Epigenetics, as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica, is the study of the chemical modification of specific genes or gene-associated proteins of an organism. This means that what you are exposed to now affects the future generations in your bloodline. Current research shows that a grandparent’s life choices will affect the child, long before those of the parent will. We cannot change how our parents lived, but we can change what impact we will have on our children, and grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.
There is also an extensive amount of research showing how the nutrients needed for development of an infant are coming directly from the pregnant mother, proving that the diets of pregnant women really will affect their children for their entire lives. Read more here.
If you would like to learn more about Epigenetics, Science Daily produced this tutorial.