetics. Epigenetic changes can occur in the womb and therefore the mother’s health status appears to be important for subsequent offspring. That said, post birth lifestyle choices may also have an influence on our genetic makeup and heritage. What I find fascinating is how the bodily environment can influence genes resulting in the modification of gene expression. I mentioned methylation as an important mechanism in turning genes on and off. The addition of methyl groups to a gene generally prevents the expression of that gene, while the removal of methyl groups promotes expression. Other mechanisms involve a change in the conformational status of the DNA and associated protein complex (histone modification). How change is conveyed at the cellular level is poorly understood at present and much research is being devoted to uncovering the underlying biochemistry. Clearly, epigenetic changes are highly important in contributing to our genetic makeup. Individual lifestyle influences (voluntary and involuntary) are only part of the story. The epigenetic status of our parents and grandparents will have a role to play in our genetic milieu. Surely the sins of the fathers will project unto their offspring to the nth generation. Predictably, commercial companies will latch onto the ‘epigenetic phenomenon’. A potion for all our ills will come under the guise of ‘genetic science’. Beware, of the new snake oil. For there is little doubt that companies will take commercial advantage and promote ‘gene modifying’ products supported by baseless pseudoscience. You have been warned.

After over twenty years of being in education, I provide tutoring, consulting, and coaching on dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental differences. Over the last 15 years, I’ve observed an increasing…

Have you been to the doctor and been told that your chronic problems are caused by your genetics? In modern society this is very common. And it’s true… but it’s only half of the story. The other half of the story changes it all. It’s called epigenetics. Here is why you're not a victim of your DNA...

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What is the difference between Genetics and Epigenetics? Genetics is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics; epigenetics ...

A couple of weeks ago, I had the most wonderful evening … I went to see Bruce Lipton live. Bruce Lipton is an internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. He is a stem cell biologist, bestselling author of The Biology of Belief and recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award. I love his work, as well as Joe Dispenza’s, as my healing model correlates strongly with both of their work. Today in my article I want to talk about “Epigenetics.” You may have never heard the word before … There are many longer version meanings of the word

What Is It? Understanding what causes diseases is not just crucial to creating treatments. It is also essential in the prevention of illness. While the focus has been on nature versus nature for many years, recent advances show that the solution may not always be so black and white. Every cell in the body has a nucleus that contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each chromosome contains tightly packed DNA. The combinations of the varying lengths of DNA are what make up the genes. These genes are hereditary. They are used to instruct the synthesis of proteins that make up new

If you want to live a long, healthy, vibrant life you need to digest and assimilate ...

What is epigenetics? Epigenomics is the study of the complete set of epigenetic (chemical) modifications on the genome, turning on and off genes.

Francisco García Olmedo no pudo contener una sonrisa irónica. No es pare menos. Cuando este experto mundial en ingeniería agrónoma y biotecnología se enfrentó en un debate televisado por internet a propósito de los archifamosos transgénicos, su interlocutor, contrario a la modificación genética de alimentos, soltó, en un momento dado, la palabra de moda: epigenética.

As we grow and develop, very specific chemical reactions activate and deactivate parts of our genome at strategic times and in specific locations, essentia

Things that will or might affect your adult life

Learn how the genetic code is used to translate mRNA into proteins and print the PDF of the genetic code chart for a study guide to learn the codons.

