New Year’s Resolution Time: How Exercise Changes Your DNA
Posted by Brett Emison
January 1, 2015 8:00 AM
January 1, 2015 8:00 AM
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Just in time for your New Year’s Resolution… a study published in in Epigenetics, confirmed that regular exercise actually changes our DNA, turning “on” certain genes.
It turns out, our genome is far more complex than intermittent combinations of A-T-G-C that I learned about in high school biology class. Various genes are constantly turning “on” or “off” depending on certain biochemical signals the receive. A gene could activate in one part of the body and stimulate a response elsewhere.
Epigenetics is a process in which the operation – but not the structure – of DNA is changed. This process occurs on the outside of the gene in a process called methylation.
Methylation patterns can change in response to a variety of stimuli, including lifestyle, diet, or even pollutants. And, for the first time, it’s been shown that these patterns are changed by exercise. The Epigenetics study observed 23 healthy men and women. It had each exercise only half of their lower bodies for three months by pedaling a bike using only one leg – in this way, each subject constituted his or her own control group. Only the pedaling leg would show changes related to exercise.
Most the genes affected by these new patters help to regulate metabolism, insulin, and inflammation.
The takeaway: a small amount of moderate endurance training will go along way. Your jeans – and your genes – will thank you.
Happy New Year!
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© Copyright 2015 Brett A. Emison
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