Epigenetics: a new frontier in longevity programming

Dr Gonseth Nusslé explains that while genetics are fixed, epigenetics is dynamic and responsive. Epigenetics is the study of how lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep and environmental factors affect gene expression. At the heart of this process lies DNA methylation, a reversible biochemical mechanism that determines whether certain genes are switched on or off.

When methylation patterns become unbalanced due to stress, poor nutrition, chronic inflammation or exposure to toxins, this can accelerate cellular ageing and increase susceptibility to chronic illness.

“DNA methylation is like a dimmer switch on your genetic code,” she says. “It governs how your genes behave without altering the genetic sequence itself. This has far-reaching implications for inflammation, tissue repair, immune function, ageing and disease risk.

“The epigenetic tests we collaborate on at Clinique La Prairie are designed to track, interpret and improve biological ageing through targeted interventions that support healthy methylation and gene regulation. The new Epinome supplement is based on this science.”