Heal and Stay Healed with Kelly B Haney
The Heal and Stayed Healed with Kelly B Haney podcast is for anyone who is sick and tired of being sick and tired, particularly those with autoimmune disease or other chronic illness. It's for those who are ready to truly heal, and more importantly, truly STAY healed.
Through my training as a Certified Nutrition Coach, but mostly through insight gained from my personal experience with overcoming severe Ulcerative Colitis, I want to equip you to get better, stay better, and to become healthier than ever.
I've been able to stay completely autoimmune flare-free for well over a decade, and I believe that if I can do it, then you can too! Our bodies want to heal. They know how to heal. We just have to give them the support that they need.
I'm honored to walk alongside you as you take the next step in your own healing journey. Let's heal and stay healed together.
Heal and Stay Healed with Kelly B Haney
Genetically Predisposed: Our Family Health History Doesn't Have to Determine Our Destiny
When it comes to our family histories, did you know we have way more control over our genes than we might think? In this eye-opening episode, we challenge the notion that our genes must dictate our health destiny. We discover how our lifestyle choices can influence up to 95% of our health outcomes, even with genetic predispositions! We learn about epigenetics, the power of diet, exercise, stress management, and more when it comes to shaping our present and future health.
Dive deep with Kelly as she blends personal experiences with evidence-based science. Learn how she has successfully managed her strong genetic predisposition to Ulcerative Colitis for over a decade, and how we can "flip the switch" on disease-causing genes.
Whether we're battling chronic conditions or aiming for optimal wellness, this episode empowers us with actionable tools to rewrite our health stories.
Website: www.kellybhaney.com
Email: info@kellybhaney.com
Instagram: @kellybhaney
Facebook: Kelly B Haney Wellness
Welcome to the Heal and Stay Healed podcast, where we talk about healing and, more importantly, staying healed from chronic disease and other ailments and issues. We'll cover all the crazy things about health and life the good, the bad, the ugly and the hilarious. My name is Kelly and I'm a survivor and overcomer of severe autoimmune disease, and I can't wait to share with you what I've learned so that you can heal and stay healed too. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show. Welcome back to another episode of Heal and Stay Healed with Kelly Behaney.
Speaker 1:Today we are diving into a fascinating topic that's crucial for better understanding our health and our healing, and that is our genes G-E-N-E-S, not J-E-A-N-S, in case you were wondering. We are about to unpack the age-old nature versus nurture debate by exploring the fascinating interplay between what's written in our DNA and the daily choices we make that ultimately shape our health. We've all heard, or maybe even said ourselves, phrases like it runs in the family or it's in my genes. These statements often carry a sense of inevitability, as if our genetic code is a set-in-stone blueprint for our destiny. However, recent research and real-world experiences are challenging this view. Let's start with some eye-opening key information Recent studies, including a 2019 one from the University of Alberta, have shown that for many common chronic diseases genetic factors often only account, and Alzheimer's were on the low end of that spectrum and others, such as autoimmune diseases, were the higher ones, more in the 40% range.
Speaker 1:Of course there are outliers, as is the case in my own family. In my family of origin I have my mom, my dad, my older brother and myself. Three out of four of us have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was the first one to be diagnosed back in 1999. My brother followed a few years later and then, in what was a shock to all of us just a few years ago, my mom was diagnosed in her late 60s. Now we finally know which side of the family is to blame. Now getting back to those statistics, if in most cases genes only account for 5 to 40 percent of common diseases, then that means the influencing factors for the other 60 to 95% can be found in our lifestyle behaviors, modifiable and controllable behaviors such as our nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep and other environmental factors.
Speaker 1:So for those of us who already have an autoimmune disease or other chronic illness diagnosis, this raises a very important and maybe not so popular question If we can only blame our genes. So much then. What if our disease, at least in part, is our fault? Now, this isn't meant to be an offensive suggestion. It's meant to be an empowering one, because if we are responsible for getting ourselves sick, that means we can be responsible for getting ourselves well. If we got ourselves into this, we can get ourselves out. That is a powerful mindset shift From victim to warrior, from hopelessness to hope. It puts the power back in our hands. Whether our genetic predisposition is big or small, that mindset shift can make all the difference.
Speaker 1:It's not unreasonable to think that, with my crazy genes, I'd be especially condemned to having to deal with my disease forever and ever. Yet I've managed to stay completely free of my disease without medications for well over a decade. At this point how? By taking my power back through this victim to warrior mindset shift. That was step one, followed by a steadfast commitment to making conscious, nature-aligning lifestyle choices every single day that have supported my healing and staying healed. We'll talk more about those choices in a few minutes.
