(Part 1)
The good news is out—your genetic makeup isn’t the only thing responsible for predicting your illness. In short, you don’t have to be a victim of your DNA.
There are approximately 3 billion letters in the entire human genome, which scientists sequenced into 30,000 genes. Latest studies have discovered additional letters; thus there will be more truths unraveled about the intricacies of the body.
The human body, being complex, has its own personal and particular interactions with the following key factors: attitude, stress, diet, behavior, pharmaceuticals and environment.
There is a new science called epigenetics, which studies the ways and means to control genes. There are two dramatic ways: exercise and diet.
While the data may not be as foolproof, it doesn’t hurt to know the dos and don’ts. David B. Agus, M.D., author of “The Lucky Years,” maintains that the majority of diseases plaguing the modern world result from the dynamics of genes and the environment.
However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that if an individual does A, B and C regimens, it will necessarily result in D, E and F. There are no hard and fast rules. What is effective for one person may not achieve the same results in another.
Personal environment
What is interesting is this: One’s personal environment (within the body) has a direct impact (both positive and negative) on the individual. This explains why, in many cases of cancer, there has been no family history of the disease.
Another case in point: Congenital heart disease isn’t the common cause of heart failure. The culprits are smoking, poor diet, drug or alcohol abuse, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, extreme stress and high blood pressure.
This is called a person’s context.
Can any disease be reversible? Through dramatic lifestyle changes, yes.
Should one have a DNA profile test? Not necessarily. Today, through a simple blood test, 300 known genetic markers can be determined. And there will be more developments to follow. What can be done today is that we get started immediately to determine our own individual contexts.
The immune system is powerful. It can be extremely effective in fighting infections and disease, for as long as we do not compromise it.
As time is of the essence, an urgent to-do list has been drawn up.
1. Respect and honor your body. Do not abuse or misuse it. It has its limits.
2. Eat a nutritious diet. Go organic as much as possible. Decrease the consumption of processed food.
3. Take good bacteria. Nobel Prize Laureate Elie Metchnikoff, the father of natural immunity, popularized the consumption of good bacteria from fermented food like yoghurt. This strengthens the gut to fight disease.
4. Optimism. It is evident in class reunions. See how some classmates are obese and balding, while others look slim and fit, still with their hair? It appears that some people are more young-looking than the others because of their attitude in life. An optimistic person always looks on the bright side.
5. Keep moving. There has to be general movement in the body. You need muscle mass for strength. Exercise retards the aging process.
This week’s affirmation: “I will live a long life.”
Love and light.
