Epigenetics part 5

Making epigenetics work for us:

Thinking back on our rat studies, the lesson we can learn is that minimizing early stress in individuals can have long term benefits. Also, the cost of treating adult diseases may be reduced by reducing prenatal and postnatal stress. It would be even more effective if this intervention and prevention of stress were to be achieved before the start of pregnancy.

Children at risk may benefit from psychosocial interventions in early life which influence brain development. As well, perinatal infections, nutritional disorders and exposure to toxins must be cautiously avoided and treated in the perinatal stage for maximum benefit.

One of the best things we can do for our kids is to provide them with a stable, secure and predictable home life. They know what to expect, they feel safe, and their nervous system does not need to go into hypervigilance because of the stress of uncertainty. We have just decreased their risk of developing chronic pain in their later years.

"One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is to have a happy childhood and a loving home."  ~Agatha Christie

For those of us who don't feel that lucky: "It is never too late to have a happy childhood." ~Tom Robbins

We can make a change for the next generation... Epigenetics at work...