What you eat could alter your unborn children and grandchildren’s genes and health outcomes

Nathaniel Johnson, University of North Dakota; Hasan Khatib, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Thomas D. Crenshaw, University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Conversation on Apr 23, 2024

Published in Health & Fitness

A good place to start is to eat more whole, unprocessed foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and fewer processed or convenience foods – that includes fast food, chips, cookies and candy, ready-to-cook meals, frozen pizzas, canned soups and sweetened beverages.

These dietary changes are well known for their health benefits and are described in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and by the American Heart Association.

Many people find it difficult to embrace a lifestyle change, particularly when it involves food. Motivation is a key factor for making these changes. Luckily, this is where family and friends can help – they exert a profound influence on lifestyle decisions.

However, on a broader, societal level, food security – meaning people’s ability to access and afford healthy food – should be a critical priority for governments, food producers and distributors, and nonprofit groups. Lack of food security is associated with epigenetic changes that have been linked to negative health outcomes such as diabetes, obesity and depression.

Through relatively simple lifestyle modifications, people can significantly and measurably influence the genes of their children and grandchildren. So when you pass up a bag a chips – and choose fruit or a veggie instead – keep in mind: It’s not just for you, but for the generations to come.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

Nathaniel Johnson receives funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health. He has previously received funding through the National Science Foundation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and the North Dakota Beef Checkoff.

Hasan Khatib receives funding no. 2023-67015-39527 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Thomas D Crenshaw receives funding from Hatch Multi-State Research Formula Funds; USDA/Natl. Institute of Food and Agriculture; DHHS, PHS, National Institutes of Health.