Lifestyle changes genes

According to Prof Dr Dean Ornish, a preventive physician from San Francisco, a healthy lifestyle can change the function of more than 500 human genes in a beneficial way.

So far, the dogma has been that diseases of civilisation can only be postponed or prevented by a normal lifestyle. According to Professor Ornish's research results, the human metabolism is positively influenced by physical exercise of approx. 5 hours per week, a change in nutrition and stress management in such a way that "bad" (e.g. cancer-causing) genes are switched off and "good" genes are switched on. The change in gene activity has been demonstrated, for example, in the enzyme telomerase. By consequently changing one's lifestyle, serious diseases such of the heart muscle and even malignant tumours can be partially reversible. Depression and other neuropsychological conditions can also be influenced.

These results are very encouraging and emphasize the importance of preventive medicine. Each of us can actively and positively shape our lives. See the impressive results for yourself. The link to Prof Ornish's website is

www.ornish.com.