Speaker 1:Our genes may increase our vulnerability to certain diseases, yes, but we don't have to be held hostage by them. I've heard it best put this way. My personal story is a great example of what the research is telling us. In my case, despite my genetic situation, lifestyle changes have brought me to a place where my genes no longer have the winning hand. This shows that, even after a disease manifests, your daily choices can make a dramatic difference, potentially turning a full-blown health crisis into mild or even non-existent symptoms. Furthermore, if you have a high genetic risk for a disease that hasn't yet appeared, your lifestyle can significantly reduce the chances of that disease ever manifesting. The power of our daily choices in shaping our health is truly remarkable. I've seen this play out, of course, not just in my own life, but in the lives of so many others. People with family histories of everything from autoimmune diseases to cancer who've been able to stay healthy or, if they've already received a diagnosis, have been able to reclaim their health through living a lifestyle that supports their true healing. Now, I'm not saying that genetics don't matter at all of course they do but what I want you to take away from this is no matter what hand you've been dealt genetically, you don't have to let your genes determine your destiny.
Speaker 1:Let's start digging into this more by looking at the science that goes beyond the genetic code, and that is epigenetics. Simply put, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. It's like having a light switch for your genes your DNA stays the same, but epigenetic mechanisms determine whether that genetic switch is turned on or turned off. We can also look at it this way Our genes are like a recipe book for our bodies. If you're like me, you add notes to the recipes in your recipe books. In this analogy, epigenetic factors are represented by the sticky notes or highlighter marks added to the recipes. These notes don't change the original recipes, our DNA, but they can affect if and how often a recipe is used or how it's interpreted. Our lifestyle choices can add, remove or change these sticky notes, thus influencing how our genetic recipes are read and used by our body, how our genetic recipes are read and used by our body.
Speaker 1:Various studies on identical twins have shown that, despite having the same DNA, they can develop different health outcomes as they age. These differences are likely due to epigenetic changes influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors affecting their gene expression. In adulthood, one identical twin might develop a disease that the other twin doesn't. In my own journey, even before I knew it by name. Epigenetics was a game changer. Its concepts helped me to see that, despite my strong genes, I had the power to influence my health through my daily choices, and that's exactly what I've done for over 13 years now. I am so grateful to have flipped that genetic ulcerative colitis switch from on to off and to be keeping it off.
Speaker 1:So what do we need to do to override our genetic predispositions and get or keep ourselves healthy? What do we need to do to keep those genes turned off or to get them turned off? Let's talk about the six areas that can have a major impact. Number one diet. Number one diet Diet and nutrition is always number one. The food we consistently eat can make all the difference. What's worked for me, and what I believe in wholeheartedly, is that eating a diet of real food vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, highest quality meat, eggs and dairy all organic as much as possible. These foods can help suppress the genes associated with inflammation and many diseases and can help get or keep those switches turned off. In contrast, the chemical, pesticide and artificial ingredient-laden, highly and ultra-processed junk food that is insanely prevalent in the standard American daily diet will help trigger those genes to turn on. So let's get rid of the processed junk that is harming us and stick with the real, nutrient-dense food that heals us. This is the best thing we can do for our present and future health.
Speaker 1:Number two is exercise Another thing that benefits everything. Regular physical activity has been shown to positively influence the epigenetic markers associated with inflammation and metabolism. Of course it has Consistently. Moving our bodies is good for all areas of our health. We were not made to be sedentary, we were made to move. Exercise like walking, yoga and strength training are of massive benefit for keeping disease genes turned off. Even if you've been mostly sedentary for a long time, you can start where you are and try to build a little more movement and fitness-promoting exercises into your day every day. The payoff is priceless.
Speaker 1:Number three is stress management. Chronic stress can, for sure, lead to epigenetic changes that affect our immune system and our overall health. That affect our immune system and our overall health, especially in the case of autoimmune diseases. There is a ton of evidence showing that stress is a common culprit for turning on those genes. Combating stress is easier said than done, so that's where things like therapy and practices like meditation, as well as many forms of exercise, yoga being one, are effective in combating and managing stress. A great way to start is by increasing your mindfulness, especially when you're in the midst of feeling stressed. Pause and just take several deep breaths in and out, end out.
