Boomer Women: Ready to Change Your DNA?

You have heard people say “It’s in my genes” or “It’s in my DNA” which basically means that it’s just the way it is so I can’t change it. “My parents, grandparents, great grandparents were all diabetic, or overweight or died of cancer. There is nothing I can do about it.”

Sorry to take that excuse away from you but from what I have been hearing and reading there actually are things we can do to basically change our DNA.

Your genes are not your destiny. You actually can do things to change them. Good nutrition, stress management techniques, walking and having a good social support system can change your future.

Millions of you have a predisposition to certain diseases. These genes have been passed down for generations, but new research is demonstrating that there are things, proactive activities, which you can do to change your future more than you may have thought.

Here are some tips for what you can do to outsmart your DNA:
• Eat a plant-based diet: vegetables, legumes, soy products and whole grains
• Exercise moderately: walking 30 minutes per day, wear a pedometer so you know whether or not you are getting your 10,000 steps each day
• Manage your stress: breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, guided imagery at least one time per day
• Surround yourself with positive, supportive people

If you have a strong family history of diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer or heart disease you may need to make bigger changes in your lifestyle in order to help prevent or possible reverse these chronic diseases.

How does it feel to know that you have options for your own future and your own health? I know this isn’t the first time you have heard this concept, but I think it bears repeating again if for no other reason than to remind you that you have choices. What you put in your mouth and how often you exercise has more of an effect on your future than you may want to hear.

It may be easier to just say, “It’s in my genes” and use that excuse for why you are overweight, have heart problems, are diabetic, whatever. Then you don’t have to take any responsibility because you have chosen to believe your health is out of your hands.

I hope you are not one of those women. I hope you have enough love for yourself that you are willing to do what it takes to have a say in your future and to take care of yourself.

I suppose it comes back to the chicken and egg theory. For centuries it has been debated about the topic of nature versus nurture. It is now believed that nurture affects nature as nature affects nurture.

Action Step: What are you going to do beginning this week to take your health into your own hands, regardless of your DNA? I’d love to hear about it!

© 2010 Kim Kirmmse Toth
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