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Common Drugs Can Wreck Your Genes

Posted By Dr. Mercola | July 28 2009 | 1134 views

Your genetic makeup may not be as fixed and unchanging as used to be believed. Researchers have discovered that there are inherited physical or mental traits that are not explained by sequences of DNA or by environmental factors.

There are mechanisms whereby genes can be turned on (expressed) or turned off (silenced). This is the relatively new field of biology called epigenetics.

It has become increasingly apparent to biologists that chemicals can turn genes on or off even long after exposure. And researchers now hypothesize that commonly-used, FDA-approved pharmaceutical drugs can cause persistent epigenetic changes. Epigenetic side-effects of pharmaceuticals may be involved in the etiology of heart disease, cancer, nerve and mental disorders, obesity, diabetes, leukemia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.

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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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