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Writer's pictureStacey Saladin

Why your genes are NOT your destiny

When it comes to our health, there’s a long-held belief that our genes are our destiny. How many times have you heard (or said), "It runs in the family," or, "It’s in my DNA," as an accepted reason we’re bound to the genetic hand we’ve been dealt? Well, the emerging science is flipping this narrative on its head and showing us how our lifestyle choices play a starring role in our health outcomes, regardless of the genes we inherited.



What is epigenetics, anyway?

Epigenetics, a term coined in the 1940s by biologist Conrad Waddington, explores how our environment and behaviors can influence how our genes are expressed—without altering the DNA sequence itself. Essentially, our lifestyle choices can turn genes on or off, impacting everything from blood pressure to overall well-being. Imagine your DNA as the hardware of a computer, and epigenetics as the software that determines how it operates. The best part? We have control over that software.


Studies on identical twins show that despite sharing the same DNA, differences in lifestyle can lead to vastly different health outcomes, underscoring the power of lifestyle medicine. This means that what we eat, how we move, and how we manage stress can either promote illness or enhance well-being.


OK, what is lifestyle medicine?

Lifestyle medicine focuses on everyday habits and behaviors as therapeutic interventions to not only prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic diseases, but to promote health and well-being. With a focus on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep habits, reducing environmental toxins, and other aspects of daily life, the idea is simple: by adopting healthier habits, we can dramatically improve our overall health and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, and more.

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For example, a plant-based diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity, even something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help lower blood pressure and reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress on the body. Healthy sleep practices, like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a cold, dark and restful environment, can enhance cognitive function and support immune health.


The science of possibility

Epigenetics, often referred to as the "science of possibility," opens up a refreshing new perspective on health and wellness. Unlike traditional genetics, which emphasizes the idea our genetics are set in stone, epigenetics is more like a dynamic script, constantly being edited by our experiences, environment, and lifestyle choices. This shifts the narrative from one of genetic determinism—where our health outcomes are seen as largely predetermined by our DNA—to one of empowerment and possibility, where we have significant influence over how our genes express themselves. Not only that, but science is showing that these changes aren't just reversible—they can be inherited by future generations, meaning the decisions we make today can enhance not only our own health, but also the well-being of our children and grandchildren.


Moving forward

So, what does this mean for you? It means that you have more agency over your health than ever before. It means that your daily choices—what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, how you detox, how you manage stress—can have a profound impact on your well-being. Epigenetics is still a relatively young field, but the science is clear: Lifestyle and environment are like a set of dimmer switches for your genes. While your DNA provides the basic wiring, your lifestyle choices—like diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and managing toxins—control how bright or dim each gene’s influence is.


Embracing the principles of lifestyle medicine isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better. It’s about actively support our body’s natural ability to heal and thrive, shaping a healthier future, one choice at a time.


Here's a great podcast if you want to dive in further.


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