02/26/2023
DNA methylation is the single most important process controlling your epigenome. Chemical compounds called methyl groups, one carbon and three hydrogen molecules (CH3), wrap around your DNA. These tiny little ubiquitous chemical groups literally control the function of your DNA by telling your body to either activate or silence a gene.
The process of DNA methylation is highly influenced by your habits and environment, and it changes throughout your life for better or worse depending on the inputs to your body. It is those changes that help determine your biological age.
When methyl groups are added to your DNA, the genes are silenced, or turned off. Similarly, when methyl groups are removed, the genes are turned on.
Many enzymes regulate methylation, and those vary greatly from person to person. These enzymes depend on helpers, coenzymes known as methylation factors. Thankfully we get most of these from food, including folate, vitamins B6 and B12 , choline, trimethyl glycine, and more. But many of us have variations in our genes that require more or special forms of these methylating nutrients.
DNA methylation is highly influenced by your diet, exercise, stress, relationships, thoughts, nutritional status, toxins, sleep, infections, pretty much everything washing over us as we live our lives.
To learn more about DNA methylation, and what affects your lifespan, check out my new book, Young Forever. Out now wherever books are sold. YoungForeverBook.com
