Poverty affects not only people’s socio-economic status but also their genetics, leading to long-term effects on their physical and mental health, cognitive development, and life expectancy.
Research has shown that living in poverty can cause changes in the DNA structure that can be transferred to the next generation. Here are some ways poverty affects genetics:.
Epigenetics and Poverty
Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression without changes in the DNA sequence. Poverty can cause these changes in gene expression that can be passed from one generation to the next.
Epigenetic changes can be caused by poor nutrition, environmental toxins, stress, and other factors related to poverty. These changes can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Poor Nutrition and Genetic Expression
Malnutrition can affect genetic expression in two ways. First, inadequate nutrient intakes and lack of essential vitamins can result in DNA damage, as these nutrients are important for the maintenance and repair of DNA.
Secondly, poor nutrition can cause epigenetic changes that can affect gene expression and lead to chronic diseases.
Toxic Exposure and Epigenetic Changes
Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can cause significant epigenetic changes.
These changes can occur at any stage of life, but exposure during fetal development and early childhood is crucial since it can lead to epigenetic changes that may last for generations. Research has shown that prenatal exposure to toxins can lead to epigenetic changes that increase the risk of developmental disorders and chronic diseases later in life.
Related Article
How poverty affects our genetics
Stress, Adversity, and Genetic Expression
Experiencing poverty-related stress and adversity can also lead to epigenetic changes.
Chronic stress can lead to an enhanced response of the body to stress, leading to health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and immune system dysfunction. Additionally, poverty-related stress has been linked to epigenetic changes that can lead to behavioral and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Childhood Poverty and Brain Development
Poverty has a significant impact on childhood brain development. Stress and malnutrition associated with poverty can lead to changes in the brain structure that can affect cognitive function and social behavior.
Children living in poverty have been shown to have smaller brain volumes, decreased gray matter, and lower cognitive test scores, affecting their academic performance and future achievements.
Long-Term Effects on Health and Life Expectancy
Growing up in poverty can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, leading to premature deaths.
Research has shown that people who live in poverty have a shorter life expectancy than those from higher socioeconomic classes. Additionally, the effects of poverty on health can be passed on from one generation to the next, leading to a cycle of poverty and poor health.
Conclusion
Poverty has a significant impact on genetics, leading to significant physical, mental and cognitive effects that can be transferred from one generation to the next.
Childhood poverty can cause epigenetic changes that affect cognitive development, brain structure, and long-term physical health. Poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress are the factors that are known to cause genetic changes associated with poverty. It is essential to tackle poverty to reduce its impact on long-term health outcomes and break the cycle of poverty.