Wow, I didn't mean for so much time to elapse since the last post, but I've been putting a lot of time and effort into this one and I'm really enthused to bring you this information. This is a bit of a continuation of the theme presented in my last post. In it, I touched on how pre- and postnatal nutrition affects our dental and facial development. I've recently done some research into the surprising and far-reaching effects of poor jaw development, as well as what can be done once you already have poorly formed facial bone and jaw/dental structure and it's been fascinating. I've included the interviews that I listened to so you can also listen to the pioneers in this innovative field. I'm not going to get into the nutritional aspects of what creates poor development because so many others have already covered that subject. In this post, we will deal with the side effects of poor bone structure and how we can correct it. For a really thorough look into the effects of nutrition on our teeth and facial structure, check out Stephan at Whole Health Source's excellent 9 part series. You can also read Weston Price's classic "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" online for free. Far-reaching effects: While it might seem like a chiefly cosmetic concern to have crowded teeth or an overbite, it goes so much deeper: a poorly formed maxilla (upper jaw) also affects the eye sockets that support and shape the eyeball (leading to things like astigmatism and near-sighteness), it supports the nasal airways, leading to deviated septums, asymmetrical noses, snoring and sleep apnea (a contributing factor in childhood ADHD, by the way). What if so many sleep issues are really due to our poorly formed airways? The implications are sort of staggering. Here's a picture of the facial bone structure. Note how the maxilla (in green) supports the underside of the eye sockets, as well as the floor of the nasal passages. It also forms a good portion of the cheekbones. Do you know anyone with droopy lower eyelids and visible whites under their irises? They have an underdeveloped maxilla. Someone with a nose that leans to one side? One side of their maxilla is less developed than the other. Someone with flat, saggy cheeks? Again, an underdeveloped maxilla. So, what about an underdeveloped lower jaw? Compromised airways and/or a tongue that rests too far back in the mouth from an underdeveloped lower jaw can lead to a forward head posture, which helps to open the airways. However, this can throw off the alignment of the spine (and whole body), leading to headaches, bruxism (teeth grinding), neck/shoulder tension, lower back pain and fatigue, to name just a few things. Also, when your bite doesn't line up properly, the teeth can be subject to uneven patterns of wear. The forward head posture also causes a tendency of the Sympathetic Nervous System to be overactive. You've probably heard of "Fight or Flight"- the state in which you're on high alert and are secreting stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The posture of your neck can keep you in this state (here's an article detailing Fight or Flight and how to deal with it). In an interview I listened to with Dr. Richard Quinttus, who practices Oral Systemic Balance (OSB) therapy, Dr. Quinntus talked about how blocked airways and poor tongue posture can trigger excess adrenaline. He says that many people who feel the need to run to get the famed "runner's high" may actually have high adrenaline and airway issues (the running helps to open their airways and forces them to intake more oxygen), as well as poor sleep quality. When the mandible (lower law) is underdeveloped, TMD can be an issue, as well as headaches. The development of the facial support structure also affects hearing. One of the most striking examples of how a malpositioned temporomandibular joint can affect someone is demonstrated in the work of Dr. Brendan Stack, D.D.S. who has found a remarkable way to treat Tourette's Syndrome by repositioning the jaw! As you can see, it goes so far beyond just the aesthetic aspects. So, what can we do if we have facial structure that didn't exactly develop to its full genetic potential? This is where Epigenetic Orthodontics comes in. Epigenetic and Functional Orthodontics Epigenetics: In biology, epigenetics is the study of changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence, hence the name epi- (Greek: επί- over, above) -genetics. Epigenetic Orthodontics (also called Functional Orthodontics) is a specialized field in dentistry dealing with correcting the narrow palates, poorly aligned bites, facial asymmetries and small jaws that so many of us are afflicted with (it can also deal with crooked teeth). It takes a look at where our development went wrong and looks at the dental structure in the context of the whole face and how it all functions, rather than just looking at whether or not the teeth are straight. The objective is to allow the craniofacial structure to develop in the way they would have, had our gene expression been optimized. Epigenetic Orthodontics stimulates a person’s genes to correct and straighten the teeth without the use of force brackets, affecting craniofacial, dental, and airway structures so that natural developmental processes are evoked by the use of orthodontic appliances. In simpler terms, the appliance makes room by causing new palate and jaw growth and the teeth naturally move into a healthy position. Unlike traditional orthodontics, where the main objective is to simply straighten the teeth at all costs, (how many of you had teeth yanked before you got your braces?), it addresses the foundational issues. It's like the difference between "flipping" a house by doing cosmetic fixes and doing