Today yes “I have come here to talk about my book.” I told you that I would fight.
The first thing I want to say is that, although finish this work has been immense satisfaction, so hard and challenging that it has been, the thing that excited me is to have had the immense fortune, the honor and the privilege of that would help me to improve it, and who has written the foreword, my admired Carlos López-Otín. Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is a world leader in the research of the human genome and aging, in addition to the Spanish scientist’s most cited by other researchers. He is also the author of one of the research most influential of all the times in the field of aging: The Hallmarks of Aging (The characteristics of aging).
I am very excited about that, by the end, the book see the light, as they have been for almost two years, a lot of reading of the most recent research in the field, to select the best to document it, and then try to translate such a complex subject in accessible language, but without losing scientific rigor.
It is possible that in the future, write better books or with more success, I don’t know, but I’m almost sure that there will be more “important” than this. With “important” I mean, what is new, unknown, and revolutionary subject matter, and the great impact it has on the health, directly affecting the longevity and, probably, to all known diseases.
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Epigenetics nutrition
The science of health is constantly evolving, and every day many new discoveries that transform our understanding of health and longevity. One of the developments most fascinating of recent times is the epigenetic nutrition, a discipline that explores how the nutrients that we consume can influence the way our genes are “expressed” in how to adapt to the continuous change of the environment in which they have to make us survive, all without altering the original sequence of the DNA, that is to say, the unchanging genetics with which we are born.
One of the mechanisms which are used epigenetics that we may not die before your time is methylation, a biochemical process in unknown, but vital, that is running a whole series of vital functions in our body and which, as we shall explain in the book, goes far beyond the epigenetic, determining from the stability of your DNA to the efficiency of your metabolism, energy and your immune system.
In the center of this methylation is a molecule extraordinary call SAMe, a compound which, though small in size, has an impact ginormous in our biology. SAMe, or S-adenosylmethionine, is the master key that opens the doors to many biochemical processes. Its role in the methylation of DNA is critical for the regulation of gene expression. But what does this mean in practical terms? Why should we care how this molecule affects our cells? As we will see in the book, the answer lies in the ability of SAMe to affect almost all aspects of our health, from brain function to metabolism, going through detoxification and the fight against chronic diseases.
Summary of the chapters of the book
By way of introduction, I want to give you a summary of the main sections and chapters of the book so that you have a clear idea of what you will find in it.
As in my previous works, beginning with a theoretical basis (the first six chapters) that allows us to understand the practical part and the sense of the interventions. From there, I focus on what’s most important: how to apply what is discussed theoretically in order to minimize the risk of disease, treat, or improve existing ones, slow down aging and boost your physical and mental performance. That is to say, how epigenetics can help you live a little more and, above all, so much the better.
Chapter 1: What is Epigenetics and how it affects the life
In this chapter, I define what is epigenetics and its importance in our lives. I explain the difference between the genetic (the ‘manual of instructions’ that we have inherited) and epigenetics (the set of mechanisms that regulates how you interpret those instructions, influencing our health in our environment, nutrition and other factors).
Elaborated on the fundamental processes that make it possible to epigenetics, such as DNA methylation and histone modification. I explain how epigenetics allows cell differentiation, by which genetically identical cells perform different functions. Also, I describe the epigenetic alterations and their impact on the health and ageing, highlighting the loss of the ability of DNA methylation as one of the causes of the deterioration of the body.
Chapter 2: The role of SAMe in the Epigenetic
In this chapter I explain the crucial role of a molecule that is unknown to most, but that is fundamental to life: SAMe. Its presence is essential for healthy aging thanks to its role in DNA methylation.
I use the analogy of SAMe as a ‘dealer’ of “tags” (methyl groups) that are “attached” to the receptor molecules (such as DNA) to modify its operation as required by the circumstances. In addition, I discuss how the decline of SAMe age can cause epigenetic alterations, one of the main features of aging.
Chapter 3: Other functions of s-adenosylmethionine and Methylation
SAMe plays a much broader role that epigenetic regulation through DNA methylation. In this chapter, I explore their functions in the synthesis of creatine, phosphatidylcholine, spermidine, neurotransmitters, adrenaline, antioxidants, among others.
