You probably have heard about “Bad Genes” i.e. the idea that because someone in your family has a certain health condition (heart disease, diabetes etc.) that your chances of having that same condition are increased because good genes create good health whereas bad genes create disease—but new research says YOUR HEALTH NOT YOUR GENES.

But Dr. Ernst, my friend has the BRCA gene that causes breast cancer and my mom had breast cancer, my sister had breast cancer and my aunt had breast cancer, therefore I’m next!!

You are NOT. You are not destined by your genes. Did you know that you hold the power to turn your genes ON or OFF! What you eat and drink is more than just food to fill your belly. It’s also fuel for your DNA. Enter “Nutrigenomics” a branch of medicine which studies the impact of nutrition on your genes. It’s essentially the study of the effects of foods and food constituents on genetic expression. Genes may determine the function but nutrition, what you eat or drink, has the ability to modify the expression of the genes.

There is SO much controversy around the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Most people believe that if you have these genes you are going to get breast cancer. They have gotten so many people to believe this that many women will voluntarily have their breasts surgically removed simply due to the fear these genes have instilled into our lives. Yet I want to share a secret with you-the presence of the gene does not mean you will express the disease-if you turn the genes off (which you can do-read more below)

To prove the point-according to BreastCancer.org BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for up only 10% of all breast cancers, or 1 out of every 10 cases. Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation doesn’t mean you will be diagnosed with breast cancer!

Here is what the National Cancer Institute said about the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations:

“It is important to note, however, that most research related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 has been done on large families with many individuals affected by cancer. Estimates of breast and ovarian cancer risk associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have been calculated from studies of these families. Because family members share a proportion of their genes and, often, their environment, it is possible that the large number of cancer cases seen in these families may be due in part to other genetic or environmental factors.”

What they are saying is, having the gene doesn’t mean you will end up with cancer and that the number of cancer cases observed may be due to environmental factors as well! WHAT? Why aren’t the oncologists and medical physicians teaching this instead of recommending mastectomy or even early chemotherapy.

An important study demonstrated that higher cruciferous vegetable intake cuts the risk in half (50%!) for women with a breast cancer-associated genetic mutation.

The reason why women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation remove their breasts or ovaries is because these are hormonal organs and more susceptible to a disruption in hormone imbalance. But what these women aren’t told is that there are many other hormonal organs that are still susceptible such as fat cells, the pancreas, adrenal glands, thyroid and others.

You need to know that your environment determines whether a gene is turned on or off and that nutrition alone has an effect on the gene expression of the cell, it is important that what you are eating and drinking is killing and preventing cancer not CAUSING it.

How much control do you really have over your own life in general, and your health in particular? These questions have puzzled most of us since the beginning of time. Now, the emerging science of nutrigenomics and epigenetics (study of how lifestyle controls and regulates your genes) is now offering answers that put true control within your reach. You are the only one in control of your own lifestyle!

According to some scientists, changing your health may be as “simple” as changing your thoughts and beliefs.

“Contrary to what many people are being led to believe, a lot of emphasis placed on genes determining human behavior is nothing but theory and doctrine,” writes Konstantin Erikseni-Author of the Science of epigenetics. “We are free to make decisions that impact our lives and those of others…. Our beliefs can change our biology. We have the power to heal ourselves, increase our feelings of self-worth and improve our emotional state.”

From heart disease to diabetes and even cancer it is NEVER your genes rather ALWAYS your lifestyle (thoughts, diet, exercise, oxygenation rates, detoxification etc.) !!!

This is why you MUST stay up to date with the latest information about health. If you feel overwhelmed, no worries! I DO THIS FOR A LIVING! My job is to keep you informed-that is if you want to be.

If you are looking for more information about how you can control your genes, look to the book The Biology Of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton. “Your Genes Load The Gun, But Your Lifestyle Pulls The Trigger”- Dr. Bruce Lipton