Grandma's Experiences Leave Epigenetic Mark on Your Genes | DiscoverMagazine.com

I've been saying it all along... Nature vs. Nurture ... not an either or scenario, but rather a combination!! & it's not just direct interaction. We carry the experiences of our heritage in our DNA even if unaware.

Its amazing what researchers are discovering that simply enlighten us to the glory of God & how we are truly all connected!! & Just like nature vs. nurture not being mutually exclusive, neither is science vs. spiritually.

Grandma's Experiences Leave Epigenetic Mark on Your Genes | DiscoverMagazine.com

Great article and explanation of methylation!! & though you might have assumed otherwise, it simply furthers my resolve in no longer seeking pharmaceutical intervention.

{excerpt}

 epigenetic changes to genes active in certain regions of the brain underlie our emotional and intellectual intelligence — our tendency to be calm or fearful, our ability to learn or to forget — then the question arises: Why can’t we just take a drug to rinse away the unwanted methyl groups like a bar of epigenetic Irish Spring? 

The hunt is on. Giant pharmaceutical and smaller biotech firms are searching for epigenetic compounds to boost learning and memory. It has been lost on no one that epigenetic medications might succeed in treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder where today’s psychiatric drugs have failed. 

But it is going to be a leap. How could we be sure that epigenetic drugs would scrub clean only the dangerous marks, leaving beneficial — perhaps essential — methyl groups intact? And what if we could create a pill potent enough to wipe clean the epigenetic slate of all that history wrote? If such a pill could free the genes within your brain of the epigenetic detritus left by all the wars, the rapes, the abandonments and cheated childhoods of your ancestors, would you take it?

Read more 

indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/05/28/trauma-may-be-woven-dna-native-americans-160508

{“Native healers, medicine people and elders have always known this and it is common knowledge in Native oral traditions,” according to LeManuel “Lee” Bitsoi, Navajo, PhD Research Associate in Genetics at Harvard University during his presentation at the Gateway to Discovery conference in 2013.

According to Bitsoi, epigenetics is beginning to uncover scientific proof that intergenerational trauma is real. Historical trauma, therefore, can be seen as a contributing cause in the development of illnesses such as PTSD, depression and type 2 diabetes.}

{Native peoples ability to maintain culture and sense of who they are in the face of such a traumatic history suggests an inherited resilience that bears scientific examination as well, according to Gone.

Isolating and nurturing a resilience gene may well be on the horizon.}

Don't think I'm not looking up...

Even though each new day brings a fresh grabbag of wonder... Wonder what symptoms - I'll be dealing with today?

Occasionally, I have a clue based on the prior days events, what to expect. Some days I awake with old familiar things, while others are fresh & startling. Frequently they begin in my sleep.

Most mornings I count on stiffness at a minimum but some days it's too much to bare movement, which is especially problematic when you have bladder & bowel issues.

And, of course, when I refer to morning I simply mean 'whatever' hour ~dark or light~ when slumber ends. Which is very random & one of my biggest struggles. Sleep patterns are elusive! 

Even when I try to accommodate a new normal - it changes! Ever since I can remember sleep has only been available to me in windows of opportunity. When an opportunity is missed I simply must wait for another.  I have been known to sleep more than 24hrs in a stretch, my body simply crashes! However my current situation more closely resembles to that of a newborn in small stints at random times.

Although, I've become dramatically sedentary, unfortunately a more active lifestyle is out of the question at this point. I have however made mad changes in every other respect with the greatest efforts toward reducing toxic load. Not only in my diet; using the rules of Local, Organic, Raw, No processing, Non-GMO as a guide but rarely do I even wear makeup, brush with toothpaste, or use deodorant. No worries, I have found healthy natural non-commercial replacements.

This doesn't come without some backlash. For instance; Poliosis was a condition I didn't realize I had. The grey streak I had covered with dyes for over 20yrs trying to deny premature graying is now prominent but, I wear the white streak that affects my scalp, eyebrow, & lashes like a badge of honor at this point. It's yet another trait, like the HLA B27 that I carry, as a reminder of my ancestors.. Native Americans /Indigenous People.

It's amazing these things I've discovered through this journey that were first interpreted as a curse but actually a blessing!!

Last year at this time I barely had the strength to think about holidays. This year I put together a Christmas installation with Ladders! Counting my blessings!!