Comprehensive lifestyle changes affect gene expression, “turning on” disease-preventing genes

and “turning off” genes that promote cancer and heart disease, as well as lengthening telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that control how long we live [says] Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009. Even severe heart disease can often be reversed by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. These include a very low-fat diet of predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes,—and enhanced love and social support, which may include support groups.