https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gek89s/epigenetics_final_-_8_2_22_105_PM7t4ew.mp3
EPISODE SUMMARY:
Dr. Susanne Esche-Belke and Dr. Suzann Kirschner-Brouns are doctors, authors, and epigenetics experts educating their clients and social audiences on how what we eat and how we live influences our genetic makeup. In today’s episode, we sat down with Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns to discuss Epigenetics, what to avoid eating and drinking, how plastics plays a role in skincare, and the first steps to take in improving your lifestyle and genetic makeup.
First, we asked Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns about epigenetics. They told us that the study of epigenetics discusses how our hormones, lifestyle, and environment influence our body. While some people may assume that their genetics are set at birth, research shows that the opposite is true. Only 20% of our genes are fixed, leaving 80% dependent on our lifestyle, stress levels, and food intake. While epigenetics has only become more prominent in the last twenty years, scientists are learning more and more about our genetics and how they can change as we age. Not only that, but researchers are also making discoveries about how our genetic makeups are similar. For example, more than 99% of our personal genes are identical to those of others, with our lifestyles and environments influencing how those genes individually affect us.
When asked what foods, drinks and supplements we should avoid to keep our genes healthy, Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns said that plastic bottles should never be used to drink water. The bacteria from microplastics can get into our bodies, affecting our wellbeing. Too much microplastic in the body can influence our sleep, eating, and mood. For those with underling health conditions, such as Hashimoto’s Disease, microplastics can be dangerous. Too much sugar also affects the body, for it causes insulin levels to skyrocket, which can affect the ends of chromosomes and even increase the aging process. We also asked about the connection between epigenetics and menopause, and Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns spoke about incorrect stereotypes surrounding midlife hormones and epigenetics. Many people going through menopause believe that it is their estrogen levels that lower first, but actually, progesterone is the first hormone to start fluctuating. Progesterone levels can start decreasing between the ages of 35-40, when periods first start becoming more irregular and the body prepares for perimenopause. Estrogen levels begin changing soon after, and decreased estrogen in the body can cause negatively impact our mental health through depression and anxiety.
The early stages of epigenetics research began in the 1960s, when two doctors started researching the genetic codes in cells. However, Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns told us that more extensive studies did not take place until 2001, when scientists started more thoroughly decoding human genetics. Research has shown a number of findings, many of which include the dangers of plastic to the body and genes. As midlife women, we often find plastic in many aspects of our daily routines, even skincare. When asked how to avoid products that may use plastic, Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns emphasized the importance of doing your research. When shopping, always read the labels of whatever products you may buy to ensure that they are plastic free. There are also apps and websites that can help give plastic-free alternatives to different products.
Finally, we asked Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns about the beginning steps someone should take to improving their genetics and lifestyle. They said that it’s important to start by looking at what specifically you’re putting in your body. Avoiding foods that are pre-made and finding fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets can be a great way to improve your food intake. However, Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns acknowledged that it’s also important to still enjoy your life, so eating healthy foods in moderation is a great place to start. Another beneficial step to take is to see your primary care doctor and find out your genetic risk factors to help discover the best solutions to sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Susanne Esche-Belke and Dr. Suzann Kirschner-Brouns
Dr. Susanne Esche-Belke is a specialist in general medicine, and has been combining conventional medical knowledge with the latest findings in stress and integrative medicine in clinics and in her own practice for 20 years. Her focus is on the holistic therapy of female hormone and immune disorders. She is the co-founder of the women’s health platform Less ― Doctors for Balance
Dr. Suzann Kirschner-Brouns is a doctor and mediator. As a medical journalist and author, she writes on health issues for well-known publishers and magazines. Formerly editor-in-chief of a gynaecological journal, and the health magazine of Der Spiegel, she is the co-founder of the women’s health platform Less ― Doctors for Balance.
In this episode, we discuss…
- [0:01] Bossa Bars
- [0:59] Guest Introduction
- [4:52] Start of Interview
- [5:38] Epigenetics and Midlife
- [10:06] What to Avoid Ingesting
- [16:22] The Beginnings of Epigenetics
- [20:09] Plastics and Skin Care
- [22:35] First Steps in Improving Your Lifestyle and Genetics
- [26:10] Closing Thoughts
- [27:38] Outro
Useful Resources:
Dr. Esche-Belke’s Website I [https://deine-hormongesundheit.de/]
Dr. Esche-Belke’s Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/dreschebelke/?hl=en]
Dr. Esche-Belke and Dr. Kirschner-Brouns’ Book
Our Hormones Our Health I [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-hormones-our-health-dr-susanne-esche-belke/1138538825]
TRY BOSSA BARS FOR MENOPAUSE AND USE CODE “HOTCOOL10” FOR 10% OFF AT https://bossabars.com/ !
FOLLOW AND SHOP AT OUR NEW INSTAGRAM @HOTFLASHSHOP!
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