In my post on The
Cancer Gene we saw that a
healthy lifestyle can potentially silence genes before they manifest as disease. What if I told you that healthy living
may also silence a gene inherited by future generations? The idea was
mind boggling - is it even possible?
Though we cannot
change our DNA sequence; research indicates that living a healthy lifestyle can
put genes for certain illnesses into sleep mode. These exciting
findings are part of a new branch of science known as epigenetics, which
coincidentally explains why living a healthy lifestyle reduces the genetic risk
of illness in the 1st place. Most of us are familiar with the human genome, the
DNA spiral that sits at the core of every last cell in your body. It holds an
infinite number of possible physical traits: mom’s blue eyes, dad’s full head
of hair, grandpa’s receding hairline, grandma’s gene for obesity, the list goes
on and on. How do our cells know which genes to express? This is where the
epigenome comes into play; a thin layer of data that coats the DNA spiral.
The epigenome is
full of chemical markers that tell the DNA in each particular cell what to
become. For example, it might tell a cell in the eye and that it will be part
of the yellow speck in an otherwise blue iris. The human body is constantly
replenishing cells; new cells inherit the old cell’s epigenetic markers
ensuring consistence and continuity in the body. This lesson in genetics is
relevant to healing because environmental and lifestyle factors such as stress,
diet, alcohol and cigarettes also leave a mark on the epigenome. Logically, it
would follow that increasing stress levels will have a cumulative effect on the
epigenome. How that translates to cell replication has yet to be seen, though
intuitively you would think that reducing stress levels will have a positive
impact.
Research indicates that epigenetic markers are also passed down from
parent to child. A study tracking Swedish families over several decades
indicated that the stress induced by childhood famine wreaks havoc on the
health of future generations [Ref 2].
The pharmaceutical
industry has been quick to test drugs that may block cancer genes though the
epigenome. This is particularly relevant today, given the rise in preventive
mastectomies since DNA sequencing has become accessible. If these drugs are approved they will give women with breast cancer genes Brca1 and Brca2 more options to consider (within the parameters of conventional medicine).
Drugs aside, what can we do in the meantime? My intuition tells me to start by modifying lifestyle factors known to
leave a mark: follow a healthy diet, exercise, cut back on alcohol and
cigarette smoking. The other big culprit is stress; relaxation techniques may
have a direct impact on your physical health as well as boosting your state of
mind. Find a relaxation technique you enjoy, there are plenty to choose from
including meditation, conscious breathing, yoga and of course Reiki and Energy
Healing.
Let’s not forget that we can also act on the stress triggers. Stress
is linked to fear of failure: fear of missing a deadline or not being able to
pay the rent. Working on your organization skills and being proactive will also
reduce stress levels. You may even wind up enjoying yourself in the process!
Note: I am researching these ideas and will include an update in my energy healing book when it is published in 2013. Stay tuned for Self-Healing, Cancer & Love.
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