Genes –vs- Environment

I think the verdict is clear; it’s both! Every week science is identifying genes that contribute to every health problem imaginable. It’s true; genes control traits that are passed down from generation to generation. What you’re not hearing much about is the fact that, when it comes to disease processes, these Genes must be activated! The Doctor always tells you about the gene they found but they always minimize the statement that follows with something like, “it also seems that lifestyle factors play a role.” It’s called Epigenetics, it’s real, and it’s crucial that you understand it. Dr Wiki actually has a decent definition, “In biology, and specifically genetics, epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence, hence the name epi- (Greek: επί- over, above) -genetics. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell's life and may also last for multiple generations. However, there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism; instead, Non-Genetic factors cause the organism's genes to behave (or "express themselves") differently.”  (Watch the video below on Epigenetics to fully understand the sicience behind what I talk about on this blog.)

 

“What we think of as our health is more like an interaction between our bodies, our genomes, our choices and our environment”. ~John Wilbanks featured in the TED talk below 

This is why it is vital that we ask the right questions and this is why we practice Functional Medicine at Be Well.

 

What we have learned from recent science is that our cells respond to our environment and it’s our environment that has the most control over gene expression. We know that there is genetic involvement with problems like Trichotillomania. (Specifically, the gene defect most commonly seen is in the A1 Allele of the D2 Dopamine Receptor; they have also identified problems in serotonin pathways and there are probably others as well. Research here:  http://www.lifeskillsu.org/campus/campus_key/rdj/reward_deficiency.html) This dysfunction affects neurotransmitter function in the reward system of the brain which causese a sense of "Reward Deficiency". This Does Not mean that you are destined to struggle with these problems forever! Take “Action Steps” to down regulate the expression of these genes!

Trichotillomania, ADD/ADHD and so many other NATURAL Behavioral Problems have manifested because we are not supporting our normal natural physiology. YES, there’s a gene (or genes) responsible for making us susceptible to these problems but most of us are doing nothing about changing our environment to minimize activation of these issues. I’m not anti-medicine but they have us convinced that there’s something wrong with us, when in reality there’s something wrong with the environment. We’re just the ones that SENSE the problem! Once you understand these simple truths you can change your environment and that will lead to minimizing these "problems" and eventually overcoming them. This is real science, not pseudo-science and when you understand what I’m talking about here you will understand that you are not a VICTIM of bad genes or bad luck… You are powerful but you must support your body’s normal physiology; Wholeism is the only real answer! (more here: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2010/11/allow-me-to-clarify.html) 

Research from Purdue Univ. regarding Trich and Diet http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2010/101213GarnerTryptophan.html

Take Action Steps!
http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2010/11/action-steps-to-overcoming-sensory.html

Watch "Changing Your Beliefs About Health and Illness:

More on Reward Deficiency Syndrome:

Support Group Information:

http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/06/support-group-information-and-faqs.html

My Trich Story:

http://www.bewellnsb.com/Letter%20to%20Trichsters.pdf