Running head: HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND EPIGENETICS 1

Health, Wellness, and Epigenetics

Christina Faulk

Alliant International University

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND EPIGENETICS 2

Abstract

Epigenetics is the alteration of gene expression without changes occurring in the actual

DNA. The World Health Organization defines health in eight differing dimensions: social,

emotional, physical, financial, occupational, spiritual, intellectual, and environmental. Each

dimension is explored in regards to how they affect health, and ways in which ill health can be

reduced. Particular sections are discussed in relationship to epigenetics and how gene expression

can be altered to enhance a healthier lifestyle.

Keywords: health, epigenetics, wellness

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Epigenetics occurs when certain stimuli such as, food, physical exercise, and cognitive

stimulation occurs and alters an individuals gene expression (What Is Epigenetics, 2017). The

DNA itself is not changed, however, the way in which the genes DNA is read forms a new and

different meaning. When discussing epigenetics in relation to public health, it is important to

discuss all aspects of health, rather than focusing on one. The World Health Organization

defines health and wellness in eight differing dimensions. These dimensions of wellness consist

of: emotional, financial, environmental, intellectual, physical, occupational, social, and spiritual

(SAMHSA, 2016). Although epigenetics does not directly relate to each dimension, the

dimensions interrelate within one another. Effectively altering gene expression can ultimately

lead to a healthier lifestyle and heritable gene expression.

The environment in which we are exposed to at a young age, even before birth, affects

our thoughts and behaviors later in life (Karr-Morse & Wiley, 2013). A persons environment

can consist of their physical environment, the climate and nature one is exposed to, and social

environment, the people with which interaction occurs. Although some gene expressions are

activated when we are younger due to the stimulus of the environments we are exposed to, there

is also a possibility of suppressing those genes and activating different genes later in life.

Therefore, we have the ability to alter the expression of our genes. Exposing children to healthy

diets, as discussed in other sections of the binder, and physical activity can start a positive and

healthy lifestyle habit that can continue throughout their life. Healthy diet and physical activity

can inhibit gene expressions associated with cancer, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol

levels, and excess fat around the waist, and increase gene expression associated with glucose

regulation, and the burning of fat and sugar within the body (Goto, Katamoto, Kawakami, Naito,

& Radak, 215). The environmental dimension of health can be associated with each of the other
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seven dimensions of health. Thus, the environment in which we work, live, and explore can

affect our gene expression (Ballestar et al., 2005).

Physical exercise benefits health by increasing life expectancy, while reducing risk of

cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes, decreasing chances of obesity, and

improving mental clarity and health (Center for Disease Control, 2015). There are four types of

exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility (National Institute on Aging, n.d.).

Endurance exercise can lead to the formation of 5,000 new methylation sites associated with

muscle inflammation, insulin response, and metabolism. Methylation occurs when a methyl

group is added to DNA, which changes the gene expression (What Is Epigenetics, 2017).

Engaging in endurance exercise can not only produce more muscle mass, it can ultimately lead to

healthier muscles due to gene expression (Ekstrom, T. et al., 2014). Compliment exercise with a

healthy diet and regular sleep patterns, and the physical dimension of health will be formed,

establishing a positive foundation to explore and cultivate other dimensions of wellness.

When exploring and learning new ideas it is best to have a healthy state of emotions. The

amygdala is a vital part of the brain when assessing emotions, fear-based behaviors, and memory

storage associated with future threats. One way in which the amygdala can be triggered is by a

conditioned response, usually a previous negative encounter associated with a stimulus. The

most widely researched emotion associated with conditioned responses is fear, however, other

emotions can play a role, including anger, jealousy, grief, and depressions. These emotions can

lead to stress which releases the hormone cortisol. The two most common hormones associated

with stress are cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). When the body is in a constant

state of stress cortisol is being released at an accelerated rate, so much that DHEA is needed to

produce cortisol. This can lead to adrenal fatigues which is the inability to produce enough
HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND EPIGENETICS 5

cortisol to respond to stressful situations. Adrenal fatigue has been associated with major

depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The genes associated with

decreasing stress in this situation are CREB, AP-1, and Nurr-77, which are associated with

adrenal regulation (Church & Feinstein, 2010).

