From: hubermanlab
The relationship between our environment, lifestyle choices, and physiological health has been a subject of significant research and exploration. During a detailed discussion between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Melissa Ardo on the Huberman Lab Podcast, several fascinating insights came to light about how our surroundings and behavior can drastically affect our health and genetic expression.
Epigenetics and Lifestyle
Dr. Melissa Ardo, an expert in biomedical informatics, emphasized that while some aspects of our DNA are fixed, there is a growing understanding of how our lifestyle choices can influence gene expression, known as epigenetics. She noted that while we traditionally viewed genetic traits as predetermined, emerging research highlights that there is a significant interplay between genes and environmental factors [00:02:26].
The Mamalian Dive Reflex
One of the podcast’s highlights was the discussion on the mammalian dive reflex, a physiological response that humans can activate. This reflex is triggered by holding one’s breath in cold water, leading to physiological changes such as a slowed heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and the contraction of the spleen. This results in an approximately 10% increase in available oxygen, which is remarkable for enhancing endurance and stamina [00:00:46].
Dr. Ardo explained how this reflex may have allowed certain populations, like the Indonesian Bajjo, to develop large spleens through genetic selection, improving their breath-hold diving abilities—a crucial adaptation for their lifestyle as sea nomads [00:28:52].
Cultural Influence on Physiology
The conversation also navigated how cultural practices impact physiological changes. For instance, the women divers of Korea, known as the Henyo, display adaptations that demonstrate remarkable cardiovascular health despite the strenuous demands of their traditional diving occupation in cold waters [00:56:41]. These adaptations include a greater ability to lower diastolic blood pressure during dives, potentially offering them protection against pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia [01:08:03].
Evolutionary Adaptations
Throughout human evolution, dietary needs have driven genetic selection. For example, populations that historically relied on high marine lipid diets have evolved to metabolize those fats more efficiently, pointing to a direct link between environmental pressures and genetic adaptations improving metabolic health through lifestyle changes [01:04:46].
Conclusions
The podcast underscored the immense potential of adaptive physiology driven by environment and lifestyle. It provided insight into how intertwined our choices and surroundings are with our genetic and physiological responses. As genetic research progresses, there is potential for identifying therapeutic opportunities in these adaptations—turning naturally evolved resilience into strategies against modern health challenges.
Key Takeaway
Our environment and the choices we make are powerful modifiers of our genetic expression and physiological health role of environmental influences in accessing creativity. Understanding these interactions can lead to improved health strategies and therapeutic interventions in the future.