Genes have become the “fall guy.”

They are the “go to” excuse for disease, disability and eventually death. Truth is, genes do not determine your level of health and longevity. It is imperative to understand that it is normal to be healthy and well. Research and ongoing studies continue to reveal that genes are influenced by their environment…and that environment is quite simply…you!

The way you conduct your life on a daily basis in terms of how much exercise you get, what types of food or fuel you feed your body, your sleep patterns, stress levels and other habits actually change the environment of your genes and that in turn changes what they do.

Epigenetics

Is a relatively new science that studies genes in a revolutionary way. This promising field focuses on cellular and physiological traits that are responsible for turning gene switches on and off, defining how our cells read those genes.

Dr. Bruce Lipton, a renowned stem cell biologist and author of The Biology of Belief and Spontaneous Evolution, examined the principles of quantum physics and how they could be integrated into understanding how cells process information. His research revealed that the outer layer of the cell is essentially an organic computer chip that operates like the brain of the cell. He discovered that the environment, which communicates through the cell membrane, is empowered to turn genes on and off, essentially controlling the behavior and physiology of the cell.

Epigenetics empowers us. It reveals that we are not fixed, mechanical beings but dynamic expressions of our thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, toxic exposures, exercise or lack thereof, and everything we put into our bodies. It shows that we are not controlled by genetic makeup alone. Whatever genes are turned on or off is primarily determined by our perceptions, attitudes, thoughts and actions.

Without a doubt, these rapid advances in understanding how our genes operate and affect our bodies and health have proven to be a tremendous blessing. They allow us to proactively prevent and even reverse diseases once thought inevitable, to shed unwanted weight, and to enjoy a renewed sense of vitality and balance.

What’s truly remarkable is how quickly these changes can occur. Studies in epigenetics show that within just a few weeks of consistent healthy choices—nutrient-dense meals, regular movement, and emotional balance—genes begin expressing in new, beneficial ways. This means that you are never “stuck” with what you’ve inherited. The moment you decide to change your internal and external environment, your body begins reprogramming itself toward healing, balance and vitality.

Which ones are switched on and which ones are switched off is totally influenced by you and the environment inside your body. For example, certain genes can make you prone to inflammation which damages cells, tissues and organs and hastens the aging process which is the gradual deterioration and degeneration of function at the cellular and organ level and oxidation which is a process akin to rusting of the body.

Give your DNA a makeover:

It really does not matter much what your current health condition is at the moment.

The only thing that matters is that you do have the power to build a strong, healthy body that provides optimal disease protection by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This empowers you to give your DNA a makeover, a second chance of sorts. You begin to shift your life away from disease rather than attracting it.

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to influence your genes is through movement. Exercise doesn’t just tone muscles, it switches on genes related to repair, regeneration, and youthfulness. A 30-minute brisk walk or strength workout signals your DNA to build stronger mitochondria, the body’s energy factories, and reduce inflammation. Each time you move, you’re literally rewriting your biological story.

The keyword here is you. You must stop looking outside of yourself for solutions to issues that can only be permanently solved within your mindset, your beliefs, your perceptions and your actions. Health care is really only self-care. Only you can build that powerhouse body, one that is strong, fit and lean. A vibrant, healthy body with optimal disease protection.

Don’t wait for disease to set in. Be proactive and take action steps to improve your health every day. Take time to exercise and feed your body the right fuel so that your immune system is working at peak performance. The focus needs to be you, not anything outside of you.

You can reshuffle your genetic deck in your favor with healthy behaviors and reduce the likelihood of a bad outcome, reducing your disease risk by a whopping 80 percent. You are the empowered one, not the doctor, nor the supplement. Neither can come close to offering you such powerful results.

Remember too that your emotional environment matters just as much as your physical one. Chronic stress, resentment or fear release hormones that tell your body you’re in danger, suppressing the immune system and accelerating aging. Conversely, gratitude, love and laughter flood your system with healing chemistry. Your thoughts are biochemical messages to your cells. Choose the ones that nourish life.

You do have the ability to be disease proof and add years of quality living to your lifespan, but you must embrace and learn certain skills. However, once you learn those skills you have them for life.

Take back control and quit giving your power away to shiny objects outside of yourself that are temporary Band-Aids at best and give yourself the gift of life instead. It’s time to commit to making the proper changes needed to fully protect yourself from preventable lifestyle diseases and reap the benefits of health and longevity.

The combination of extended years and more life in those years is truly the best gift you can give yourself. It really is the gift that keeps on giving.

No one will ever care as much as you do about your own health, vitality and wellbeing. Remember, it is far easier to keep good health than try and recover it after it is lost. Make this your motto and remind yourself of this fact every day.

Focus on living up to your full potential to optimize your health and wellness regardless of age rather than trying to run from inevitable disease.

Keep yourself strong and healthy – 

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