Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Do Mutated Genes Create a Life of Chronic Disease?


Genes are protein sequences in the body’s cells that are a biological code, set of directions, for your hereditary life plan. Will you have blue eyes or brown? Your DNA, your cellular code, holds this genetic information.
DNA isn’t everything according to emerging research in the science of Epigenetics. I firmly believe it is the synergy of Mind, Body, and Spirit that allows us to create and maintain the physical body. Mind, Body and Spirit are interactive in creating vibrant health and wellness.
If mom had breast cancer and dad had high blood pressure, is it inevitable that you're headed for both? A layperson’s understanding of genome mapping might lead us to think so and to take drastic action.
Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed because she carries a gene mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Was this choice extreme? Ms. Jolie has a right to personal choice. Hopefully the choice was not based on fear and a misunderstanding of gene mutation.
Amy Norton, HealthDay Reporter for medicinenet.com reported the average U.S. woman has a 12 percent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer and only a 1.4 percent risk of ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Norton states most breast cancers are not inherited, and gene mutations, primarily of the BRCA genes, account for only 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. Only 1 in 500 women manifest breast cancer due to a BRCA gene mutation.

The body has within it processes for eliminating mutated genes. In a 2008 issue of Nature Education, Suzanne Clancy, Ph.D., reports mutations in an organism's DNA are a part of life. Our genetic code is exposed to a variety of insults that threaten its integrity. But, a rigorous system of checks and balances is in place through the DNA repair machinery.

Should you care about your genetic make up? Yes and no. What is important is to have the knowledge that allows you to make informed choices. Two important pieces of information are 1.) Not all genes express themselves (become active) in your life, and 2.) Epigenetic research shows we switch genes off and on (or create gene mutation) based on the biochemical environment within the body. (This does not have to be Darwinian evolution over eons.)(Gene mutation may be useful as a process for adapting to environmental change)

C. H. Waddington coined the word epigenetics in 1942 as a conceptual model of how genes might interact with their surroundings (environment) to produce a set of expressed physical traits and biological development. Currently, Epigenetics is the study of molecular mechanisms by which our environment controls or initiates gene activity.

I recently read the book The Genie in Your Genes by Dawson Church, Ph.D. This book is grounded in research and discusses the exciting possibilities of a medical model that links soul to body and mind. Church uses insights from the science of Epigenetics and applies these to healing. He cites hundreds of scientific studies that demonstrate how beliefs and emotions can trigger the expression of DNA strands.

He has created the idea of  "Epigenetic Medicine" to describe healing techniques, which will heal us at the cellular level. The book also discusses the science behind Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine.

Epigenetic science examines the factors and patterns that influence whether our genes are turned on or off, are active or dormant. Signals come from inside the cell, from neighboring cells or from the outside world. These signals come from environmental factors like diet, stress and prenatal nutrition. While we are made up of a unique, unchangeable genetic code, it is epigenetic factors such as lifestyle and diet that can radically change what our genes do.

Less than 2 percent of our genetic makeup cannot be modified. Research shows we have more control over our health than we realize. For better or worse, research shows that lifestyle changes can cause changes in gene expression. Factors such as stress, diet, behavior, and environmental toxins activate chemical switches to turn genes on or off regulating gene expression. Genetic codes may predispose us to certain chronic disease but this is not fate or destiny.
Epigenetic changes can be passed down for many generations. The lifestyle choices we make affect our present wellbeing, our children, and grandchildren. It is unlikely a mutated gene will revert back to normal. However defective epigenetic coding, created by environmental stresses, may be reprogrammed reestablishing a healthy pattern and function.
Dr. Frank Lipman, expert in Integrative Medicine, has developed the concept of sustainable wellness utilizing a customized blend of Western medicine, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, vitamins and herbs, relaxation techniques, physical therapy and bodywork. A holistic, Mind, Body, Spirit approach is the future of health medicine.
Church in his book, The Genie in Your Genes, tells us when we take control of our consciousness and thoughts we can influence our genetic expression. He discusses techniques and strategies that sometimes bypass years of therapy, harmful drugs, and invasive surgeries to affect genetic engineering in our own bodies. We can create immediate relief from long-standing anxieties and neuroses, as well as "miraculous" healing of chronic health conditions-- especially autoimmune diseases.

The research is in. We are shaping our brains and genetic expression by the nature of our thoughts. We can improve emotional and physical health as well as chronic health issues. Epigenetic science offers us hope, knowledge and insight into the healing power of Mind, Body, Spirit synergy.


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