Speaker 1:Number four is sleep Quality. Sleep patterns can lead to epigenetic changes that support our metabolism and immune function. Our body needs enough sleep. A little louder for the resistors in the back you yes, you need to get enough sleep, quality and quantity. Our bodies go through the processes of repairing, regenerating and regulating our systems while we are sleeping. If we chronically aren't getting enough sleep, that's where trouble can arise, especially if we aren't sleeping enough in combination with eating, a poor diet and not moving much. We've got to prioritize sleep.
Speaker 1:Number five environmental exposures. These are things like pollution, smoking and many of the chemicals that flood our daily lives. These can also influence our epigenetics and they are not always easy to avoid, since they are everywhere. So, of course, don't smoke and do your best to avoid pollution. Depending on where you live, this may be challenging. In our own homes is where we really have some power here, taking a look at things like makeup, personal care products, cleaning products, air fresheners all of these kinds of things may contain a chemical cocktail that is giving our body a beating on a daily basis.
Speaker 1:Generally, there's an understandable tendency to think that if a product is on the market, it must be safe, but sadly, that is often not true. The good news here is that there are many products out there, and a lot of DIY products, that reduce or eliminate the nefarious chemicals. The Environmental Working Group at EWGorg provides outstanding information for helping us become way more aware of the dangerous chemicals in everyday products. I've used them as a trusted resource for many years. What's really awesome is that they have a free app, ewg Healthy Living, that has a search function where you can find out what's in your products and find their verified products. These are the products that are free from EWG's chemicals of concern and that meet their highest standards for health and transparency. And, by the way, this app is free a free resource that's super helpful, so definitely check it out. The more we can reduce our chemical burden, the better.
Speaker 1:Now, beyond these five areas we just talked about diet, exercise, stress, sleep and environmental exposures, I am a fervent believer that looking at our health and healing holistically, with a body, mind and spirit approach, is extraordinarily helpful for beating our genetic disease predispositions. Beyond just having it be part of the stress management conversation, paying attention to our mental health whether we struggle with depression, anxiety, past traumas or any other mental health concern is vital. Our emotional health is vital, too. Are we taking care of ourselves? Beyond just our physical health? Making time for rest and relaxation should not be seen as a luxury or something that we have to withhold from ourselves. If we're going to be well ourselves, if we're going to be well, it's necessary. Other things, such as spending time with caring loved ones, regularly connecting with our higher power, being in nature, simplifying our schedules and possessions, giving back to others however we can, and spending time doing things that bring us joy and life these are all the kind of things that contribute to our overall health and healing.
Speaker 1:Before we wrap up, let's circle back to that nature versus nurture concept we touched on earlier. There's a key point in here that I don't want us to miss. The nurture part of this equation is crucial to emphasize, especially when we think about how we grew up as children. We inherit the nature part from our families through our genes, and we also receive the nurture part, especially as young children what we eat, how much we move, our sleep patterns and even our thought patterns. These are greatly influenced by our parents and caregivers. Essentially, through our nurturing, we pick up habits that are the same or similar to other members of our family. So this is another way of explaining why maybe diseases or health issues that quote run in the family aren't solely the fault of our genes, but could also be the result of similar habits passed down through the generations.
Speaker 1:This realization gives us yet another reason why it's so important to examine our lifestyles and to look for areas where we can break away from learned behaviors, habits or thought patterns that aren't serving our grown-up health. By understanding this more and by taking responsibility and ownership, we empower ourselves to make conscious choices that can override both genetic predispositions and ingrained habits, ultimately stacking the deck in favor of our good and lasting health. Remember, as grown-up adults, we are responsible for making and keeping ourselves healthy. When we acknowledge this with kindness and compassion for ourselves, we unlock the power for real and lasting change. This mindset shift from victim to warrior not only empowers us, but it also motivates us to truly commit to the lifestyle practices that will keep our genetics in check by embracing a health-promoting, holistically nourishing lifestyle. We're not just making surface-level changes, we're directly influencing our genes at a molecular level and level, and we'll feel better, look better and think more clearly too.
Speaker 1:How awesome is that, friends, walking a path of natural health and natural healing is not always easy, but it is so worth it, and I'm here to help. Reach out to me anytime through my website, kellybhaneycom. Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope you got a lot out of this and that you find yourselves feeling inspired. If you received value from this episode, I would be so grateful if you would take a moment to support my ability to produce this podcast by subscribing to the show, downloading the episodes, rating and reviewing, and please share it with anyone who you think may receive value from it as well. I am truly honored to walk alongside of you as we heal and stay healed together.