Lifestyle Can Affect Gene Expression

A pilot study of men with low-risk prostate cancer has found that healthy lifestyle changes can impact gene expression. The 30 men involved in the study elected to forgo conventional cancer treatment in favor of lifestyle changes including exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products. After 3 months, the men showed numerous health improvements, but the most surprising result was discovered when their prostate biopsies were examined. The researchers found that following the lifestyle changes, the activity levels of disease-preventing genes had increased, while the activity of a number of disease-promoting genes had been suppressed.