The number of people with hereditary risks is increasing. It is estimated that the 10% of the population affected carry a gene responsible for over 40% of all cancers. Most families will pass along a genetic condition without realizing it because they lack knowledge on how conditions are inherited through generations and the impact it can have on their health, personal life, and lifestyle. What does it mean to be proactive about your hereditary health risks? Many of us are unaware that many inherited diseases can be detected in an individual’s genes. Many of us are unaware that many inherited diseases can be detected in an individual’s genes.
The prevalence of medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes has increased over the past few decades, however each year there is a new breakthrough in research which could lead to a treatment or some form of prevention. It is estimated that the 10% of the population affected carry a gene responsible for over 40% of all cancers. The importance of taking the necessary precautions when it comes to hereditary health risks is crucial, especially for families and those who are planning on starting a family soon. It is very important for them to know about their risk of genetic conditions so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones from the possible complications that may arise from such conditions, one of which can be cancer.
You Will Never Believe These Bizarre Truth Behind Hereditary Health Risks :
1. Familial Hypercholesterolemia
This is a genetic variant which increases the average cholesterol levels by nearly three times the normal levels. This leads to a condition called atherosclerosis, where fat builds up within the walls of arteries which can be life-threatening. It has been said that those who have this genetic variant could lower their cholesterol by as much as 50% if they are under a treatment program and make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, they can exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy fats.
2. Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
This is a genetic condition which can lead to one of the most common dietary disorders in the world called fructose intolerance. This means that one’s body doesn’t know how to process or use fructose in the body. This condition leads to intestinal malabsorption among other symptoms, which include mal-absorption of fat and glucose and digestive problems such as diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas and abdominal pain.
Sufferers will be diagnosed by showing a low blood sugar level after ingesting fructose as well as doctors following a systematic review on their diet history. Fructose intolerance results from inheriting two missense mutations of the GLUT5 gene.
3. Hereditary Hemochromatosis
This is a genetic condition where iron builds up within one’s body tissues and organs which can cause organ damage or even lead to cirrhosis of the liver. In most cases, patients have difficulty absorbing the essential vitamins A, C and D found in their food, which can lead to anemia, fatigue and joint pain. They are diagnosed by showing abnormal levels of iron in the blood or liver disease.
It has been said that those who have this genetic variant could lower their iron stores by as much as 54% if they are under treatment and make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, they can exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy fats.
4. Huntington’s Disease
This is a rare genetic condition which affects someone physically and mentally as they age. It causes the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, which leads to dementia, loss of coordination and muscle control and even death in some cases. Symptoms include mood swings and depression among many others. It has been said that those who have this genetic variant could lower their risk by as much as 46% if they are under treatment and make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, they can exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy fats.
5. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
This is a genetic condition which causes small blood vessels in the nose, lungs, digestive tract or brain to rupture and bleed. It has been said that those who have this genetic variant could lower their risk by as much as 66% if they are under treatment and make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, they can exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy fats.
6. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
This is a genetic condition which increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It has been said that those who have this genetic variant could lower their risk by as much as 80% if they are under treatment and make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, they can exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting unhealthy fats.
7. Familial Dysautonomia
This is a genetic condition which affects the nervous system and is linked to an excess of the protein called Peripherin which hinders nerve impulses causing feelings of pain, numbness, changes in sight or hearing among others.
