Want To Live Longer? Influence Your Genes

Studies of human gene expression show that if we choose to make certain lifestyle changes, we can influence whether our genes are “on” or “off.” In fact, our choices can influence an estimated 1,200 of the 1,500 genes that are “on” and probably can influence the other estimated 21,000 that are “off”.

For example, after implementing changes to their physical activity, stress management, and diet regimens, men were able to turn off genes associated with prostate cancer growth and turn on a gene that produced a protein that causes cancer cells to self-destruct. The same principle applies for colon and breast cancer: Lifestyle changes switched on genes that fought cancer and turned off genes that promoted it.