Tag Archives: DNA Cell Migration

Epigenetics

Posted on by

Do mutated genes automatically create a life of chronic disease?            Epigenetics has the answer

Genes are protein sequences in the body’s cells that are segments of DNA. They form a biological code, a map for a person’s hereditary life plan. Will you have blue eyes or brown? Your DNA, your cellular code, holds this genetic information.  But DNA isn’t everything according to emerging research in the science of Epigenetics. The synergy of mind, body and spirit is also an important factor in the creation of a person’s physical reality, and is at work creating vibrant health and wellness, or the lack of it.

If mom had breast cancer and dad had high blood pressure, is it inevitable that you’re headed for both? A layperson’s understanding of genome mapping might lead us to think so and to take drastic action, such as Angelina Jolie having a double mastectomy and her ovaries removed because she carries a gene mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Of course Ms. Jolie has a right to personal choice. Hopefully the choice she made was not based on fear and a misunderstanding of gene mutation.

A woman has a 12 percent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer and only a 1.4 percent risk of ovarian cancer in her lifetime, according to Amy Norton, reporter for medicinenet. She states that most breast cancers are not inherited, and gene mutations, primarily of the BRCA genes, account for only 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. Only 1 in 500 women manifest breast cancer due to a BRCA gene mutation.

The body has within it processes for eliminating mutated genes. Writing for Nature Education, Suzanne Clancy, Ph.D., reports mutations in an organisms’ DNA are a part of life. Our genetic code is exposed to a variety of insults that threaten its integrity. But, a rigorous system of checks and balances is in place through the DNA repair machinery.

Should you care about your genetic make up? Yes and no. What is important is to have the knowledge that allows you to make informed choices. Two important pieces of information are:

  • Not all your genes will express themselves (become active) in your life
  • We switch genes off and on (or create gene mutations) based on the biochemical environment within the body

This means we can change and adapt in our lifetime, rather that waiting for Darwinian evolution to take place over eons. Gene mutation may be useful as a process for adapting to environmental change.

Epigenetics goes beyond Darwin’s inevitability

H. Waddington coined the word epigenetics in 1942 as a conceptual model of how genes might interact with their surroundings (environment) to produce a set of expressed physical traits and biological development. Currently, epigenetics is the study of molecular mechanisms by which our environment controls or initiates gene activity.

There is a book out titled The Genie in Your Genes written by Dawson Church, PhD. This book is grounded in research and discusses the exciting possibilities of a medical model that links soul to body and mind. Church uses insights from the science of epigenetics and applies these to healing. He cites hundreds of scientific studies that demonstrate how beliefs and emotions can trigger the expression of DNA strands.

He has created the idea of epigenetic medicine to describe techniques which will heal at the cellular level. His book also discusses the science behind energy psychology and energy medicine.

Epigenetic science examines the factors and patterns that influence whether our genes are turned on or off, are active or dormant. Signals come from inside the cell, from neighboring cells or from the outside world.

Signals also come from lifestyle factors like diet, stress and prenatal nutrition. While we are made up of a unique, unchangeable genetic code, it is epigenetic factors such as these that can radically change what our genes do.

Less than 2 percent of our genetic makeup cannot be modified. Research shows we have more control over our health than we realize. For better or worse, lifestyle can cause changes in gene expression. Factors such as stress, behavior, hormonal status, mental and spiritual outlook, and toxic load can activate chemical switches to turn genes on or off, regulating gene expression. Our genetic codes may predispose us to certain chronic disease but this is not fate or destiny.

Epigenetic changes can be passed down for many generations. The lifestyle choices we make affect our present well being, and the well being of our children, and grandchildren. Genes that have mutated can be brought back to normal, and defective epigenetic coding, created by environmental stresses, may be reprogrammed, reestablishing a healthy pattern and function.

Dr. Frank Lipman, expert in integrative medicine, has developed the concept of sustainable wellness utilizing a customized blend of Western medicine, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, vitamins and herbs, relaxation techniques, physical therapy and bodywork.

