Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization
Socio-economic and environmental factors significantly influence health by driving epigenetic changes that alter genetic expression and impact disease prevention. Lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise, mindfulness, and environmental exposure play crucial roles in modulating these mechanisms. A s...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Nutrition |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1632999/full |
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| author | José Ostaiza-Cardenas Andrea C. Tobar Stefany Carolina Costa Diana Sofia Calero Alisson López-Carrera Fátima German Bermúdez Fátima German Bermúdez Andrea Orellana-Manzano Andrea Orellana-Manzano |
| author_facet | José Ostaiza-Cardenas Andrea C. Tobar Stefany Carolina Costa Diana Sofia Calero Alisson López-Carrera Fátima German Bermúdez Fátima German Bermúdez Andrea Orellana-Manzano Andrea Orellana-Manzano |
| author_sort | José Ostaiza-Cardenas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Socio-economic and environmental factors significantly influence health by driving epigenetic changes that alter genetic expression and impact disease prevention. Lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise, mindfulness, and environmental exposure play crucial roles in modulating these mechanisms. A systematic review of studies from the past 13 years, conducted under PRISMA guidelines, examined interventions, epigenetic outcomes, and health impacts. Mindfulness practices, particularly meditation, were found to regulate DNA methylation, reducing stress and inflammation. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets, enhanced health biomarkers and slowed epigenetic aging through favorable DNA methylation. Physical activities, such as high-intensity interval training and hybrid training, induced epigenetic modifications, improving metabolic function, mitochondrial biogenesis, and insulin sensitivity. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting modern lifestyle choices to promote health and prevent chronic diseases by influencing gene expression. Combining mindfulness, balanced diets, and regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of lifestyle factors on epigenetics and to develop personalized strategies that optimize disease prevention and overall wellbeing. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0a58444ddc7d4792a6906ad6570d7381 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-861X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Nutrition |
| spelling | doaj-art-0a58444ddc7d4792a6906ad6570d73812025-08-21T05:27:34ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Nutrition2296-861X2025-08-011210.3389/fnut.2025.16329991632999Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimizationJosé Ostaiza-Cardenas0Andrea C. Tobar1Stefany Carolina Costa2Diana Sofia Calero3Alisson López-Carrera4Fátima German Bermúdez5Fátima German Bermúdez6Andrea Orellana-Manzano7Andrea Orellana-Manzano8School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, EcuadorSchool of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, EcuadorSchool of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, EcuadorSchool of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, EcuadorSchool of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, EcuadorLaboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, EcuadorFacultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, EcuadorLaboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, EcuadorFacultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, EcuadorSocio-economic and environmental factors significantly influence health by driving epigenetic changes that alter genetic expression and impact disease prevention. Lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise, mindfulness, and environmental exposure play crucial roles in modulating these mechanisms. A systematic review of studies from the past 13 years, conducted under PRISMA guidelines, examined interventions, epigenetic outcomes, and health impacts. Mindfulness practices, particularly meditation, were found to regulate DNA methylation, reducing stress and inflammation. Dietary interventions, such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets, enhanced health biomarkers and slowed epigenetic aging through favorable DNA methylation. Physical activities, such as high-intensity interval training and hybrid training, induced epigenetic modifications, improving metabolic function, mitochondrial biogenesis, and insulin sensitivity. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting modern lifestyle choices to promote health and prevent chronic diseases by influencing gene expression. Combining mindfulness, balanced diets, and regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of lifestyle factors on epigenetics and to develop personalized strategies that optimize disease prevention and overall wellbeing.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1632999/fullepigenetic mechanismsmindfulnessnutritionphysical activityhealthDNA methylation |
| spellingShingle | José Ostaiza-Cardenas Andrea C. Tobar Stefany Carolina Costa Diana Sofia Calero Alisson López-Carrera Fátima German Bermúdez Fátima German Bermúdez Andrea Orellana-Manzano Andrea Orellana-Manzano Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization Frontiers in Nutrition epigenetic mechanisms mindfulness nutrition physical activity health DNA methylation |
| title | Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| title_full | Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| title_fullStr | Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| title_full_unstemmed | Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| title_short | Epigenetic modulation by life–style: advances in diet, exercise, and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| title_sort | epigenetic modulation by life style advances in diet exercise and mindfulness for disease prevention and health optimization |
| topic | epigenetic mechanisms mindfulness nutrition physical activity health DNA methylation |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1632999/full |
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