Do Genetics Dictate Your Health?

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You exercise, eat healthy, take supplements, and do your best to reduce the stress in your life. Anyone looking in from the outside would say you are definitely a “healthy” person. But, are all those things you do for your health enough? How much of your health is prewritten in your genes, and is there anything you can do to change what’s to come? Let’s dig a little deeper.

What are Genetic Disorders?

If you remember from high school Biology class, each of us is made up of perfectly coded sequences of DNA, otherwise known as “genes.” Copies of genes are passed down from parent to child almost exactly, with a few tweaks here and there known as mutations. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all written in our genes before we are even born. It’s the reason you inherited your mother’s beautiful red hair, or your father’s nose that you think is too big. Unfortunately, it’s also why you may be at risk for a number of genetic disorders such as:

  • Heart Disease
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Mental Illness
  • Obesity

Can I Avoid Getting Sick?

Just because a genetic disorder such as heart disease runs in your family, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get it. What it means is that you are more at risk for developing such a disease, particularly if you don’t take care of your health. Some lifestyle choices that greatly increase your odds of falling victim to a genetic disorder include:

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol Abuse
  • Unhealthy Diet
  • Chronic Stress
  • Obesity

Improving Your Health

The good news is that by paying attention to your health you can help avoid falling victim to the flaws that live inside your genes. Lifestyle choices play a major role. Here are ways you can improve your health and stay on top of genetic dispositions before they become an issue.

  • Regular Checkups – Getting a physical every year is important for discovering any issues before they become a problem. Make sure your doctor is aware of your genetic history so they can look for signs of those issues.
  • Watch Your Diet – We’re not talking about starving yourself to lose 10 pounds. We’re talking about making a day-to-day choice to eat clean, whole, healthy foods. The best diet is a well-rounded one made up of plenty of lean proteins, dark green vegetables, and whole grains. A daily multivitamin is also an important part of a healthy diet, so make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need everyday. In addition, supplements by trusted brands such as Metagenics are formulated especially with your unique genetics in mind to help support your overall wellbeing.
  • Exercise – Just 150 hours of moderate physical activity a week can make a huge difference in lowering your chances of developing a genetic disease such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • Gut Health – Keeping your gut healthy is a key component of overall health. Probiotics can help you with that. You might also want to try an occasional cleanse or detox program.

Your genes don’t have to dictate your health. You can outsmart them with healthy lifestyle choices. Here’s to your health!