More to life than a good pair of genes
Your mother or father may have suffered from a serious illness, let’s say cancer. Or maybe several family members are dealing with diabetes. The thought of coming away from the doctor’s office with the same diagnosis can put you in a state of near panic with each check up.
It’s true; you are uniquely who you are because of the gene pool you stepped out of. But this “stepping out” is not a life sentence. It’s not your genes themselves that determine whether you’ll end up with the illness. Epigenetics—or how your genes express themselves — also plays a part in whether you can sidestep the disease. Your genes are influenced by many lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, childhood abuse, loneliness, pessimism, diet, exercise, hope and contentment.
More and more new studies show that the ultimate control over our long-term health does not lie solely in the mysterious realm of molecular structure, but is guided by our mind/body connection. Our thoughts, intentions, prayers, disposition and faith help determine not only how well we live, right here and now, but also whether we will suffer with disease later on in life.
In his book, “Who Gets Sick,” Blair Justice tells us “genes account for about 35% of longevity, while lifestyles, diet, and other environmental factors, including support systems, are the major reasons people live longer.”
Wow, sounds like we just might have more control than we think!
But, it’s not just about living longer. The goal is to live better and longer. This was never more real for me than recently when visiting a senior care nursing facility in Massachusetts to see dear old Aunt Rose. Surrounded by wheelchair after wheelchair with what resembled human life forms, there she sat, no one to talk to, only cold, barely alive bodies to sit by. If ever you are wondering if you should start thinking about the care of your mind — a field trip to the nearest nursing home will answer that question.
Your genome does not change as the years go by, but your epigenome will change dramatically right along with the emotion you feel throughout your life. Starting a new job, falling in love, or going through a family crisis will affect your genes according to how you deal with these situations. Each new day brings opportunities to fortify your genes through the choices you make. You can create a stronger, younger-looking body and clearer mind that ages at a slower rate by controlling what you eat, how you think and how you react to the flow of life.
Recently, while referring to a fit and lean acquaintance, a colleague of mine quipped, “She has good genes.” Good genes? Maybe. The fact that she doesn’t eat sugar, rarely eats meat, loves her husband and practices meditation were not mentioned, just her genes. It’s time we take back the power we have over our own bodies. If you didn’t get good genes on your first “dip in the pool,” remember this is not a sink-or-swim situation. There are many ways to stay afloat on the wave of good health.
I’ll see you in two weeks.
Love & health, Loa