The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).

For years many have believed that genetic heritage defined one's destiny, if an individual would grow to be healthy, or if he or she would suffer from chronic illness or cancer. Recent scientific evidence and the field of epigenetics has proven this to be untrue. Certainly, the DNA sequence and the genetic code are fixed; but the field of epigenetics has shown how methylation and other chemical modifications of the genome directly influence the production of proteins that can alter the phenotype of an organism. This article will lay out the supporting research, the details on how the internal and external environments influence genetic function, and will allow the reader to develop an action plan necessary to influence the genetic code, with the goal of then moving the individual toward optimal health. These research details will enable health care professionals in every field of medicine to work with patients on positively influencing the genetic output in order to improve the quality of life and longevity.