In recent years, science has opened a fascinating new chapter in biology: epigenetics. While classical genetics deals with the building blocks of our life — genes — and their inheritance, epigenetics goes a decisive step further. It shows how our environment, our lifestyle, and even our thoughts can influence how our genes behave.

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Genetics — the blueprint of life

Genetics is the basis of modern biology. It deals with DNA, i.e. the genetic material that is stored in almost every cell in our body. This DNA contains the genetic code, i.e. the building instructions for proteins that are responsible for the structure, function and regulation of all biological processes.
Our genetic makeup is passed on to us at birth — we inherit it from our parents. For a long time, it was regarded as immutable — a kind of fate.

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Epigenetics — the director behind the genes

Epigenetics, on the other hand, investigates the mechanisms that decide which genes in which cell are active or inactive at what time — without changing the DNA sequence itself. These so-called epigenetic changes are caused by chemical modifications, such as the attachment of methyl groups to DNA or to histones (the proteins around which DNA is wrapped).

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It is particularly exciting that these processes are heavily influenced by external factors. Nutrition, stress, exercise, sleep, environmental toxins or social experiences — all of this can leave behind epigenetic traces that change our genetic behavior.

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Why it matters - and offers hope

The biggest difference between genetics and epigenetics therefore lies in their ability to influence them. Our genes may be fixed - but whether they “read” or “remain silent” is largely something we can influence ourselves.

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This finding opens up completely new perspectives on health, aging and disease risks:

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• Why do identical twins develop different diseases despite having the same genes?

• How can a healthy lifestyle reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, cancer or heart disease — even if you have a family predisposition?

• What role do meditation, micronutrients, or fasting play in regulating our gene activity?

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Epigenetics provides answers — and that makes it a key topic in longevity research.

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Conclusion

While genetics provides our body's blueprint, epigenetics determines how this plan is implemented. Or to put it another way:

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Our genes are what we have inherited — but how we live determines what happens to them.