THE ROLE OF GENETICS IN YOUR HEALTH: HOW MUCH CONTROL DO YOU HAVE?

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on March 17, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

Genetics play a crucial role in shaping your health, influencing everything from your risk of developing diseases to your metabolism, immunity, and even mental health. Inherited traits can predispose individuals to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or certain cancers. However, while genetics set the foundation, lifestyle choices significantly impact how these genes are expressed.

Photo by Google DeepMind | Image Courtesy: www.pexels.com

Epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors influence gene activity, suggests that diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can modify genetic risks. For example, someone with a family history of heart disease may lower their risk through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Similarly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the likelihood of developing genetically linked conditions.

While you cannot change your genes, you have substantial control over how they affect your well-being. By making informed lifestyle choices, you can optimize your health, counteracting many genetic predispositions.