MED 103 — Diet and Gene Expression: You Are What You Eat
Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): Lucia Aronica
Date(s): Sep 29—Oct 27
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Tuition: $385
Refund Deadline: Oct 1
Unit(s): 1
Status: Closed
Quarter: Fall
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 5 weeks
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Sep 29—Oct 27
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $385
Refund Deadline: Oct 1
Instructor(s): Lucia Aronica
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Closed
Imagine having the ability to turn “good” genes on and “bad” genes off through simple, science-based lifestyle choices. The emerging field of epigenetics reveals that genes aren't a fixed destiny—you have the power to influence them. This course is a study of how your diet, environment, and habits can shape your gene activity, offering students practical tools to live healthier longer. By exploring how food acts as information for your genes, you will discover how specific nutrients and lifestyle choices can positively affect everything from metabolism and longevity to mental health. You’ll also be introduced to Epinutrition—Dr. Aronica's framework for how gene expression can be modified by certain nutrients and bioactive food compounds. This course is designed to help you take control of your health through personalized, actionable insights. By the end of the course, you will be empowered to create a customized nutrition plan that enhances your gene expression, supports long-term vitality, and improves your quality of life.
Students should consult their physician or other healthcare professional before modifying their diets.
LUCIA ARONICA
Lecturer, Genetics and Genomics Professional Certificate Program, Stanford Medicine
Lucia Aronica is an epigenetics and nutrigenomics scientist with nearly two decades of research experience. She created Stanford's first courses in nutritional epigenetics and longevity medicine and developed Epinutrition, a framework for using food to support healthy gene expression. Her research examines how dietary patterns shape epigenetic marks and aging, and was featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. She received her PhD in epigenetics from the University of Vienna. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.