Have you ever stopped to think about the implications of your thoughts? What if our thoughts left behind genetic markers? Well, it turns out that this is true! In a recent study, scientists found that when we have strong emotional reactions to something, it leaves a "memory" in our genes. This means that our thoughts can change our DNA! So what does this mean for you? Well, it's important to be aware of the power of your thoughts and how they can affect your health and well-being.

We are what we think

It has been said that we are what we think! If this is true, then our thoughts must leave some sort of mark on our DNA. And according to recent research, this may be the case. Scientists have found that certain thoughts and emotions can change the way our DNA is expressed. This process is known as “Epigenetics” and it refers to the way our environment can affect the way our genes are expressed. Epigenetics is a relatively new field of study, but it is already providing us with some incredible insights into how our thoughts and emotions can impact our health.

Epigenetic DNA markings resemble a barcode and are literally above our genes, and every time we think, it's like scanning that barcode. Genes are the recipe for life. If we think good thoughts, it's similar to adding healthy ingredients to our recipe. On the other hand, if we think negative thoughts, it's like adding toxins and poison to our recipe.  

So what does this mean for you? Well, if you're constantly thinking negative thoughts, your DNA is going to reflect that. On the other hand, if you're constantly thinking positive thoughts, your DNA will reflect that as well. So what we think does matter! Take a moment to pause and focus on your breath the next time you're stressed or anxious. And remember, you have the power to change your DNA!

Emotional Trauma 

For example, one study found that people who experienced emotional trauma in their lives had changes in their DNA that were passed down to their children. This means that the effects of trauma can actually be passed down through generations! 

Fear

According to research fear can affect our DNA. The study found that people who were exposed to a lot of fear had changes in their DNA that made them more likely to experience anxiety and depression. A different study showed that fear can be passed on to future generations. 

Meditation 

Another study found that people who meditated had changes in their DNA that were associated with better health and well-being. These findings show us that our thoughts and emotions can have a very real impact on our genetic material.

Conclusion

In truth, no mind-body event is disconnected; thus genetics has been challenged. Our DNA is no longer fixed and sealed away; instead, it is dynamic and active. With each idea, word, and action you engage in, you're communicating with your genes. Experiences are recorded and remembered at the genetic level.  

So what does this all mean for you? It means that your thoughts and emotions can influence your health and the health of your future children. It's important to be aware of the power of your thoughts and how they can affect your health and well-being. If you're going through a tough time, don't hesitate to reach out for help. And if you want to improve your health, consider incorporating some mindfulness into your daily routine. The power of your thoughts is more than just a saying, it's science!

 Here are some things to keep in mind:

-Your thoughts leave genetic footprints

-Your thoughts can influence your genes.

-Your thoughts can impact your health and well-being.

-Your thoughts and emotions can influence the health of your future children.

-You have the power to change your DNA expression with your thoughts.

-You have the power to change your health, your appearance, and even your destiny.

This is just a brief overview of what our thoughts can do to our DNA. If you want to learn more, check out my new book "Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers."

Until then, stay healthy and happy!

Dr. Marios Michael

drmichaelswellness.com

Resources:

• Dr. Marios Michael, DC, CNS, cFMP, 06/2022, Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers, 1st edition, Austin, Bookbaby.
• Dora L. Costa,Noelle Yetter, and Heather DeSome, Intergenerational transmission of paternal trauma among US Civil War ex-POWs, October 15, 2018, 115 (44) 11215-11220 https://doi.org/pnas.1803630115
• Feder A, Nestler EJ, Charney DS. Psychobiology and molecular genetics of resilience. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009 Jun;10(6):446-57. doi: 10.1038/nrn2649. PMID: 19455174; PMCID: PMC2833107.
• The Power of Thought: Our Thoughts Leave Genetic Marks, What This Means for You | The Chopra Center https://chopra.com/articles/how-your-genes-can-make-you-happier.
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202002/five-thought-patterns-may-hurt-your-dna.
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fearful-memories-passed-down/
• https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-parents-rsquo-trauma-leaves-biological-traces-in-children/.
• Your Thoughts Can Literally Change The Expression Of Your Genes | Bruce Lipton Ph.D.
• Gapp, K., van Steenwyk, G., Germain, P.L. et al. Alterations in sperm long RNA contribute to the epigenetic inheritance of the effects of postnatal trauma. Mol Psychiatry 25, 2162–2174 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-018-0271-6
• Ali Jawaid, Katherina-Lynn Jehle, Isabelle M. Mansuy, Impact of Parental Exposure on Offspring Health in Humans, Trends in Genetics, 37, 4, (373-388), (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2020.10.006

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