it's not ALL genetics...
you have way more power that you think
This stack may hit a few nerves, but we’re diving into this topic all in light of getting you to recognize your true power. This is what I’m all about after all — encouraging you to step into the driver’s seat of your own health. And if there’s one thing I want to make sure of in my messaging, it’s this: you can either live a life that leads with decisions that will serve you or indulge in ones that will ultimately control you in the long run.
I get a bit emotional on this topic because I’ve seen first hand from close people in my life how actively deciding to make change (or neglecting to) can literally 180 one’s life trajectory.
So, if you are convinced that you’ve been dealt “bad genes” when it comes to your health, take a ~5 minute read to reframe this narrative and get motivated to take the reigns when it comes to your health outcomes.
Are genes fixed?
Yes and no.
You have heritable traits you got from your parents that influence eye color, hair color, height, etc. Those you can’t really change through behavior.
However, you also have genes involved in health and wellness, which are impacted highly by inputs we give our bodies. By inputs I mean: food, movement, sleep hygiene, etc.
You might be thinking: “I have a strong family history of heart disease” or “nearly everyone in my family has arthritis”, and while we can inherit these certain health predispositions from our parents, this doesn’t mean you’re doomed or it’s a destined part of of your health story.
Ultimately, your daily lifestyle decisions and immediate environment can tell genes how to express themselves. This is the concept of epigenetics.
Let’s break this down a little.
Epigenetics is like the instruction manual for your genes. They shows us that while our genes provide the blueprint, how that blueprint gets used depends on countless factors in our lives—revealing that we have more influence over our genetic expression than we once thought.
Let’s say you have a predisposition to cancer — ultimately how you live your life can determine if that cancer actually comes to fruition, and if those cancer genes turn “on” and express themselves. Contrary to popular opinion, we have a ton of say (by how we conduct our lifestyle) in if these negative familial actually present themselves and cause disease.
What I’m saying here is: Genes can be expressed completely differently as a result of what they are interpreting from their environment.
We can fuel the fire or douse the flames.
This is hugely overlooked in a world where 1 in 3 of all adults suffer from a chronic disease.
How can you promote optimal gene expression?
Let’s take a favorite example of mine and discuss insulin resistance.
Many of the metabolic diseases common today are just an overload of normal and appropriate bodily processes gone wrong.
Your body is programmed for short term survival, and your genes will always respond accordingly.
When we eat food, we do want an insulin response. That’s how our body is supposed to work. The problem arises (and insulin resistance presents itself) when there’s too much glucose for insulin to respond to. Your pancreas will keep secreting insulin because that it’s job, trying to shuttle glucose into cells.
As you can see, it’s the input (food choices) that causes insulin to go haywire. Your genes will continue to respond as they are meant to — not caring whether signals from your environment actually support health.
See how the input situation is working here?
Here’s another example using stress. Our fight or flight response is designed for short term survival in life threatening situations. In response to danger, our bodies secrete stress hormones from our adrenals that promote an enhanced mental and physical function so we are able to survive said threat.
This is another natural bodily function gone haywire due to the speed and stimulation that is modern life.
Again, your body can’t tell the difference of a true life or death threat or a notification you get with a stressful message from your boss — what we perceive as stressful has become so chronic and frequent, that our stress response becomes haywire, and in turn, compromises our state of health from the overload.
Action items for changing the way you think about your role in your health…
A key takeaway here: you have agency over the decisions you make involved in health! While we may not feel an instant decay in our health when we indulge in the not so optimal decisions, our bodies are always responding accordingly and catch up over time.
Of course, in no way am I saying that this is your absolute formula to a life without dis-ease (obviously this is unpredictable, and there’s SO many factors that go into that) but it’s important to get out of the mindset that our body is working against us + tap into the power of that levers that can be pulled through lifestyle. We can be on our bodies’ sides.
Truthfully, it’s the boring decisions that are going to move the needle. Prioritizing sleep. Not chronically sitting. Nourishing your body properly even when you want to take the lazy way out. Getting your body into beneficial, functional-for-life positions.
Have you ever thought of yourself as the driver of your health outcomes??
I hope this inspired you to take a little bit more autonomy over your health 🤎
In health,
Hanna
I am not a licensed medical professional. As a health coach, I am not providing healthcare, medical, or therapy services; or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed medical provider before embarking on any health, diet, exercise or lifestyle change. The content provided is for educational purposes only.