a real renovation, addressing the structural issues. Other issues with traditional orthodontics are that the teeth often shift and somewhat revert back to their original positions, unless a retainer is worn and the shape of the face and profile can be negatively affected due to extractions and pulling the upper row of teeth back, creating a pinched appearance or a receded chin. Epigenetic Orthodontics uses removable palate expanding retainers, usually worn at night, that use light biological force, making it a much more comfortable process. It's not only more comfortable, it's also safer, as high forces from traditional orthodontic palate wideners can exert unhealthy pressure on the cranial bones (even affecting mental function in children.) There's no way you can put s much pressure on the cranial bones and NOT affect brain signaling. The result of treatment is horizontal bone tissue growth resulting in better facial symmetry, nicer bone structure, healthy orthodontic alignment, better airways and better TMJ alignment. Identical twins. The one on the right received palate expanding treatment and the other did not. Note the drastic difference in facial structure! The twin on the right has a much wider face- an example of proper horizontal growth, rather than the vertical facial growth that is so common these days. Getting Treatment [Edit: you can find lists of practitioners on each of the treatment option sites listed below.] It used to be thought that you could only change the palate during childhood, but it's now been demonstrated that the palate can be expanded in adults even into their 70's, so there's hope for all of us. There are a number of different orthodontic appliances being used to accomplish adult palate expansion: The pioneer in this still relatively obscure (at least in the U.S.) field is Dr. G. Dave Singh, DDS, creator of the DNA Appliance. You can listen to an interview with Dr. Singh. The DNA Appliance is worn while sleeping and works with the circadian rhythms (night is when most of the body's repair goes on). Another appliance also worn only at night is the Homeoblock appliance, developed by Dr. Theodore Belfor, DDS. This was used in the treatment of the young man pictured at the top of this article (this change is after only 6 months of treatment). You can see that his facial structure became wider- that's what horizontal growth looks like. There are some fascinating videos on the website of people's faces morphing from "before" to "after" and some of the facial changes are absolutely amazing. Definitely check them out! Here's a woman after 6 months of treatment. You can see the improvement in symmetry- the right side of her face is now less drooping and she almost looks like she's had a subtle lower face lift. Her cheekbones are slightly more prominent and less flat (and no, it's not just because she's wearing makeup in the second shot): More effects on symmetry: After 4 months of treatment: There are many skeptics in the dental community claiming that Functional Orthodontics don't actually change the bone structure, but when you look at the cases presented in the Facial Development Newsletter, complete with computer imaging of areas of bone growth and expansion, it's pretty clear that they do indeed change bone structure and increase bone growth. A slightly different type of orthodontic appliance that is less bulky, but worn continuously is Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALF), developed by Dr. Darick Nordstrom. Dr. Raymond Silkmanm, DDS, who uses ALF appliances, did a fantastic 2 part interview that I highly recommend listening to. Here's Part 1 and Part 2. What about treating children? Early Orthotropic growth guiding treatment during childhood, when development issues first surface, is ideal, but treatment can be done at any point during childhood, usually avoiding the need for braces. There are early signs that parents can look for to determine if their child's jaw and bite are developing improperly. Here's an example of Orthotropic-guided growth: So, I've given you an overview of the effects of poor jaw development and some of the treatment options. I hope to try this technology out for myself one day, as I could definitely benefit from bite correction and better airway development (and, let's be honest, more sculpted cheekbones sound pretty good, too!) There's no one currently in my area (I'd have to go to Memphis or Knoxville) but in a few days, Dr. Belfor is speaking at the Sacro Occipital Technique Organization's annual conference, right here in Nashville. Fingers crossed that some local dentists attend his lecture:-) -Erin

If you’re a functioning person who wants help reaching your maximum potential, you can include both life coaches and therapists in your...

As you start to learn about stem cells, one of the most common questions to have is, "What type of stem cell exists?"

Continue reading and learn all about the MTHFR gene mutation. Plus discover some of the surprising conditions which have been linked to this common mutation

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The Schuessler Salt database is one of the databases available for scanning with the Healy Resonance frequency therapy device from Healy World!

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lucifelle: “ Polarity Therapy Charts 1-10 “The Wireless Anatomy of Man" Its neat to see this in chart form as we bring these concepts to life during massage. ”

If you’re a person with a menstrual cycle, you’re probably familiar with some of the ups and downs you feel around certain phases! The ebbs and flows in your energy levels, moods, physical experience, and willingness to do certain tasks. Cycle syncing is about recognizing that all of these phases