Diet, Rest Can Improve Your Genes, Says Author Chopra
Humans are not merely the sum total of the genes they are born with and we all have the ability to shape our gene activity, said Deepak Chopra, co-Author of Super Genes.
"Every experience modulates the activity of your genes," said Chopra. "They are activities, they are verbs not nouns."
Chopra is the founder of the Chopra Center for Well-Being. He is the author of more than 80 books translated into 43 languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers.
Chopra said that medical science has long believed that genes determine our biological destiny. However, he suggested that new scientific discoveries clearly show that genes are dynamic and respond to everything we think, say or do.
Most importantly, Chopra said there are no good genes, or bad genes. When it comes to cancerous or other malevolent genes, Chopra says those are mutations that only make up about 5% of our total gene base.
"Think of mutations like a typo in a manuscript, or spelling mistakes. Some are really bad and you can't make out the sentence and some are actually not so bad," said Chopra. "You can influence them by lifestyle.
Regarding those lifestyle changes to improve your genes, Chopra said sleep is paramount, avoiding stress, as well as eating healthy organic foods.
"If your food is natural and comes from the earth, you are all set," said Chopra.
He said Charles Darwin did well to describe evolution without knowing genetics. But the world has advanced and Chopra said we now know the effects of culture on our bodies.
"Right now it is culture shaping gene activity, everything from music to art to architecture to poetry to the understanding of science," said Chopra. "All this is shaping the activity of our genes and your experiences can influence genetic activity three or four generations down the line."