Did you know that your DNA can turn on and off? The human genome is a dynamic, not a static process. The genes of the human body can turn on and off for better or for worse. Science is now discovering ways to activate the genes that can make you healthy.
Likewise, science is also discovering that poor lifestyle choices can activate the genes that make us sick. The power of your own decisions can have a dramatic influence in your overall health. Becoming healthier is a decision that you can make. Those decisions are not difficult, but simple.
According to Dean Ornish, M.D. research is showing simplicity is healthy. Dr. Ornish’s research focuses on eating right, reducing stress, moderate exercise, and a positive attitude. We have heard this before and I have also written about this in past articles many times, but now research shows these simple measures activate the genes that promote health.
Eating a low-fat diet, meditating 30 minutes a day, 20 minutes of exercise four times a week, and a positive attitude can prevent and even reverse heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Nothing on this list is expensive, high-tech, or complicated. Improving your health does not require laser beams, robot surgery, or an electronic health record.
Focusing on positive lifestyle choices can alter gene expression. The result of these simple lifestyle choices can turn on genes that counter illness. Dr. Ornish writes, “Our genes are a predisposition, but they are not our fate.”
One of my favorite quotations is, “Life is a process, not an event.” I would also add life does not need to be a guilt trip. In other words, you take baby steps and you don’t beat yourself up if you’re not perfect.
If you have an ice cream one day, then eat an apple the next day. If you don’t exercise today, do it tomorrow. If you don’t feel like you have the time for 30 minutes of meditation today, take 5 minutes tomorrow. It is your intention that counts. Your intention to be healthier can make all the difference. You are responsible for the intention; the result will take care of itself.
In my 21 years of practicing medicine my clinical observation is that the most important factor in healing is attitude. My contribution is as a teacher and guide to my patients, but they do the healing. The ones with a positive attitude have always demonstrated a better healing capacity regardless of the ailment.
What this has taught me is that healing is from within. Gratitude, kindness, generosity, and a sense of humor can go a long way in improving your health. The nice thing about a positive attitude is it costs no money, requires little effort and time and there are no negative side effects. Medicine made simple.
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He is an award winning author who has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its positive impact on health. For more information or for an appointment please call 707-263-3727.