6 Ways to Outsmart "Bad Genes" for Optimal Health

We've all heard the phrase, “they must have those good genes” — usually because she is 50 and looks 30 or because he can eat whatever he wants without gaining weight.

But what do we do when we have the kind of genes that make us gain five pounds from just looking at a doughnut? Or the kind of genes that make our asthma or eczema flare up from simply walking outside? Or how about this: If both your parents have high blood pressure, does that mean you are doomed?

The good news is that although we have genes that were passed on by our ancestors, those bad genes do not have to be our fate. Our lifestyle and circumstances can activate certain genes in our body.

According to experts, 80% of the way we age is influenced by the way we behave. Even if you do inherit bad genes, your overall health state will often be determined by your habits and your environment. What you do matters, and with proper techniques, you can give your body the “medical makeover” it so desperately needs and avoid activation of those unwanted genes.

Here are six ways to outsmart your genes for optimal mind and body.

1. Choose Healthier Meals

Research shows that genes respond to the foods you consume. They impact gene expression. A diet packed with 65% carbohydrates triggers multiple genes to work overtime. The high-carb diet also leads to inflammation, which can get in the way of other gene-associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.

To outsmart your genes, consume more vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. For example, a healthy meal shouldn’t have over 40% of carbohydrates. Otherwise, you can stimulate the genes to cause metabolic inflammation. Don’t forget to add a lot of fruits and veggies to get the desired result.

2. Break the Sedentary Lifestyle

Many people are discouraged from exercising and often blame it on their genes. The problem is, just thinking you have low endurance genes can change the body. But, if you change that mindset, you can achieve an eye-opening experience.

From a psychological standpoint, when someone doesn’t have the motivation and drive to be physically active, they tend to give up easily. They see their efforts as fruitless and focus more on the negatives. By breaking the sedentary lifestyle, it will shift this negative mentality and help you boost endurance, muscle strength, and energize you to stay motivated.

Movement helps oxygen and nutrients get to the tissues, which means you are helping your heart and brain function better. In the long run, the lungs also improve, and you will have an easier time tackling the daily chores.

Physical activity not only helps with brain health but can mitigate stress reponses that can active unwanted genetic mutations

Source: Photo by Chevanon Photography from Pexels

3. Work on Your Physical and Emotional Stress

Studies indicate that constant exposure to stress hormones triggers DNA modifications in the brain, forcing a change in gene expression. The longer you remain stressed, the bigger the risk for mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.

You want to try different coping mechanisms. For example, you can take yoga, meditation, deep breathing, swimming, get a massage, anything that can help you ease that stress. With options such as these, you can reset the nervous system and let it reconnect with its normal functions.

4. Change the Surroundings

Sometimes different surroundings can influence various aspects of your life. Spending time in a very dirty environment, living in polluted areas, or cluttered spaces can affect your body, mind, mood, and even genes. To feel more productive and motivated, try to work and live in clutter-free and clean spaces. Also, spend more time in wooded areas if possible to give your body a breath of fresh air.

5. Get Some Sleep

Your brain is being fed information all throughout the day and needs to rest. Sleep is critical for overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough shuteye, either because of their busy schedule, or they want to do different activities they find more entertaining. The truth is your body needs sleep and this includes your genes.

6. Ditch the Devices Before Bed

Using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet will make it extremely difficult for you to fall asleep. The blue light the screen emits interferes with melatonin production, which is crucial for regulating the circadian rhythm also known as the sleep and wake cycle.

These devices also make you more alert and awake and prevent the brain from going into REM sleep because it may still be processing what you just read or watched. So, what you want to do is get rid of those devices 30 minutes before going to bed. Just place them in a different room or a plastic box so that you won’t reach out to them. This is simple and effective, and makes for happier and healthier genes.