The subject of genetics and the connection to disease is often discussed, as technologies have advanced to the point of being able to detect gene mutations which may give individuals an idea of what diseases they may be predisposed to. But are we putting the cart before the horse? Does our daily choices and lifestyle habits contribute to possible genetic defects? Afterall, aren't our genes influenced by what we put into our bodies?
There are studies that show a healthy diet may in fact provide for less DNA disruption than an unhealthy diet. With the amount of free radicals drastically increasing over the years from unhealthy foods and environment, it is no wonder genetic defects could be the result. This is just a theory and has not been proven (to this author's knowledge). There are countless companies that now offer at-home tests to determine if you have any genetic defects and therefore higher likelihood of certain conditions or diseases.
Here's more from the Associated Press about the newest at-home test:
Dr. John Kelsoe has spent his career trying to identify the biological roots of bipolar disorder. In December, he announced he had discovered several gene mutations closely tied to the disease, also known as manic depression. Then Kelsoe, a prominent psychiatric geneticist at the University of California, San Diego, did something provocative for the buttoned-down world of academic medical research: He began selling bipolar genetic tests straight to the public over the Internet last month for $399.
His company, La Jolla-based Psynomics, joins a legion of startups racing to exploit the boom in research connecting genetic variations to a host of health conditions. More than 1,000 at-home gene tests have burst onto the market in the past few years. The proliferation of these tests troubles many public health officials, medical ethicists and doctors. The tests receive almost no government oversight, even though many of them are being sold as tools for making serious medical decisions. read more...
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Comment: Do yourself a favor and decrease the risk of sickness and disease by improving your diet. Feeding your body the best nutrition you can and working with the "cards" you were dealt, will at least keep an additional factors from contributing to the likelihood of sickness and disease. A healthy diet should consist of more fruits and vegetables, as studies show most people are not getting any where near the minimum recommended daily amount.
HWI
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