Your Genetics, Your Destiny?
By:Katie Romano, Fort Myers Certified Hypnotist, Certified Life Coach, LPN and Fort Myers Acupuncturist Dr. David Martin
Nature versus Nurture.
The debate over whether our genetics determine everything from eye color and health, to personality, or whether these things are manipulated by our environment has been raging for ages. It’s generally accepted that your eye color is indeed genetically determined, though as we move into determining disease and personality, things get a bit more interesting. The nurture camp has compelling research to support its arguments that far more than DNA is at work in our lives. In fact, DNA is a mere road map. Each time we make a choice, take a breath of fresh air, a bite of food, etc. we are telling our bodies how to express what’s in our genes.
The Genetic Map-Expressing as You.
Think of your genes as a road map for your body’s development, with multiple paths and multiple destinations. Furthermore, while each of us has a similar looking map, how we get where we are going is dependant on multiple factors: The type of fuel we give our bodies, the way we maintain our vehicle, environmental toxins, even our thoughts all influence which roads we travel on and how far we will go. Dr. Roger Williams, a University of Texas biochemist and leading researcher in Functional Medicine, described this as “Biochemical Individuality.” Commenting on William’s work, Dr. Elina Chernyak, D.O. of Vail, Colorado stated, “The Human Genome Project is permitting us to recognize some unanticipated aspects of molecular genetics and molecular biology. The impact of nutrients on the expression of these genetic characteristics results in our diversified genetic potentials.”
Ready for an anecdote that puts this into a nutshell? My mom always said that she was grateful there was only one of me, because one was hard enough to keep up with. Based on Williams’s theories, I have both good and other news for mom. First, there are more “Mes” deep in my DNA code, the current “me” is only expressing as a bubbly, energetic gal. In other news, there are also more of my mom, deep in her DNA and maybe if she added more greens to her diet, the current mom could keep up with me!
Mind Blowing New Developments.
Former research scientist and university professor, Dr. Bruce Lipton shares additional insights in his book, The Biology of Belief. Lipton’s work shows that our genes and DNA do not control our biology. In fact, DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. Huh? How does that work? Well, biochemically, our thoughts create moods, and the underlying chemicals (called neuropeptides) which are created in our brain to match those moods physically attach to cells and turn a “dial” on the cells which changes their behavior (“expression”)!
Putting It All Together.
These emerging biological breakthroughs put the onus on us (as individuals)to drive– to make the choice to live better each moment –rather than trying to let our “maps” drive our “vehicles.” Furthermore, there is no predestined disease out there waiting to claim you unless you continue to feed the part of you that encourages its expression. Williams shares in his work how micronutrient therapy can reverse many genetic mal-expressions when caught early enough through micronutrient testing and other functional/holistic methods.
If you are still concerned about impending ill-health or disease, I have some parting questions for you: What are you eating, drinking, touching, breathing, thinking? Are you exercising? Did you know that Lotus Blossom Clinic offers free health risk assessments, eating plans, and classes to help you express your very best? Call us for your appointment: (239) 277-1399.
Katie Romano is a Certified Hypnotist, Holistic Life Coach, Licensed Practical Nurse and the CEO of Get Groovy Publishing, a company which publishes only holistic works. Katie currently practices primarily in Fort Myers and speaks nationally about topics related to health and wellness.
Dr. David Martin is an Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine practicing in both Colorado and Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Martin is often called to speak publicly about natural medicine and teaches accredited CEU courses for massage therapists.
