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.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-frank-lipman/epigenetics-research_b_862022.html

http://genieinyourgenes.com

http://dawsonchurch.com/vitae/

http://niih.org

http://www.eftuniverse.com

Black Mold Triggers Serious Health Problems

This article on black mold and natural ways to get rid of it was published before on this site. Long exposure to mold creates many serious health problems. There are natural ways to clean up mold without toxic exposure to harsh chemicals. 

I had been introduced to the dark side of mold—black mold. My last work place, a public school, was infested. I ignored it—big mistake. I just tried to stay away from that office as much as possible. I blamed the increased headaches, dry eyes, allergy reactions, aches, pains, depression, and more, on to aging and stress. 

 I found myself with a bronchial infection where I did not sleep for three days because I coughed constantly. I went to the physician she put me on antibiotics. After six weeks of medication I began to make progress. But while I was laying on the couch reviewing my life, trying to figure out— how did I get to this state of depleted health, I realized THIS IS MOLD RELATED.

I had a damp basement in my home. My contractor set to work to deal with the wet basement—French drains outside and in. A French drain can have perforated hollow pipes along the bottom to quickly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock. I could tell an immediate improvement in the interior environment after the mold remediation.

People living with black toxic mold usually breathe in the mycotoxins. However they can also ingest them or absorb them through their skin. When mycotoxins end up lodging in the lungs this creates breathing problems. Inhaling mycotoxins is much more harmful than ingesting them. The main type of mycotoxins are called trithochecenes. These are some of the most toxic mycotoxins. It is suspected that trichothecenes can cause cancer and damage the immune system. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms. The seriousness of the symptoms depends on the amount of mycotoxins and length of exposure.

If you have a black toxic mold problem you might suffer some of these symptoms:

• Dry eyes • Vision problems • Mental impairment • Neurological symptoms• Memory loss • Anxiety • Depression • Confusion

• Balance problems • General discomfort • Pain • Joint pain • Muscle aches • Muscle pain • Tiredness • Fatigue • Headache • Nausea • Stomach pain • Abdominal pain • Internal lesions • Bleeding • Dermatitis • Rash • Breathing problems • Respiratory problems • Burning lungs • Bleeding lungs • Pulmonary hemorrhage • Wheezing • Shortness of breath • Sore throat • Burning throat • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Coughing • Coughing up blood • Sneezing • Flu-like symptoms • Cold symptoms • Fever • Nosebleeds • Rhinitis • Swollen lymph nodes • Heart palpitations • Yellow nails • Whitemarks under nail • Neck boils • Malaise • Seizures • Autoimmune disease • Acid reflux • Internal organ damage

A frequent musty smell in your home may be the sign of a mold infestation. If you suspect a musty smell, it’s a good idea to hire a professional who can assess your home. If you suspect you have a serious black mold problem call a professional mold remediation specialist to test the mold and make recommendations. The biggest mistake would be to try to kill or remove black toxic mold yourself. Disturbing black toxic mold can trigger the release of millions of spores and mycotoxins. These can contaminate your home, perhaps even beyond repair. The goal of black toxic mold removal is not to kill the mold, rather the goal is to completely remove the mold from your home.

For small, household mold clean up from nonporous surfaces, you can scrub mold from surfaces using water and detergent. Lightly wet the mold growth before you start scrubbing to stop mold spores from escaping into the air. Dead mold spores are still allergenic. So the main goal is to remove the mold, whether you kill it or not.

Does bleach kill mold? Bleach does NOT kill mold. It doesn't even disinfect mold spores. The only thing that bleach does is change the color of the mold by damaging the roots of it. Bleach is not an effective way to kill mold and provides only a temporary solution by slowing its growth. Chlorine bleach doesn't kill mold spores because bleach is made mostly out of water. Water is a main requirement for mold growth and trying to get rid of it with a product that is 99% mold (ie. bleach) isn't very effective.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1075538 

Natural Mold Removers

Tea Tree Oil - which you can purchase at health food stores does a fantastic job as a mold remover. It is expensive but you only have to use small amounts to get great results. It can be used on walls, ceilings, shower curtains etc. Be aware that it does have a very strong odor which will take a few days to calm down - at least it's better than a musty moldy smell! Tea Tree Oil appears to remove and kill the vast majority of mold types.

First thing to do is mix 2 teaspoons of the tea tree oil with approximately 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake gently to mix the two then spray the areas of mold with the solution. There is no need to rinse the mixture off simply leave to dry. You can keep the mixture ready for next time!

Vinegar - something which every household will most definitely have in the kitchen cupboard and it costs very little to buy. White distilled vinegar poured into a spray bottle and sprayed directly onto the area of mold will kill around 82% of molds according to reports. Again, don't rinse, allow to dry. This one is particularly smelly but a good, cheap mold remover!

Grapefruit Seed Extract - this one has a huge advantage over the others - it is completely odorless. The down side is that like tea tree oil it is expensive but again only small quantities are needed. Put 20 drops of the grapefruit extract into a spray bottle and mix with two cups of water. Once again apply to the affected area, no rinsing is required just allow to dry. This mixture too can be kept indefinitely.

Borax- is a common cleaning chemical used by individuals and industrial companies alike. It does not emit any toxic chemicals when you use it, so you do not need to wear any sort of respiratory mask while using Borax. Mix one cup of the Borax with a gallon of water. Shake or stir the container you mix the solution in to thoroughly stir up the water and Borax. Dip a scrubbing brush into the Borax mixture and scrub the mold away with the brush. The Borax will loosen the mold's hold on the surface while the brush completely removes it.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5564625_use-borax-kill-mold.html#ixzz279ynpPVg 

http://EzineArticles.com/3582608