It’s been said that we should choose our parents wisely, particularly when it comes to the genetic predisposition of degenerative disease, such as heart disease and cancer. The question is, if we already have the genetic predisposition is there a chance that we can avoid the disease? Science is now suggesting that we have more control than we think.
DNA is the blueprint for our body’s makeup and DNA does not change throughout our life, however the new and emerging science of epigenetics is offering us hope. The epigenome is a serious of chemical tags that wraps around our DNA, responding to the environment within and outside our body, including nutrition and stress.
According to Dr Bruce Lipton, cellular biologist and author of the Biology of Belief, DNA is not self actualising, it responds to the epigenome. ‘Epi’ meaning above, means the epigenome is designed to either tightly wrap genes making them unreadable or loosen genes making them readable.
This puts our lifestyle literally under the microscope. Every decision we make about how we exercise, what we eat and how we think and feel is impacting our internal environment. In a nutshell, our choices everyday are positively or negatively affecting our epigenome to determine which genes are being expressed or read and which ones are being hidden.
Dr Karen Coates an holistic GP, nutritionist and herbalist who presents at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat shares her insight with guests on various programs. She offers this analogy: We all receive a loaded gun at birth and the bullet in the gun is inscribed with our genetic predisposition, however it is our lifestyle that will pull the trigger or not.
So if we have a predisposition for say heart disease, then the prescription for avoiding heart disease should be our priority. If we have a predisposition for cancer in the family, then the prescription for preventing cancer is essential.
Studies have shown positive responses to a Mediterranean diet to prevent heart disease and this may include 100ml of red wine daily. However the cancer council offers no safe limit for alcohol, so drinking even moderate amounts may increase the risk of your genes pulling the trigger.
The real question is what is the risk? If I have cancer in my family should I have surgery to reduce risk factors? Or can I live a clean life and avoid the risk? Hopefully the science of epigenetics will be able to give us a clearer picture in the future. Right now however the ball is placed firmly in our court and each of us need to make our own decisions based on our lifestyle, health coach or doctor’s advice and importantly, our intuition.
No matter what the genetic predisposition for degenerative disease however, it seems all roads lead to Rome. Our health KPI’s need to be monitored and our lifestyle needs to be adjusted when red flags fly. We need to be sleeping well and uninterrupted for 6-8 hours every night, exercising in balance (too much exercise is as harmful as too little), eating mostly plants with clean protein sources and enough fibre. Our spiritual and emotional needs are about having purpose and meaning in life. The way we think and the thoughts we choose each day are essential to managing stress, while having love and connection in our life is vital.
Other influences are environmental and include persistent organic compounds and xenoestrogens. Some of these environmental factors are ever present in our space regardless of what we do, while some we can reduce. Choose organic foods and organic skincare to reduce your absorption of toxins and clean your home without harsh chemicals. Take off your shoes before you enter your house and wash your hands after you have finished using and working with technology.
Consider the importance of a digital detox and reducing the amount of time you are connected to mobile devices and technology. Spend more time in Mother Nature with your feet in the grass and our eyes taking in the natural splendour of our incredible planet. Take care of you.
