This myth seems so obviously flawed that a second read of the title should blow its cover. But invariably it won't. People will still be convinced that bad genes cause their chronic disease. Not you, though, if I wager correctly!
Having said that, of course I acknowledge it's true that bad genes can play a part in chronic disease. They can predispose a person to being more vulnerable to a particular chronic disease than the neighbor. Sometimes they are largely responsible.
But even then, things aren't hopeless. Because science has demonstrated that we have some control, at least, over our genes.
Hopelessness is a big problem for people who subscribe to this myth, by the way. That's because the "it's genetic" argument is a double-edged sword.
On the plus side - if in your view something is inherited, you have no responsibility for it. You won't lose a wink of sleep, a drop of sweat, or a single calorie of energy applying yourself toward a solution because that would be pointless. It's not your fault! Might as well eat the cheesecake, because there's nothing to be done about it anyway.
On the minus side - if in your view something is inherited, you have no control over it. This is where the hopelessness comes in. Blaming your vulnerability to chronic illness entirely on heredity is in essence to say that you are a helpless victim of your gene pool. Not a very empowered state, is it?
So, yes, I read the paper. I do fully understand that certain disease patterns run in families. And I also understand that certain gene patterns can predispose a person to conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, stroke, and the like.
I also understand that learned behavior (most commonly learned from the same people who gave you the genes) is in many cases also an important factor.
- That people tend toward heart disease not only because they inherited dear old Dad's genes, they also modeled his Type A behavior, grew up on the same diet he ate, and spent Saturdays studying calculus (to get into his alma mater) instead of playing softball.
- That people tend toward depression not only because they inherited mom's genes (the poor dear), but because they were raised by a parent who was mentally ill.
- That people may increase their vulnerability to cancer by subscribing to the belief that they, their time, and their needs aren't worthy of protection. (Sets a bad example for the immune system, wouldn't you say?) People who have this belief often arrive at that conclusion as a result of their experiences in their family of origin.
And now for the good news. What's learned can be unlearned. New learning can replace the old. New learning leads to new behavior, which leads to new results. Potentially much healthier! Which has absolutely nothing to do with one's genes.
So, you see, challenging the "gene" myth can be very empowering!
One more myth left. Can you hardly wait?
P.S. Curious about my comment on the scientific view that we have control over our genes? If so, you need to meet Bruce Lipton. Check out his book: Biology of Belief
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
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