Epigenetics: Decoding Life

The idea that “our genes are our fate” is dead. Exciting new discoveries in the field of epigenetics have proven that our lifestyle and environmental can turn off and on many of the genes that control our health and wellbeing. Simple things like where we live, what we eat, pollution, stress, and exercise all impact which genes are silenced and expressed throughout our lives.

Research has shown that that the current dramatic rise in obesity, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s all have epigenetic mechanisms at play.  Not only that but many epigenetic changes are actually passed to future generations: your grandmother’s dietary deficits may have caused your diabetes. Your father’s smoking may have turned on your marker for obesity or ADHD. Three generations later the descendants of holocaust survivors are still suffering stress disorders.

The recognition that environment, not genetics, is the primary driver of human health and disease carries with it a strong message of personal empowerment and responsibility. We are no longer powerless in the high stakes game of our own health.  We can now play an active role in our genetic destiny.

Epigenetics: Decoding Life is a one-hour documentary that uncovers the latest findings in the game-changing field of epigenetics. We meet the world’s top epigenetic experts, uncover the latest research into how epigenetics can be used to treat some of society’s most dire health crises such as cancer, heart disease, obesity, and dementia.

We visit the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia where a simple ant colony is being used to unravel the secret to longer lifespan in human. We travel to the Duke University lab of Randy Jirtle, the father of modern epigenetics, whose work proved how simple food choices can turn off markers for cancer and diabetes.

At McGill University in Montreal we catch up with epigenetic pioneer Moshe Szyf whose research proved how the mothering we receive as infants affects disease state later in life.

We find out about how trauma suffered by individuals during natural disasters or famines can have repercussions generations later in the health of descendants.

We learn about the ways epigenetic interventions can be used to erase traumatic memories and treat both PTSD and addiction.

We’ll find out how epigenetics is revolutionizing how we view life and how it has led to a major paradigm shift in the healthcare industry as medical care becomes individually tailored relative to each person’s unique epigenetic factors. We’ll meet the Canadian mastermind behind revolutionary new drugs that turn off and on genetic markers to disease.

Epigenetics: Decoding Life will empower the viewer to take a few simple steps to change their genetic markers, to ward off disease and live longer, healthier, happier lives.