"Healthy Habits That Can Influence Your DNA"

  A healthy lifestyle can influence genetics 

New research shows that a healthy lifestyle can counteract the effect of genetics on lifespan and extend your lifespan by five years. Research has found that adopting healthier habits can reduce the effect of genes associated with shorter lifespan by 62%. This is the first study to highlight the key role of lifestyle choices in longevity. 

The study analysed data from more than 350,000 people from the UK Biobank. They found that people with a high genetic risk of early death were 21% more likely to die early than those with a low genetic risk, regardless of their lifestyle. 

But people with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and poor diet, had a 78% higher risk of early death, regardless of their genetic makeup. 

While some people are genetically predisposed to a shorter lifespan, research shows that lifestyle choices play a big role. 

People with both high genetic risk and an unhealthy lifestyle had more than double the risk of early death compared to those with low-risk genes and healthy habits. 

The study found that people can offset their genetic risk by following an "optimal lifestyle combination." This includes quitting smoking, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. Those who took this approach could increase their life expectancy by 5.22 years, especially if they started at age 40. 

The study, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, followed participants for an average of 13 years, during which time 24,239 deaths occurred. Participants were divided into groups based on their genetic longevity risk and lifestyle habits. 

Overall, the study highlights that while genetic factors can affect lifespan,  a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on lifespan and help significantly reduce genetic risk.