Understanding the Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene

Understanding the Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene

Before we get into genes, let's talk for a moment about this body we live in.  We have 60 to 100 trillion cells that are in a constant state of renewal.  We get new retinas every 48 hours, new lining to our colons every 3 days, new skin every 6 weeks, new livers every 6 months, etc.  Basically, we get a new body every year, more or less.  If we understand that our cells are in a constant state of renewal, how is it then that mistakes are made?  Actually, it's not that mistakes are made, it's that the environment our cells live in become toxic.
It's very important to understand that you won't see mutations in vibrant health.
When cells live in a sea of toxins, we get breaks in the DNA.  Plus, rapid renewal of cells can cause breaks in the DNA.  When double-stranded DNA is broken BRCA genes come in and repair them.  This means that everyone has BRCA genes.  If someone asks you, "Do you have the BRCA gene?"  Tell them, "I hope so."  
BRCA genes are repair genes located on the thirteenth and seventeenth chromosomes.  A gene is what you inherit from a parent that's located on a chromosome and is code for protein.  Most proteins are enzymes and enzymes is how life happens.  When we have a break in the DNA, BRCA genes repair them along with certain enzymes.
So, having a mutation in either one or two, or both, is only the first step.  That's not sufficient enough for cancer to develop.
Somatic Mutations and Lifestyle
Lifestyle is what essentially "pulls the trigger."  Somatic mutations differ from germ line mutations.  Germ line mutations are inherited (what we have already talked about) and somatic mutations occur from lifestyle.  Somatic mutations are the "nail in the coffin" and these mutations are what's necessary for disease to develop.
Here are several examples of causative somatic mutations:
* smoking
* drinking
* stress (physical, chemical and emotional)
* inflammation
* poor diet
* insulin resistance
* toxins
* leaky gut
* vitamin D deficiency
Those are just a few.  What's important to remember is that you aren't cursed with bad genes and poor lifestyle choices are what essentially pull the trigger.  The key is to educate yourself on what causes gene mutation and avoid those at all costs. 
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