Genetic expression is how your genes are manifested. We can coax the genes for disease to lie dormant by following the healthful suggestions in the section, Optimizing Health. Our gene expression might be quite different should we take care of ourselves. Let’s take a look at some of the ways science has proven that gene expression can be improved with the guidance of a holistic doctor.
What factors affect gene expression?
Genes have the ability to express themselves in a number of different ways. Most of the factors that cause that gene to be activated are under ones control, if you choose to exercise it. Unfortunately for many the road to health is too demanding, so they choose a lifestyle that is life-shortening. When a protoncogene (cancer promoting) gene is activated an individual will develop cancer. Cancer is not the only disease for which the genes can be controlled by you. Let’s take a look at the modifiable factors which control gene expression:
1) Free radical oxidation is extremely amenable to nutritional therapy. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an electron which go through the body seeking an electron. This is a very unstable state and can cause a great deal of cellular damage. Many chronic diseases are associated with free radical damage. Be weary of using synthetic antioxidants in trying to alleviate this problem as they have been shown to magnify the damage.
2) Impaired detoxification is greatly enhanced with proper nutrition. As was discussed in the Toxicity section, toxicity is probably one of the greatest threats to good health. A build up of toxins not only affects organs directly, it can cause an increase in free radical formation. A qualified individual like myself can help you with nutritional programs to aid your body in ridding itself of toxins.
3) Chronic stress has been shown to activate negative genes in the body. The physiological effects of stress cause various organ and body functions to be altered and diminished. Immune system dysfunction is a big problem with chronic stress. A holistic physician can help you reduce some of the damaging physiological effects.
4) Chronic inflammation is another controllable modifiable factor. Modern medicine has been recommending the taking of an aspirin daily to help prevent heart attacks. The reason this works is that it acts to lower inflammation in the body. Chronic low grade inflammation is generally a disturbance in the digestive system. Unfortunately, aspirin as it reduces inflammation it eventually causes problems in the digestive tract. A holistic can easily correct chronic inflammation.
5) Methylation is a pathway that proper nutrition is highly effective at controlling. This abnormal process involves adding a methyl group within the gene, which alters its genetic expression. Methylation is associated with homocysteine formation, which was virtually unheard of 10 years ago. Now it is considered a bigger risk factor for heart disease than the traditional factors of obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. Abnormal homocysteine levels are also associated with Alzheimer’s and the breakdown of female hormones. It can be controlled and maintained with adequate supplementation of certain B vitamins.
6) Dysglycemia or faulty sugar metabolism is another controllable factor. Sixty-one percent of all Americans are now overweight. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, as well as a number of other illnesses are associated with abnormal blood sugar levels. 25% of normal weight individuals have a problem with sugar metabolism as well. A knowledgeable holistic physician will be able to help you determine if you are at risk and prescribe a nutritional program accordingly.
7) Poor immune function is a reflection of an individual’s nutritional status. According to the National Academy of Sciences, a faulty immune system is a direct result of poor nutrition. I constantly hear people deny that there is a link between immune function and nutrition despite the fact research has proven that adequate nutrition will allow an immune function to function properly. A healthy immune system is far more than downing vitamin C and zinc. It requires a number of minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, enzymes and other vitamin cofactors to function at peak efficiency and protect your health.
8) Hormones, and in particular the sex hormones, have either a negative or a positive effect on gene expression. When the body metabolizes (uses) the hormones and then breaks them down, new forms of the hormone are formed. Because of pesticides and hormones in our food supply, we are exposed to hormones and hormone-like compounds as never before. Young girls are exhibiting signs of puberty at eight and nine years of life. These same hormone metabolites can cause breast, uterine and prostatic cancers. A good holistic physician can help design a nutritional program to minimize the ill effects.
As it becomes clear that genes are not just lurking in the body waiting to cause disease. you can see the importance in finding a physician trained in the sciences to understand the complex metabolic pathways and recommend appropriate interventions. Genes can be kept in check and are not something to fear.
This web site is intended for informational purposes and not self-treating. For full disclosure statement see disclaimer.