Church’s book tells us that when we take control of our consciousness and thoughts, we can influence our genetic expression. He discusses techniques and strategies that may be able to bypass years of harmful drugs, and invasive surgeries to affect genetic engineering in our own bodies. We can create immediate relief from long-standing anxieties and neuroses, as well as achieve ‘miraculous’ healing of chronic health conditions– especially autoimmune diseases.

The research is in. We are shaping our brains and genetic expression, at least in part, by the nature of our thoughts. We can improve emotional and physical health as well as chronic health issues. Epigenetic science offers us hope, knowledge and insight into the how to use the healing power of mind, body, and spirit.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-frank-lipman/epigenetics-research_b_862022.html
http://genieinyourgenes.com
http://dawsonchurch.com/vitae/
http://niih.org
http://www.eftuniverse.com

Cilantro/Heavy Metal Detox

Posted on by

If you are a Mexican or Asian cuisine enthusiast, you are likely familiar with the crisp, refreshing flavor of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, this incredibly popular herb not only gives these ethnic foods their delicious flare, but also possesses an array of cleansing health benefits.

Heavy Metals

In the past two decades, one quality of cilantro that has captured the attention of many is its ability to detoxify heavy metals such as mercury and lead. This discovery was first made public in a study where 400 mg of cilantro was used daily to remove excess mercury that was deposited in various organs after the removal of amalgam dental fillings. In more recent years, the use of cilantro has become more widely recognized as an adjunct treatment for detoxifying heavy metals and some chemicals such as phthlates, plasticizers, and insecticides. In a recent animal study,cilantro was able to significantly decrease lead deposition in bone and kidneys while also reducing lead induced inhibition of enzyme activity.  Such examples show how cilantro has earned its place among natural, plant-based chelating agents, although more rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine its therapeutic efficacy as a sole heavy metal detoxifier. Nevertheless, encouraging certain patients to consume copious amounts of cilantro may be warranted. These individuals would include those who frequently consume seafood that may contain traces of mercury, children or adults living in old houses with potential lead dust, paint, or water pipes, and those with dental amalgam fillings. Of course, with the increase of environmental pollution, it would be advantageous for all to become fond of this unique, culinary herb.

Reactive Oxygen Species 

Building upon the aforementioned detoxification abilities of cilantro, this herb has been found to be a superior detoxifier of reactive oxygen species, owing to the presence of various phenolic compounds. Previous studies have found high phenolic content in the leaf and seed of Coriandrum sativum, but more recent studies have found the root to contain equal quantities making this entire herb therapeutic. These compounds were studied for their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and found to be highly effective in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, while also arresting the cell cycle. They proved to protect DNA from free radical damage and prevent cell migration.. Thus, cilantro shows promise as an herb that could aid in protecting against cancer, primarily through its capacity to function as a powerful antioxidant.

Drug-Resistant Pathogens

It would seem that cilantro’s detoxing capability extends beyond heavy metals and free radicals, to drug-resistant pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. In the case of the latter, the essential oil from the leaves of Coriandrum sativum was discovered to have strong anti fungal activity against various species responsible for Candidiasis. The volatile compounds found within the leaves of cilantro were able to induce cell death of Candida; affect the biofilm structure; had anti-adherent and anti-proteolytic activity.. In another study, fresh cilantro leaves were dried and prepared into fresh juice, aqueous, and methanol extracts.  These were then assayed against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found to inhibit growth of all species. The antimicrobial activity of cilantro has been well established, making this herb useful for a variety of pathogen-influenced conditions, including dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

The clean, refreshing aroma of cilantro is not only appealing to the culinary artist, but also proves to be a useful tool to the clinician. Acting analogous to a multipurpose cleanser, this unique herb should be a frequent addition to any healthy lifestyle. Most salads, soups or pasta dishes are easily brightened up with the addition of fresh cilantro leaves. Salsa is the most common use for cilantro, but other sauces benefit from this herb as well. Smoothie fanatics can easily add it to their concoctions. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, cilantro is an adaptable culinary spice that promotes detoxification and health.

i have used this product Heavy Metal Detox for many years with excellent results.It is a combination of Cilantro and Chlorella–two outstanding chelators of heavy metals

Note: You do not need dozens of bottles of this product–one or two or at the most 3 should do the trick!