We’ve long believed that aging and disease are written into our DNA, but what if that’s only half the story? Epigenetics is turning this idea upside down, revealing that our environment and lifestyle play just as big a role in our health as our genes do.
Dr. Edwin Lee, a leader in functional medicine and a co-founder of the Clinical Peptide Society, explored the complexities of epigenetics, aging, and cancer screening in a recent Access Live webinar. His insights challenge traditional notions of health and highlight why tracking biological age, not just chronological age, could change the way we approach longevity.
If DNA were destiny, why do identical twins—who share the same genome—often experience vastly different health outcomes and lifespans? The answer lies in epigenetics, the regulatory system that determines how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence. While our genetic code remains constant, chemical modifications—such as DNA methylation and histone modifications—dictate whether specific genes are activated or silenced. These epigenetic changes are influenced by external factors like diet, stress, sleep, and environmental exposures, shaping gene expression patterns in ways that profoundly impact health.
Dr. Lee explains, "If DNA is the text of a book, epigenetics is the collection of notes that influence how the book is read. While the words remain the same, external factors affect how the story unfolds."
In other words, you inherit genes, but epigenetic mechanisms determine how those genes function over time, dynamically responding to your lifestyle and environment.
Think of DNA methylation as a dimmer switch for your genes—it doesn’t change the underlying code, but it controls how strongly certain genes are expressed. At the core of epigenetics is DNA methylation, a biochemical process that regulates gene expression. For example, over-methylation of the P53 gene —a tumor suppressor— can block the body’s ability to eliminate early-stage cancer cells. When this protective mechanism is disrupted, cancerous cells can grow unchecked.
It turns out that cancer isn’t just about inheriting “bad genes”—the way genes are activated or silenced plays a significant role in tumor development and progression. Environmental factors like diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and chronic stress can alter methylation patterns, turning off protective genes or activating harmful ones. This has led to the development of advanced screening tools, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests, which detect epigenetic changes in cancer-associated genes.
A large-scale study involving over 15,000 participants validated the ability to detect cancer through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with a 99% specificity rate (high accuracy in ruling out false positives). These advancements support a shift toward proactive, personalized approaches in cancer prevention.
If you’ve ever met someone in their 60s who looks and feels decades younger—or someone in their 40s struggling with chronic disease—you’ve witnessed the gap between chronological age (years lived) and biological age (how old your body actually functions). Biological age is determined by epigenetic markers, including DNA methylation patterns, inflammation levels, and cellular repair efficiency. Factors like stress, sleep quality, diet, and exercise can either accelerate or slow down biological aging.
Tracking biological age gives us a more accurate picture of health and longevity than simply counting candles on a birthday cake.
Scientists have developed epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation levels to measure biological age. The three major clocks include:
• First-Generation Clocks: Predict biological age (e.g., Horvath’s Clock).
Source: Wandering along the epigenetic timeline 2020. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-020-00893-7
The idea that aging is an unstoppable process is being challenged. Research in longevity science reveals that lifestyle choices and targeted interventions can significantly influence how we age—not just externally but at a cellular level. Studies show that caloric restriction, stress management, and functional medicine approaches can positively impact epigenetics, reducing biological age and slowing degenerative processes.
"Our environment—what we eat, how we sleep, the stress we carry—affects our gene expression and ultimately our health. Measuring biological age lets us see whether we’re accelerating or slowing the aging process." - Dr. Edwin Lee
One study found that a six-month regimen of senolytics—compounds that clear out aging cells—reversed biological aging by up to four years. Other research highlights the role of NAD+ precursors, intermittent fasting, and microbiome optimization in promoting cellular repair and extending healthspan. While aging may be inevitable, science increasingly suggests that its pace—and its effects—are within our control.
With increasing evidence linking epigenetics to disease prevention and longevity, integrating biological age tracking into patient care is becoming a valuable tool in functional medicine. Now, with the help of laboratory testing, we have the power to influence how we age at a cellular level.
If you’re looking to integrate biological age tracking and epigenetic insights into patient care, Access Medical Labs offers comprehensive testing panels designed to support proactive, personalized medicine. Our prebuilt Wellness Panel and Functional Health Panel provide deep insights into biomarkers that influence longevity. While not directly measuring DNA methylation patterns, these biomarkers provide valuable insights on influencing epigenetic health:
Explore how Access Medical Labs' advanced diagnostic panels can support your approach to longevity and health optimization. Create a physician account and get started today to learn more about integrating these insights into your practice.