For decades, medical scientists believed that genes determined our biological destiny. If cancer, heart disease, or diabetes were part of our family history, developing these diseases seemed inevitable. However, thanks to a growing body of genetic research, we now know that genes are not our destiny. While we can’t alter the structure of our genes or the sequence of our DNA, we can influence the activity of our genes to create good health and well-being.
We all inherit between 20,000 and 25,000 genes from our parents. Some of these genes include genetic mutations, which are variations of a gene that can affect how that gene expresses itself in your body. While 95% of disease-related gene mutations increase your risk factors for disease, they don’t predict the disease. In other words, simply because you carry a genetic mutation that predisposes you to heart disease, you are not destined to develop it. Only 5% of disease-related gene mutations are fully penetrant, which means that the gene directly causes a disorder. Here’s even more good news: You have the ability to influence the expression of 95% of disease-related gene mutations, including genes for Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancer.
Through your daily lifestyle choices, you can optimize how your genes behave, helping to “turn on” the genes that promote good health and “turn off” the genes that promote illness. Here are what I consider the six most important pillars of health.
By Deepak Chopra, MD
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