Nature vs Nurture and Your Health

As we saw in part one of nature vs nurture, from a genetic and a brain viewpoint, you are mostly what you eat, do and think.

Experts estimate that nature, or your genes controls only one-third of health and longevity, while nurture controls the rest.

You have a significant measure of control over your health and well-being. You are not a victim of your past or your genetics.

The beliefs that "I am who I am and I can't change", or "I'm going to get ___ (fill in name of disease), because my parents and grandparents had it, are no longer valid.

In this video, Dr. Bruce Lipton explains how your thoughts and epigenetics influence your health.

The good news is that you can change the thoughts, beliefs and emotions that make you feel miserable and stuck.

You can reduce and relieve health damaging stress.

When you relieve stress and shift your thoughts for the better, you feel mentally healthier and your body's cells will also benefit from the healthier environment.

When you consistently make positive lifestyle and health choices, mentally and physically, you will greatly increase your odds of living a healthier, happier life.

According to nature vs nurture, with the exception of defective genes and heredity, you have a major influence on your cellular health and genetic expression. Even 'mutant genes' can regain normal expression.

Take the example of tumor suppressing cells. Diet can keep the inhibitors from turning them off and get them back in view of the cell. Foods that will help are broccoli, onions, garlic, horseradish and turmeric included regularly in your diet.

Cells living in a healthy environment will be healthier and function better. Cells that aren't functioning optimally can be restored. A well cared for body also makes for a healthier mind. That's what holistic health and healing is all about.

Although no one can guarantee how a cell will express itself, the old adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" holds true. The best time to consciously impact your cells is before you begin manifesting disease. But it's never to late to create a mental and physical environment that supports health and encourages your subconscious mind and your genes to initiate healing.

You may not know when it's nature vs nurture. What's important is that you capitalize on your nature and nurture. It is the body's nature to move toward healing and health when it has what it needs. Nurture your mind with thoughts of health and wholeness. Your mind can heal you. It may actually be the only thing that heals you.

Nurture a mental and physical environment that fosters wellness on all levels. Empower your nature to take a healing course.

back to Nature versus Nurture p1.

Affiliate Resources:

Return to Holistic Mindbody Healing