It also highlights the importance of methylation in other essential physiological processes, including the regulation of circadian rhythms, support the immune system, the degradation of the excess of catecholamines, estrogens, niacinamide and histamine, as well as its contribution to eye health.
Chapter 4: Understanding the Cycle of the Methionine-Homocysteine
In this chapter I detail the cycle of the methionine-homocysteine, a fundamental process of two phases, which allows the production of SAMe, and prevents the buildup of homocysteine, a toxic byproduct derived from methylation.
I explain the two main ways to recycle homocysteine: remethylation and transsulfuration, and I emphasize the great importance of maintaining this cycle in good working order to prevent diseases and promote healthy aging.
Chapter 5: Diseases related with the Hypomethylation
In this chapter, I explore how the global hypomethylation of DNA, caused by the loss of SAMe, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease), type 2 diabetes, depression, autism, addictions, autoimmune diseases, allergies, migraines, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and aging.
Also, I discuss the mechanisms by which the hypomethylation contributes to the development of each of these diseases.
Chapter 6: Diseases related with the Hypermethylation
In this chapter, I describe a few diseases associated with the opposite of the above: an excess of SAMe (hypermethylation), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and acute myeloid leukemia.
I explain how the hypermethylation may also negatively affect the health and highlight the importance of maintaining a proper balance in the levels of SAMe.
Chapter 7: How to to know if there is a state of Hypomethylation or Hypermethylation
With this chapter we move on to the practical part. I teach how to determine the methylation state of a person, through the analysis of blood, as the levels of SAMe and SAH, or the relationship methionine/homocysteine. I highlight the importance of understanding the methylation status before implementing any strategy to correct imbalances.
Chapter 8: How to increase methylation in a state of global Hypomethylation
In this chapter, I describe the strategies for increasing methylation, as supplementation with s-adenosylmethionine, creatine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and hill; avoiding tobacco and alcohol; increase the exercise, among other interventions. Explain the mechanisms of each strategy, its health benefits and how to do them in the most efficient way.
Chapter 9: How to reduce methylation in a Hypermethylation status global
Here are strategies to reduce the methylation and explain how these help to counteract the excess of SAMe, if necessary.
Chapter 10: How to reduce Homocysteine
This chapter discusses the importance of reducing homocysteine in the united of hypomethylation as hypermethylation. I describe how to do it by supplementation with certain vitamins of group B, and trimetilglicina (TMG or betaine), and highlight the relevance of determining the blood levels before taking supplements.
Chapter 11: How to slow the Deacetylation (silencing) of tumor suppressor genes and other
In this chapter I explain the process of deacetylation of histones and how it affects the silencing of certain genes that we want to keep them activated, as tumor suppressors. I also present strategies based on foods rich in compounds that deactivate the enzyme responsible for this silencing.
Appendices
● Microbiota and methylation: I explore the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the methylation of DNA, including how the microbiota influences the production of SAMe and other molecules epigenetic.
● How it affects s-adenosylmethionine and methylation to the physical performance: Analyze the impact of physical exercise on the methylation and, conversely, how methylation affects the physical performance. Also I detail how to optimize the availability of SAMe, and the synthesis of antioxidants to improve our capability in the field of sport.
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I wanted, above all, that this book is a practical guide, first helping you understand how nutrition can influence your genes and transform your life, and then, providing you with the tools to apply the epigenetic nutrition in your daily life: improving the cycle of the methionine-homocysteine, increasing the capacity of methylation enhancing SAMe, and reducing the toxic homocysteine. All of them, strategies, very little is yet known of the tremendous impact on health and longevity.
I wanted, above all, that this book be a guide to practice: first, by helping you to understand how nutrition can influence your genes and transform your life, and then, providing you with the tools to apply the epigenetic nutrition in your day-to-day. Among them, how to improve the cycle of the methionine-homocysteine, increase the capacity of methylation enhancing SAMe and reduce the toxic homocysteine. All these strategies are very poorly known, but a tremendous impact on health and longevity.
It’s time to feed your genes to a life much more healthy and, probably, a little bit longer.
