You’re Not Just Your Genes: Why Epigenetics Could Be the Key to Longevity
For years, I thought my DNA held all the cards when it came to how I’d age. But the more I’ve learned about epigenetics, it has become my tool to empower myself because it shows that lifestyle choices play a more important role than most people realize.
Sure, our genes determine the blueprint but they do not determine how that blueprint will be expressed. That’s where epigenetics comes in and that’s where we have influence.
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not modify DNA sequence. Instead, it’s like flipping switches on or off, telling your body which genes to activate, and which to quiet down. These switches can be influenced by lifestyle factors.
So everything from nutrition and sleep to exercise, stress, and even mindset can affect your epigenetics. Think of your DNA as the script. Epigenetics is the director, deciding which scenes play out.
How Much Do Your Genes Actually Matter?
A large 2017 study published in Genetics showed that only about 10% of our longevity is determined by DNA. Other studies suggest it could be closer to 20–30%. That still leaves 70–90% of your healthspan and lifespan influenced by something else: your environment, your lifestyle, and your daily habits.
Let it sink in: the vast majority of what affects how you age is within your control. So hopeful!
We see this in real life all the time. One person may have a family history of heart disease but avoids it entirely thanks to regular exercise, a whole-food diet, and strong stress management. Meanwhile, someone with “good genes” may still struggle with chronic illness due to poor lifestyle choices.
Even identical twins, who share 100% of their DNA, can age differently if they lead different lifestyles. Their epigenetic expression shifts based on how they live, eat, move, and rest. So while your DNA may be the blueprint, the final result is built by how you live your life. And that’s incredibly empowering.
Lifestyle Choices That Influence Your Epigenetics
When I first started diving into the science of longevity and health optimization, I kept coming across people saying, “Well, it’s just genetics.” But then I started testing my own biology and making small, consistent changes in how I eat, move, and recover.
What happened? My energy skyrocketed. Inflammation markers dropped. And most surprising of all? My biological age came back years younger than my actual age. That wouldn’t have happened if genes were destiny.
So, what lifestyle choices can you make to positively impact your epigenetics? The science of epigenetic reprogramming is still evolving, but research already shows that several habits can have a powerful effect.
– Whole-food nutrition (especially polyphenols like resveratrol, found in berries and red wine)
– Exercise, particularly HIIT and resistance training
– Stress reduction and mindfulness
– Quality sleep – your body resets gene expression during deep rest (Are you having trouble getting enough sleep? Check out our Sleep Optimization Guide.)
– Fasting and calorie cycling (fasting has shown to support autophagy and epigenetic regulation)
– Supplements like spermidine, NMN, and resveratrol may support epigenetic function (they’re part of my stack!)
Support Your Epigenetics with DoNotAge.org
Looking to take your longevity game to the next level? DoNotAge.org offers a wide range of science-backed supplements that support healthy aging and epigenetic function, including the very ones I use daily: NMN, resveratrol, and spermidine.
These compounds have been shown to support everything from DNA repair to cellular energy and autophagy which are key pathways influenced by your epigenetics.
Exclusive offer: 10% off your order if you use code KAJSA at checkout.
Final Thoughts
Your genes aren’t your destiny. They are the foundation, but you are the architect. That’s what I find most exciting about epigenetics: it puts the power back in our hands. So whether you’re just starting your health journey or fine-tuning your biohacking stack, know this: your daily choices matter, more than your genes ever will.
