The Definition of Epigenetic Nutrition

Epigenetic nutrition is the set of all patterns of stimuli that open up pathways leading to synthesis of molecules which maintain the symbiotic relationship between cells and their environment. For example, the presence of sunlight during the waking hours and its absence during sleep leads to the synthesis of hormones such as vitamin D, serotonin, melatonin, etc., and thus provides essential nutrition. Patterns of gravitational effects are also essential as was made evident by the development of osteoporosis in astronauts. Breathing patterns are also a source of nutrition not just in terms of providing oxygen, but its overall effects on the symbiosis of the body's cells and their environment. The way in which the feedback mechanisms between the heart and brain are effected is but one of the many intriguing aspects of this. Other important patterns of stimuli such as psychological and physical stress and parental care also both affect and effect nutrition in this sense. Finally, in terms of this definition, the pattern of consumption of food is what provides the nutrition, not the food itself. This is especially significant when one looks at the epigenetic effects that combine with other stimuli to open up and close the pathways that synthesize conditionally essential nutrients needed to maintain the symbosis which makes life possible.