Epigenetics is the emerging science on which some biologists and other scientists have been presenting their views to impart better clarity to this subject. One of the predominant people in this field is Dr. Bruce Lipton. He has worked in the field for a long time and has formulated concrete thoughts about the science of Epigenetics.

Below are given some of the basics, which describe Epigenetics in a way so as to make the fundamentals of it clear to people who may not have background in science and technology. Epigenetics is a science that is all set to change perceptions and lives of people hence understanding these fundamentals can be very beneficial to all.

For years it was thought that the life of a living organism is governed by its genetic makeup. But the science of Epigenetics actually brings forth the idea that the living organism registers a definite impact of environment on itself. This is valid for human beings also and takes the understanding of the human system to a different level altogether. Presently we shall explore this concept from the human angle only.

The genes have been thought to turn on and off on their own without any direct control of the human body. This means that it was thought that if a person is born with certain genetic makeup he or she is bound to experience certain problems with no control or choice of his or her own in this matter. Epigenetics negates this.

Epigenetics says that instead of genes controlling our lives, the reality is the other way round wherein we actually control the genes by way of our understanding of our environment. This is the reason why some people can come out of debilitating diseases and other circumstantial conditions while others do not.  On the other hand is the fact that some people can never find health or happiness despite the best of circumstances in their lives. It is our environment that affects us on a deeply genetic level. Or rather, it is our perception of our environment that affects us. So, if we learn to perceive things in a better way there are very fair chances that we shall have lesser problems including health issues.

Epigenetics is a science so it goes further than just telling people to maintain a positive frame of mind. It explores the changes that actually happen in the human body at the cellular levels when changes in the perception of our environment are registered in a different way by us. Like for instance, studies of cell reactions to environmental stimulus have shown that when the body experiences stress the cells come in a defensive mode and the energy resources of the body are redirected to provide protection rather than to enhance growth. Some amount of stress can be handled by the system but if a person is stressed out for longer periods of time they can develop diseases like so many lifestyle diseases.

Doctors have been trying to find the genetic reason for cancer for the last five decades. There has not been much concrete evidence for genetic linkage of cancer with genes, although the possibility cannot be totally negated. American Cancer Society in a recently released statistic mentions that 60% of cancer is avoidable by changing the lifestyle and diet. So, even in debilitating diseases like cancer the chances are that environment plays a bigger role than the genes.

 
The biggest benefit that has come out of all this evidence is the feeling of self-empowerment. If we humans stop surrendering ourselves to the genes but start taking better charge of our lives there are very bright chances that we shall be better positioned to live fruitful lives.

References; Professor Randy Jirtle,  Dr. Bruce Lipton     , Health and Environment