Lifestyle or Genetics?

The new chic thing to say when talking about health is blame everything on genetics.  I’m sure you’ve heard someone say “well my father had it, so that’s why I do too.”  Well the newest research on genetics and health indicate that genetics contribute no more than 30% to the state of your health.  So that tells me the other 70% (lifestyle choices) play a bigger role in your health than genetics.  That comes down to how you live your life day to day.  How is your diet?  Do you exercise to sweating regularly?  Are you maintaining a healthy well functioning nervous system through regular chiropractic adjustments?  Are you drinking enough water (and no coffee, pop, and beer do not count)?  Do you maintain a positive attitude towards life? 

Those are just a few of the factors that go into the lifestyle aspect of your health.  The explanation I give to patients regularly is that genetics may be the loaded gun, but what you choose to do with the loaded gun is up to you.  If you lead a healthy well balanced lifestyle your chances of staying healthy far outweigh someone who is banking on “good genes” alone.  “Good genes” will only take you so far.