By Dr. Christopher Lepisto
a 2-minute read
“My father had heart disease. For me, it’s genetic.”
It’s quite relatable. We have a blood relative who died from a particular health issue and a part of us believes that we could suffer the same fate, even if we are living a much healthier lifestyle. So, how much of your health story is truly written in your genes?
As it turns out, far less than many imagine. Many studies suggest that while inherited genetics contribute to disease susceptibility, a much larger portion of overall disease expression is influenced by epigenetics—the way your genes are turned on or off in response to diet, stress, toxins, sleep, infections, and other environmental inputs. In other words, your daily choices and exposures carry much more weight than the genes themselves.
Environmental toxins are one of the clearest examples of this interaction. For example, conventional cigarettes can create atherosclerosis, and arsenic is a known carcinogen. The influence is greater if you have worked with chemicals in any job or hobby or are highly sensitive to exposures, indicating a more significant body burden and importance for addressing these exposures through detoxification.
Encouragingly, research also shows that we can up-regulate beneficial gene expression through nutrition and targeted support. For example, bioflavonoids in brightly colored fruits and vegetables help modulate inflammation and cellular repair pathways. Similarly, nutrients such as methylated folate (5-MTHF) and B vitamins support healthy methylation—one of the body’s essential epigenetic mechanisms.
So where does genetic testing fit in?
Some genetic tendencies are more serious that others, like a family history of heart disease, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. When appropriate, I offer genetic and epigenetic testing in my office and pair the results with naturopathic evaluation to determine the most meaningful steps forward for you.
If you have a strong family history and want to understand your relative risks—or if you’re simply wondering where to focus your efforts for better long-term health—I’d be happy to discuss your options. Together, we can explore how your genes and environment interact, and how to support your body in expressing its greatest wellbeing at any age.
