There are two ways of looking at the issue of diseases and genetic disabilities (of which these are some very extreme examples). 

One, sees the human organism as a whole, taking everything into account, whereas the other breaks the organism apart into tiny pieces, and, much like an architect who tries to discern the utility of a building by studying a single brick, these scientists believe they can cure all ills by simply cracking your genetic code. 

Bruce Lipton, PhD., is a forerunner in the field of epigenetics and The New Biology. Even though his research and scientific evidence spans two decades, it’s only in the more recent years that his findings have begun to reach the minds of the established medical community, albeit in small, limited numbers. 

In my recent interview with Bruce Lipton, he explained why your genes do not predetermine your fate.  

As proven through the massive genetic study, the Genome Project, they found that their preconceived idea that each gene creates one protein, was incorrect. Rather, each gene can create up to 30,000 proteins, any and all of which can create a different outcome. So the fact that you have a genetic “predisposition” for breast cancer, for example, does not mean that you are doomed to develop breast cancer at some time in your life. 

Lipton’s research fills in the blank between genetic predisposition, and why some actually develop the disease. Conventional researchers have still not been able to determine what, or why, some develop the disease, and others don’t. Something “sets it off,” or keeps it dormant. But what? 

Through the new biology of epigenetics, we get the answer to that question. It is your Mind that sets it off. Your mind controls your genetic expression. 

This also falls right in line with Dr. Geerd Hamer’s two-decade long research, which he has dubbed the German New Medicine – that “disease” is created by an emotional conflict crisis.  

When you combine these two separate “new biologies,” both of which have extensive scientific evidence to back them up, you end up with the conclusion that you are very literally in control of your physical health, state of disease, and whether or not you end up expressing your genetic potential, for better or worse. 

Additionally, while your body does possess an innate ability to heal, it can also be harmed, or helped, by things that happen even before you are born. As a fetus, you are intricately connected to your mother’s emotional and physical state, which may influence you synergistically.  

There are clearly many factors that work together, resulting in the strange diseases listed above, and, although the mind-body connection is ever present, you cannot dismiss the impact that can be caused by environmental chemicals like flame retardants and PCBs.  

Many of these chemicals are passed on to newborns either in utero or through breast milk, and they may cause mutations that might not impact you or even your children, but one day may surface, if and when the psychological territory is “right” to make it manifest.  

Another example is pesticides, which are known to cause mutations in frogs that lead to sexual abnormalities,  and phthalates, a chemical commonly used in plastics, can cause lowered sperm counts, sexual deformities and early puberty. 

It may be difficult to reconcile personal responsibility (through your mind) with toxic exposure, and genetic predisposition, however, it might make more sense to simply remember that nothing happens in a vacuum. Everything is interconnected and plays a role, including your state of mind; how you handle stressful events in your life;  the state of your immune system and overall fitness; your toxic load; to your genetic predispositions and weaknesses.  

Sometimes you have the psychological and physical capacity to regenerate and heal, despite assault from toxins, for example. Other times, if you have ignored your immune system for any length of time, and suffer an extreme emotional shock, it may set off a chain of events that causes disease.  

That said, rather than lamenting over past toxic exposure it is far healthier to take control over that which you can positively influence, such as your diet, your physical fitness, your emotional state, and your current and future exposure to toxins. 

You can limit your exposure to environmental chemicals as much as possible with the following tips: 

• Buy and eat, as much as possible, organic produce and free-range, organic foods.
• Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs and mercury, consume a high-quality purified krill oil.
• Avoid processed foods -- remember that they're processed with chemicals!
• Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them.
• Switch over to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Same sources here, either your local health food store or you can search online.
• Avoid spraying insect repellants that contain DEET on your body. There are safe, effective and natural alternatives out there.
• Remove any metal fillings as they're a major source of mercury. Be sure to have this done by a qualified biological dentist. Although nearly any dentist is technically qualified to replace your amalgam fillings, far less than 95 percent have any clue on how to do it properly so your risk of mercury exposure is minimized.
• Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances as they can pollute the air you are breathing.
• Avoid artificial food additives of all kind, including artificial sweeteners and MSG.
• Limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as possible. Drugs are chemicals too, and they will leave residues and accumulate in your body over time. 

With that in mind, I urge you to continue to explore the many pages of vital health information on this site, and carry on your quest to Take Control of Your Health.