Stress can present itself within the other dimensions of wellness. Therefore, reducing

stress and the amount of cortisol that is produced as a result of stress can lead to a healthier

lifestyle. Stress can be reduced by finding activities that are enjoyable, such as creative projects,

physical activity and exercise, and embracing ones spiritual beliefs. Exploring spiritual beliefs

can expand the intelligence dimension of wellness. Additionally, engaging in activities and

intellectual exchanges with others cultivates the social dimension associated with wellness.

It is not uncommon for an individual to pursue and maintain employment strictly for

financial gains, rather than seeking a position that satisfies that individuals passions and desire

for personal growth. It is also standard practice in America for employees to work 40 hours a

week, 50 weeks out of the year. Few companies offer more vacation time, and even fewer than

that encourage their employees to take mental health days. Because of this, the work

environment becomes a source of stress for the majority of Americans. When taking into

consideration that of the twenty-four hours in a day, eight are in theory spent sleeping, with

another eight spent working, and the remaining hours spent at leisure, half of an individuals

average day is spent working. Individuals who experience high stress at work are more likely to

develop heart disease (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2006). Therefore, it is imperative for an individual

to learn to manage stress in the workplace, and when necessary, seek employment in a lower-

stress environment conducive to their personal growth.

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Combining intelligence and the spiritual dimension of health can help reduce stress. The

definition of spirituality can vary from person to person. Some people associate spirituality with

a specific religion. Organized religion is usually expressed through attending some type of

church, synagogue, mosque, or other edifices where individuals who share common belief in a

higher power can congregate to pray, worship, and otherwise celebrate their collective faith. For

others, spirituality may involve privately exploring a higher power or belief of something greater

than oneself, through oneself. This can involve prayer, yoga, or other types of mediation

(Psychology Today, n.d.). Combing yoga into ones daily or weekly routine can have positive

effects on an individuals physical health as well as mental health. The American Osteopathic

Association states that yoga contributes to increased flexibility, improves respiration, vitality,

and energy, controls weight, increases muscle strength and tone, and maintains metabolism.

Mentally, it can decrease stress and raise awareness within oneself (American Osteopatic

Association, n.d.). Meditation and prayer have long been associated with healing. It has been

surmised that meditation can aid in stress reduction, lower blood pressures, and improve overall

mood. The same can occur with prayer, which may be considered a type of meditation (Andrada

& Radhakrishnan, 2009). It is similar to the placebo effect. Placebo effect occurs when an

individuals symptoms are alleviated after receiving medication or a medical procedure,

however, they do not actually receive that treatment; they only believed they were receiving

treatment. Simply believing in healing can lead to healing.

Engaging in intellectual health involves opening oneself up to new ideas through reading

and engaging in new experiences. Intellectual growth will occur naturally when seeking

information about the other dimensions of health. Researching ways to eat healthier and exercise

will promote physical health. Exploring ideas about spirituality and engaging with other
HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND EPIGENETICS 7

individuals in discussions leads to intellectual growth. Intellectual growth can begin at any age,

even infancy. Infants who are talked to regularly, compared to those who are not spoken to as

frequently by parents or caregivers, develop a better vocabulary (Karr-Morse & Wiley, 2013).

Therefore, intellectual growth occurs whenever stimulation is present.

Making a conscious decision to explore the eight dimensions of health and putting the

knowledge gained into action can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Forming authentic

social relationships and connecting with others is vital for optimum health. When addressing

health, we must understand the need to address the mind and body together, for what we put into

our body affects both. Additionally, the body affects the mind, and the mind affects the body.

This is why it is vital to eat healthy, nutritious foods to fuel our body and mind. Establishing a

healthy physical dimension of health can lead to growth in the other aspects of health.

Relating epigenetics, health, and civic engagement can be a bit of a challenge, but

exploring these eight dimensions of health and analyzing how they can relate to issues we

currently face is a good place to start. Poverty, racism, war, religion, healthcare, and politics are

all sensitive topics. Stress is decidedly associated with all of these topics. It is important to

engage with one another in any way possible to reduce this stress. Starting with casual

conversation can lead to forming friendships. Gradually, those friendships have the potential to

grow into authentic and caring relationships. This is how the door to controversial conversations

can be opened. Having respect for one another and working together for the common good is

one way in which stress can be reduced, and health issues associated with it can be alleviated.

Opening up to the idea of helping one another, instead of focusing solely about individual

desires, is a good way to initiate progression towards decreasing poverty, poor healthcare in

certain communities, religious phobias, and racism.

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