Years ago I saw Dr. Dean Ornish presenting his findings that healthy life-style can not only prevent chronic illness but actually reverse heart disease and diabetes. His research was summarized in the article “Healthful Lifestyle Teaches Prostate Genes to Behave” by Bernadine Healy, M.D., on June 16, 2008.
During the study, participants were provided with all of their food, which was low in fat and red meat, high in plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and supplemented with soy, fish oil, vitamins C and E, and selenium. The men were expected to exercise at least 30 minutes six times a week; walking was fine. Every day for one hour they were to practice relaxation using yoga, meditation, or guided imagery, and each week to join a one-hour psychosocial support group.
Most of these are “common sense.” We know about healthy food choices. We know about moderate (regular) exercise. We know about vitamins and minerals. What might be news is how much the emotional/mental practice contributes to overall well-being.
The therapeutic use of guided imagery has been a favorite of mine for decades now. There is a very significant (yet powerful) difference between images that are suggested, and the specific images chosen by you. Compare my telling you to “imagine walking along the beach” or asking you to “remember a time or place that you enjoy very much and find totally relaxing.” For some, that might be curled up on the sofa reading a book. For others, watching a sunset or attending a concert. Guided imagery helps you step right of your left brain. It turns down the internal stress and signals your genes to do healthy things for you.
Ornish reports “the results were impressive.”
Expression was beneficially changed in over 500 different genes: Certain genes believed to be cancer preventing were turned up, and an array of disease-promoting genes, including oncogenes in the so-called RAS family that are present in both prostate and breast cancer, were turned down.
This week, enjoy yoga, meditation, or one of my guided imagery audios every day for one hour. If you are new to guided imagery, check out samples of several of mine now available on Amazon, iTunes, and CDBaby. Just put in Debra Basham, download, and enjoy….
This week’s health tip originally appeared online at https://scs-matters.com/Change-Your-Genes/.
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Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips
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Rev.Debra Basham
Voice or text: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ |