Epigenetics and Chronic Illness: What’s Affecting Kids Today?

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Have you ever been told that your child’s health struggles are purely genetic—something they were born with and just have to live with? It can be frustrating to feel like there’s nothing you can do beyond managing symptoms with medication. 

But here’s the good news: science tells us a different story. Your child’s health isn’t just written in their DNA—there are deeper factors at play, and understanding them can open new doors for healing.

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. While genetics provides the foundation for health, factors like nutrition, stress, sleep, toxin exposure, and overall lifestyle determine which genes are turned on or off. This regulation occurs through chemical markers, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which act like switches that control gene activity.

This explains why:

  • Identical twins can develop different health conditions despite having the same genetic code.
  • Siblings with similar DNA can have completely different health experiences.
  • Some children remain healthy despite genetic predispositions, while others develop chronic issues.

Emerging research links epigenetics to a wide range of childhood health concerns, including asthma, allergies, autoimmune conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and metabolic issues. Understanding these influences shifts the focus from genetic destiny to actionable changes that support better health outcomes.

Early Life Influences, Genes Expressions & Your Child’s Development

A child’s health is shaped long before birth, with multiple factors influencing how their genes are expressed. These early influences can set the stage for long-term well-being or contribute to health challenges.

Several prenatal and early-life factors can impact gene expression and overall health, including:

  • Stress levels during pregnancy
  • Fertility treatments and medical interventions
  • Birth interventions such as C-sections or forceps delivery
  • Early exposure to antibiotics and environmental toxins
  • Nutrition and dietary choices in infancy and childhood

The nervous system plays an important role in regulating health, and early life stressors can interfere with its development. For instance, stress and physical interventions during birth may contribute to nervous system dysfunction. This can lead to dysautonomia, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system affecting digestion, immunity, and overall resilience. The vagus nerve, which regulates digestion, mood, and inflammation, can also become dysregulated.

As a result, these neurological disruptions may contribute to chronic health issues and even influence future generations through epigenetic changes.

How Epigenetics Influences Common Chronic Health Conditions

Epigenetics sheds light on why some children develop chronic health conditions while others remain resilient, even when exposed to similar environments. Rather than being solely determined by genetics, a child’s long-term health is shaped by factors like nutrition, stress, toxins, and early life experiences, all of which can influence gene expression in significant ways.

One of the most well-documented areas of epigenetic influence is metabolic health. A child’s early diet, physical activity, and exposure to environmental toxins can alter how their body processes food, regulates energy, and maintains a healthy weight. These influences can impact insulin sensitivity, fat storage, and long-term energy balance, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance later in life.

Epigenetics also plays a major role in immune system function. Environmental exposures—including pollutants, chronic stress, and certain foods—can shape how the immune system develops and responds to threats. This may explain why some children develop conditions like asthma, allergies, or autoimmune disorders while others do not. Early-life factors can contribute to immune system overreactions or imbalances, leading to chronic inflammation and heightened susceptibility to illness.

Another key area of epigenetic impact is neurological development and behavior. A child’s nervous system is highly sensitive to early experiences, including maternal stress during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, and childhood trauma. These factors can influence the expression of genes that regulate brain function, neurotransmitter balance, and stress responses. Over time, these changes may contribute to conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety.

Supporting Your Child’s Health: Actionable Steps for Long-Term Wellness

At Highest Health Chiropractic, our neurologically-focused chiropractic care goes beyond symptom management—it helps optimize nervous system function and supports healthy epigenetic expression. By addressing the root causes of your child’s health challenges, we can create a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

Beyond chiropractic care, there are several ways you can positively influence your child’s health at home:

  • Reduce Environmental Toxins: Use natural cleaning products, choose toxin-free personal care items, and improve indoor air quality by reducing synthetic fragrances and chemicals.
  • Support a Nutrient-Dense Diet: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals while minimizing artificial additives, refined sugars, and ultra-processed ingredients.
  • Encourage Hydration: Provide clean, filtered water as the primary source of hydration to support cellular function and detoxification.
  • Promote Quality Sleep: Establish consistent sleep routines, create a dark and quiet sleep environment, and limit screen exposure before bed.
  • Foster an Active Lifestyle: Encourage daily movement through outdoor play, structured activities, and movement-based therapies that support physical and neurological development.
  • Manage Stress Levels: Cultivate a calm and supportive home environment, practice mindfulness techniques as a family, and reduce overstimulation from screens and excessive scheduling.

At the end of the day, we aren’t tied to our genetic codes or DNA. What we do can influence outcomes, including your child’s health. Your Sioux Falls Chiropractor is dedicated to your entire family’s health and well-being. Together, we can ensure your child gets the best possible start to life. Book your appointment with us today!