Genetics? Or, Lifestyle?

by Jody Perrecone

Some 2,000 people responded to a recent survey conducted by National Human Genome Research Institute to determine if people used genetics as justification for their medical ailments.

Respondents were evenly divided between men and women: 1/3 were college graduates,  2/3 were married, ¼ of the respondents were smokers, 1/3 reported they were obese, and ¼ said they were basically physically inactive.  They were asked about their eating habits, smoking, drinking, exercise, sun exposure, multivitamin use, educational background, and their weight status, and their family history.

Surveyed participants who listed a family history of heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure express their belief that these diseases were most likely the result of genetic predisposition. Similarly, surveyed participants who engaged in unhealthy behaviors reported that genetics were most likely responsible for the cause of high blood pressure and cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control Foundation reported that genetically humans are 99.9% identical.  Only .1% of our genetics is accountable for individual differences such as hair color and predisposition to disease.

On the other hand, over 70% of our health is determined by our lifestyle: what we eat and drink and whether or not we smoke and exercise.  Studies have shown that we can turn off and turn on genes responsible for many of our chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes, overweight, high cholesterol, heart disease, and some digestive disorders.  Genetics appear to be the loaded gun, and lifestyle is the trigger.  For instance, Dr. Dean Ornish showed conclusively that the expression of cancer genes could be altered by what patients ate:  high fat, high protein diet turned on the cancer genes, while a simpler diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains turned the genes off.

Interested in learning more about slowing down, stopping, and reversing many of these chronic diseases, then call 815-316-6361 for information for the next CHIP Program beginning  September 26th.