Exposome Versus Genome: The Power of Our Environment on Health and Future
In the realm of functional medicine, the focus extends beyond the traditional examination of our genetic makeup to encompass the broader influences of our environment on health. This shift in perspective brings into sharp relief the interplay between “our exposome – the sum total of all environmental exposures throughout our lives – and our genome”
Understanding this dynamic relationship is crucial for unraveling the complexities of human health and disease.
Understanding the Exposome:
The exposome comprises the totality of environmental exposures, including lifestyle factors, diet, stress, pollutants, chemicals, and social determinants of health. Unlike the static nature of our genome, the exposome is dynamic and constantly evolving, shaped by our daily interactions with the world around us. [1] From the air we breathe to the food we eat, each exposure leaves a mark on our biological system, influencing gene expression, cellular function, and ultimately, our health outcomes.
The Genome’s Role:
While the genome provides the blueprint for our biological makeup, it is the exposome that can modulate gene expression, potentially turning genes ‘on’ or ‘off’ in response to environmental stimuli.[2] This intricate interplay between our genetic predispositions and environmental exposures underscores the importance of understanding both aspects in functional medicine. By examining genetic variations and how they interact with environmental factors, practitioners can tailor personalised interventions aimed at optimising health and preventing disease.
Functional Medicine Approach:
Functional medicine takes a holistic view of health, recognising the interconnectedness of various physiological systems and the impact of environmental influences. Rather than simply treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to address the root causes of illness, taking into account genetic susceptibilities and environmental triggers. By identifying and mitigating adverse exposures while promoting health-supporting behaviours, functional medicine aims to restore balance and enhance overall well-being.
Impact on Health:
The exposome, in contrast to our relatively fixed genome, represents the dynamic array of environmental influences that individuals encounter throughout their lives. This encompasses a broad spectrum of exposures, including pollutants from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, dietary factors like processed foods and pesticide residues, chronic stressors such as work pressure and socio-economic disparities, and climate-related variables such as air quality fluctuations and heatwaves.
These diverse exposures collectively contribute to shaping our health outcomes, influencing everything from respiratory conditions exacerbated by air pollution to metabolic disorders linked to unhealthy dietary patterns.
The significance of the exposome-genome interaction cannot be overstated when considering its implications for health. Research has linked environmental exposures to a wide range of health conditions, including chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome.[3] By understanding the intricate interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences, functional medicine offers a pathway towards personalised prevention and treatment strategies, empowering individuals to take control of their health.
Conclusion:
In the journey towards optimal health, recognizing the importance of the exposome-genome interplay is paramount. Functional medicine provides a framework for understanding how our environment shapes our health and offers personalized strategies to promote wellness. By embracing this holistic approach, we can unlock new insights into the complex dynamics of human biology and pave the way for a healthier future.
1)Wild, C. P. (2005). Complementing the Genome with an “Exposome”: The Outstanding Challenge of Environmental Exposure Measurement in Molecular Epidemiology. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 14(8), 1847-1850. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0456
2) Rappaport, S. M. (2011). Implications of the exposome for exposure science. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 21(1), 5-9. doi:10.1038/jes.2010.50
3)Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 330-338. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(13)70278-3
