Genes are not in the driving seat when it comes to finding our way to a long and healthy life. Although the influence genetic determinism has on our lives is present in the way we look, in some of our behavioral traits, and our potential predisposition to certain illnesses – the latter needn’t be the case if we take the right steps now.
In the case of cancer – the second biggest killer in the United States alone – there’s a misconception that should we have a family history of a certain type of cancer, then we’re powerless to avert our genes from ‘expressing’ on a predetermined path. Of course, we must take heed to our genetic propensity and screening should still be employed, but safer, more natural alternatives must be explored before costly medicines, and serious surgery is undertaken. Sadly, mainstream media’s focus is on cure rather than prevention, which seems to be highly counter-intuitive.
There are so many external factors that affect our health, and by extension, there’re a lot of things we can do to minimize and avoid detrimental genetic changes. Anything from exposure to the increasing amount of toxins in our food and water, to how stressful our lives are, to what we consume; all affect our propensity to contracting disease or encouraging illness – genetic predisposition or not.
This is one of the reasons I’ve developed the F.I.G.H.T program – a complete well being system that looks at every aspect of our health. It works to counter the harmful effects of toxins and pollutants in our air, diet, and reduce the risk of infection and disease contraction (Read the 6 articles that make up Dr Gordon’s F .I.G.H.T program. Here)
Ultimately, the aim of the program is to increase our longevity, and heighten our sense of well being as naturally and effectively as possible. With steps that we can easily add to our daily health regimen, the way our genes express themselves is not our health blueprint.
There is a branch of medical science called epigenetics that directly studies external forces on the way our genes develop. What’s been found is that certain toxins trigger expression of harmful genetic sequences. The stimuli include toxins that are very much present in our everyday life, so by avoiding them as best we can; we can reduce the risk considerably.
One prolific example is the compound is BPA – Bisphenol A. Found in water bottles, food containers, food wrap and many plastic food and drink containers; this endocrine disruptor is causing growing concern. Essentially, it mirrors the body’s own hormones and causes cells and genes to mutate. BPA is a compound that’s now been declared toxic by countries like Canada, but to date, it’s estimated to be present in the urine of 95% all of us.
There are literally thousands of toxins, like BPA, that reside in our food, water and air, and it’s up to us to do our best to steer clear of BPA and indeed, any artificial, processed and contaminant-laden food. By detoxing, looking to more organic produce and getting supplements that counter these damaging metals and carcinogens, we can prevent certain harmful gene mutations occurring.
One large-scale study in the field of epigenetics in regard to cancer was carried out by world-leading oncologist, Dr. Tsneneo Kobayashi, MD, PhD. He found that by monitoring several thousand cancer-risk patients and putting them on a supplement-rich, immune system boosting diet and advocating an all-round healthier lifestyle – exercise, sporadic detoxing, and regular sleep meant that not a single one of his patients developed cancer under this regimen and supervision.
This is just one example in many of the power of a simple, healthy diet, controlled nutrition and supplemental tweaks making a big difference.
When women are known to posses the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, then they are said to have an elevated risk of contracting breast and ovarian cancer. A commonly prescribed treatment involves undergoing prophylactic surgery (mastectomy) or chemo-prevention. The former – prophylactic surgery – involves removing the breast, or both breasts, and/or the ovaries. The latter – chemo-prevention involves some serious side-effect heavy drugs, both in the hope of, but not certainly, preventing cancer. Without resorting to such drastic measures, there are ways to address the genetic propensity easily and naturally. One such natural alternative is Pueraria Mirifica as found in the H.R.T. Plus® supplement. This naturally derived extract contains miroestrol which as well as modulating estrogen levels by occupying estrogen receptors (and avoiding the unwanted effects of hormonal changes like menopause), it’s also is known to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Of all cancer diagnosis, breast cancer accounts for nearly a third, so it’s required to pay heed to this virulent type. Regular screening is necessary for all women, but if there is a particular genetic propensity, then preventative, inexpensive and accessible measures must surely be equally as necessary as screening.
It’s the accumulation of harmful toxins, metals and impurities that can cause illness and trigger our genes to mutate. By having a regular detox we can remove the build-up and give our immune system the best possible chance of fighting infection. There are also certain omniscient metals like lead and mercury that are found in many foods like fish, meat and vegetables that our body simply can’t shift. Powerful and safe supplements like Bio En’R-G’y C®, ZeoGold® and H-Minus® are highly effective for this purpose. They work on a cellular level in a process called autophagy. This is where toxins are bonded to, ‘swept up’ and taken out of the system. Consistent studies have isolated a strong link between autophagy and detoxing as elemental to avoiding diseases such as cancer.
Screening is necessary as a pre-emptive measure for breast cancer whatever propensity we may have. For a good picture of what our genes lean towards in the general health-stakes, there is a 72 gene panel called Smart DNA. The relatively inexpensive $425 test helps to tailor a more advanced and accurate nutritional supplement program. It does this by identifying specific genetic markers that may indicate susceptibility towards certain cancers or other chronic diseases.
Whatever our leaning towards certain conditions or diseases, supplemental vitamins, toxin-removers and immune system boosters are all vital to keep us functioning at our best. We’re not destined to follow the health-path of our parents, grandparents, or relatives; we can always influence how healthy we are in the future by the choices we make today.