Various factors influence your general health, such as your lifestyle choices, environment, and career. However, some of the health complaints or disorders you develop may stem from your genes, which is why it’s essential to have an in-depth understanding of your family’s medical history.
Your genes contain your DNA, and the molecule will determine how you grow, develop, and live your life. Therefore, you might have a higher risk of developing various health conditions, or you might have a higher likelihood of bouncing off medical complaints. Find out how your genes can affect your health.
How Genes Affect Who You Are
Your genes can determine your appearance, physical health, and mental wellbeing. In addition to determining your eye colour, hair colour, and height, they can influence your susceptibility to diseases. For example, phenylketonuria is a rare, inherited condition that causes a build-up of amino acids in the body, known as phenylalanine. Treatment is needed to manage the various symptoms, such as bad breath, skin rashes, neurological issues, and hyperactivity.
Genes cannot only impact your physical health, but they can influence your appearance as you grow older. For example, both men and women can develop male or female pattern baldness, which is hereditary. As a result, they can choose to live with the problem or restore their hairline with a hair transplant. If picking the latter, it is important to research the different clinics available, read testimonials, and request information on the hair transplant cost to make an informed choice.
How You Can Change Your Health with a Genetic Risk
Despite your increased susceptibility to developing a health condition, it might be possible to make changes to your health to reduce your likelihood of a diagnosis. For example, if many people in your family have lived with dementia, you can prevent the condition by following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
How Genes Can Mutate
Genes cannot only determine your health and appearance, but they can mutate in the body. For example, some diseases are caused by gene mutations, such as:
- Huntington’s disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Cystic fibrosis
Mutations occur when one or more DNA nucleotides change in the body, there is a loss of one or more genes or genes or whole chromosomes are rearranged. While parents can pass on the mutations to their children, they can develop in a person’s body throughout their life. For example, gene mutations can occur when exposed to some chemicals or the body is damaged from ultraviolet radiation.
Conclusion
As you can see, your genes can affect your health and lifestyle in various ways, from your hair thickness and eye colour to your physical and mental health. While your DNA could increase your risk of various health issues throughout your lifetime, your lifestyle choices and environment could lower your risk and help you live a full and healthy life.
However, it pays to have a firm understanding of your family history to identify your risk of developing specific diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. You can then embark on screening and change your routine to protect your health and wellbeing.
