We have always known that stress is the number one contributor
to poor health. Some have estimated that over 90% of all health problems
are stress-related. We also used to think that our genetic activity and
our resulting level of health were ultimately determined by DNA—something over
which we have no control. But recent research reveals that we actually do have control over
our genetic activity, through something called 'epigenetics.'
Dr. Bruce Lipton explains:
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‘When DNA was
found to be the hereditary material in the mid-20th century, the belief system
of that time was that our genes were like blueprints and that those blueprints
self-regulate and lead to the assembly and function of the human being.
‘Epigenetics is a new model of gene expression. "Epi" means above, so the literal translation of epigenetic control [is], “controlled above the genes”’ (Genetics, Epigenetics, and Destiny, an interview with Danielle Graham. Empasis added).
‘Epigenetics is a new model of gene expression. "Epi" means above, so the literal translation of epigenetic control [is], “controlled above the genes”’ (Genetics, Epigenetics, and Destiny, an interview with Danielle Graham. Empasis added).
Dr. Christopher Kent states that, “Our environment controls the
activity of our genes. Our interpretation of the environment determines how our
genes express themselves, and we can direct our interpretation of life's
events. In short, we are not slaves to biochemical caprice. As sentient beings,
we sculpt our biology” (Legacy and
Lifestyle: Epigenetics and the Potential for Chiropractic).
Environment and interpretation (or “perception” as Dr. Lipton
phrases it in his book Mind Over Genes: The New Biology) are where our
biological sculpting power comes into play.
There are two realities: that which is inside our head, and that
which is outside. The way we interpret our world is the way our genes will
manifest our potential. We each have the potential to be a lizard or a
wizard, a slug or a sleuth, a person in rage or a sage. We get to choose. The way we choose to see our environment is a direct controller in how
our genes map out our body and our bodily function. You determine your
physiology.
We can maximize our life-sculpting power by taking the time to
identify how and why we interpret our life’s experiences the way we do, and by
recognizing the power we have to choose our judgment of any situation, and then
actually choosing our response to every situation. This is a huge piece
of the puzzle that explains how stress affects our health!
