Hosea 4:6, warns us that the lack of knowledge (not God) destroys or cuts off. There is a flip-side: gaining knowledge promotes life!

It's all in my jeans? No...it's all in your genes!

In my practice, many have shared with me their fears...are they doomed to be an alcoholic...does cancer have to be their destiny...is it possible to break the bonds ofgenetics which lead to destructive behavior or health?

These are complex questions with no easy questions. Yet, there is still HOPE! Genetics shape us. They give us our characteristic traits: skin, hair and eye colors; height and body shape...even mental and natural abilities can be influenced by genetics. Though we may not be able to remove genetic influences, there are positive things we can do to influence their impact!

What Is Genetics?

Encarta Dictionary defines genetics as "involving, resulting from, or relating to genes or genetics."

Other terms commonly used include: heredity, inheritance and genetic markers. I like to employ the term "genetic tendency" as well. I explain genetic tendency as this: in your family tree you may have those who have been affected by serious diseases such Crohn's, diabetes, breast cancer or even alcoholism (to name a few). Does this mean your destiny is any of these diseases? Not necessarily!

The topic of genetics can be very confusing. The use of its scientific terms doesn't help to clarify! I believe the most simplistic explanation of genetics that I have found is from The Australasian Genetics Resource Book, 2007. It compares genetics with a book. Quote:

"Our genetic information, sometimes described as the 'Book of Life', can be thought of as being made up of two volumes. Each volume of the book is contributed to a person by one of their parents. So in your 'Genetic Book of Life':

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One volume was inherited from your Mum and one from your Dad

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Both volumes contain 23 chapters each, and together are equivalent to the 23 pairs of chromosomes present in your body cells that contain your genetic information

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The 23 chapters (i.e. chromosomes) are made up of a variable number of pages (i.e. genes)

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Some of the chapters contain many pages; others only a few. In your cells, some chromosomes contain many thousands of genes; other perhaps only a few thousand

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Careful examination of the words on the pages show that all the words are made up of only three of the four possible letters (triplets): A, T, C & G. In your cells, these letters are the chemical components of DNA.

Just like we read the words on a page to understand what the author is telling us, the body reads the triplets of words in the DNA (our genetic information) to tell us to grow and develop and guide how our cells work in our bodies.

We may also read a book in different circumstances and similarly, our genetic information is 'read' by the cells in a background of our personal internal and external environments. This includes our diet, the chemicals that we are exposed to and the other genes in the cells. Books also get older and the pages become brittle or the words are harder to read, our genes are affected by the ageing process. It is important to remember however that our environment also plays a major role in how we develop and how our bodies work by interacting with the genetic information.

The Australian Resource Book, 2007

, also listed other interesting points (quote):

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...chromosomes consist of two very long thin strands of DNA chains twisted into the shape of a double helix and are located in the nucleus (the 'control centre') of our body cells

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...chromosomes are long strands of genes

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Since the chromosomes come in pairs, the genes also come in pairs

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Genes are also located in very small compartments called mitochondria that are randomly scattered in the cytoplasm of the cell outside the nucleus

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The genetic code in the DNA, is virtually identical across all living organisms and is like a recipe book for the body to make proteins

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...The sequence of three letter words (A, T, C & G) in the gene enables the cells to assembly the amino acids in the correct order to make up a protein

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Different genes are active in different cell types, tissues and organs, producing the necessary specific proteins; some genes are 'switched off' and others are 'switched on'

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Changes to the genetic code can mean that a particular protein is not produced properly, produced in the wrong amounts or not produced at all

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In some cases, the change in the genetic code can result in a genetic condition, affecting our growth, development and how our bodies word.

You are an amazing creation, Beloved Reader! Psalms 139 depicts the beauty of your creation. Not only were we lovingly created, but God's thoughts towards us and of us are precious!

If your family tree has been riddled with disease, there are some common sense things you can do to help your body stay as well as possible:

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Eat a balanced diet.

A balanced diet includes the proper amount of protein, fruits and vegetables. Avoid high sugar, processed foods. Taking supplements such as vitamins and minerals may provide a beneficial support as you balance your diet.

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Exercise regularly.

Keeping physically active not only promotes physical health but has been proven to provide strong support for mental health as well.

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Break self-destructive habits.

Smoking or chewing, substance abuse and excessive alcohol consumption contradict health!

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Develop a strong support network.

Surround yourself with family and/or friends who support you on your journey towards health. Allow them to lovingly remind you of your desire for health should you alter course.

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Enjoy life.

All work and no play makes life boring and tedious. enjoy a cup of tea with a friend, bask in the quiet solitude of a loved one, go out and kick the soccer ball with a child or just admire God's handiwork found in a sunset!

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Accept yourself!

God accepts you as you are. Learn to accept yourself. You were uniquely created by a loving God whose thoughts towards you are precious!

*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives; integrative medicine; Pam Anderson, DNM, RN, CNHP, AHNA and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter for optimum health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.

Principle for Optimum Health

: Do not ignore symptoms! If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.

In the U.S., only a medical practitioner may diagnose - or name - any disease or disease process. It is not my goal to diagnose you. It is my goal to educate you regarding nutrition and health. For more information, please visit my website: newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com>