Are Habits, Traits and Health Predetermined?

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 17 Jun 2021

Yes, they are. At the time of your conception, your genetic build up is determined and that forms the basis of all your habits, preferences, traits & health conditions. With time, your genes and your lifestyle interact to result in your current health state.

In case you are genetically predisposed to a certain disease, it means your genes increase your chances of it, however you can prevent/delay it by changing your diet and fitness routines. You can know your genetic predispositions with a genetic test.

What is genetics?

Genetics is the study of hereditary. It studies your genes. All your information is stored in your genes and knowing them can help you improve your life. Genetic manifestations are different for identical twins also. The genes contain instructions that can make you susceptible to develop certain medical conditions. Your genes:

• Influence the use fat in your body
• Control hormones that affect your control food choices

The expressions of your genes change overtime with the lifestyle you lead. Hence, it is very easy to maintain a healthy body by understanding your genetic build. Here are some of the things that are influenced by your genes but can be controlled with lifestyle modifications:

• Taste preference: bitter or sweet
• Food requirement: protein, fibre, fat intake
• Fitness routine: motivation to exercise, post-exercise recovery
• Predisposition to Vitamin deficiencies
• Predisposition to Iron, minerals, and Calcium deficiencies
• Development of addictions
• Susceptibility to chronic diseases

Your genes definitely influence your health, but that doesn’t mean the risks will definitely manifest. Understanding your genetics can help you know your predispositions and enable you to personalize your food and exercise requirements according to your body’s requirements. You can know your genes/DNA with a simple genetic test that can be taken from the home. Your DNA is analysed through your saliva sample. A detailed report with 80 parameters is shared with you along with lifestyle modification recommendations and genetic counselling. Your report can guide you towards good health all your life - it can benefit your doctor and your dietician also to plan your health needs. Get your own genetic test report now.