In recent years, studies on epigenetics have gained popularity both among specialists and in the general population. Factors such as our environment, diet, physical activity, thoughts and emotions influence and affect the way our genetic code is interpreted and expressed by the body and, therefore, is closely related to our health.
In an interview, Mónica García Rojas, epidemiologist and homeopath, points out that epigenetics “is like a bridge that connects the genetic code that we inherit with the stimuli we receive from the outside, but also from the inside: our thoughts and emotions. That is, everyone has influence on him. They have the power to turn some genes on or off.”
According to the expert, the stimuli that affect how our genetic code is expressed are diverse. For this reason, in addition to seeking to expand his training on epigenetics, he has taken on the task of identifying which are the factors that have the greatest influence on us. In the physical part are food, exercise, quality and quantity of sleep, as well as pollution and even the feeling of security. In the mental part, are the thoughts and emotions, as well as the relationships we have with other people.
For García Rojas, the interest in epigenetics stems from her vocation as an epidemiologist and her desire to contribute something to the population through prevention, an issue that needs to be addressed in our country, “because we make curative medicine, even, I would say , not even curative because we do not cure, but we make a medicine that seeks to solve emergencies, alleviate the damage done, often in the attempt to avoid complications.
In a country like Mexico, where a large part of the population suffers from a chronic degenerative disease, such as diabetes and obesity, awareness of how our habits affect our lifestyle is necessary. “For me, it’s like preventing diseases, because we go to the root of the problem,” said the doctor.
However, in his outreach work, García Rojas has also encountered the reluctance of his patients. “A lot of work is needed to educate, accompany, understand what it means to change a habit,” he specified.
In a way, promoting consumer alternatives has gone against the current due to the misconception of healthy eating that prevails in most people. As adults, “it’s a very big challenge, because we are the food providers for our family,” he said.
At the same time, there are many misunderstandings when it comes to differentiating between real food and products (recognizable by coming in a box, can or other package). He adds that there is a false idea about good nutrition, “we have been presented with healthy foods as those that are not typical of the season or the region. We think that consuming antioxidants is eating red fruits, not nopales”, he criticized.
García Rojas has also been certified in nutrition and preventive feeding, he is coach and study for a master’s degree. He adds: “When you learn to interpret how those stimuli affect your genetic code you can choose which ingredients you want that formula to bring to your body.”
The specialist, originally from Oaxaca, where she was director of health promotion, published the book Everyday life, six formulas to enhance your genetic code, designed as a manual divided into 10 chapters. More than replacing the guidance and support of a specialist, it has the objective of “waking up to see where you are, where you want to go and to seek the accompaniment of a health professional if that is what you want,” he explained.
The book can be purchased in bookstores and on the page dramonicagarcia.com a test can be carried out to know the current physical state of the interested parties.
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