Today, we're diving into a fascinating topic: how generational trauma affects our epigenetics, and the profound impact stress has on our bodies. 

Generational trauma, a term that's gaining more recognition, refers to the emotional and psychological impacts of traumatic experiences that are not just lived by one generation but are passed down through the next.  

This isn't merely psychological; it's embedded in our very biology, in our epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Interestingly, these changes do not alter our DNA sequence but can change how our body reads a DNA sequence. 

Research has shown that the stressors our ancestors faced, the hardships, and the emotional turmoil, can leave a mark on our genes, influencing our health risks, stress responses, and even our behaviors. 

 This understanding tells us that our family's past trauma may play a role in our own health story, including our journey with conditions like breast cancer. 

The good news is that awareness is the first step towards healing.  

By acknowledging the roots of our stress and understanding its biological basis, we can begin to heal not just our minds but our bodies.  

In this episode, we'll explore strategies for recognizing signs of generational trauma, methods to address and heal these deep-seated issues, and how we can alter our epigenetic expressions for better health. Our bodies may carry the stories of our past, but they also hold the potential for healing. Together, let's embark on this healing journey, transforming the legacy we pass on to the next generation. 

Referred to in this episode: 

Ways to work with Laura  Studies: Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance: Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Implications for the Study of Heredity and Evolution 

Stress during pregnancy and epigenetic modifications to offspring DNA: A systematic review of associations and implications for preterm birth 

Paternal Stress Exposure Alters Sperm MicroRNA Content and Reprograms Offspring HPA Stress Axis Regulation 

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