For a long time, genetic conditions were treated as a verdict. As if a diagnosis, a family history, or a lab result quietly closes the door on what’s possible.
I see it every day. People sitting across from me asking, “Is this just how my body is? Is my family history my future? If this is genetic, does anything I do actually matter?”
And the truth is, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Genetics matter, and inflammatory and allergic conditions really are part of how we’re wired.
But here’s what often gets missed. Genetics may load the risk, but they don’t automatically determine how life plays out.
I’ve cared for patients with the same diagnosis, similar histories, and even similar genetic risk, and their day-to-day reality can look completely different. And it’s not because one tried harder or had “better” genes.
It usually comes down to one thing - lifestyle intervention.
Lifestyle doesn’t change DNA, but it does influence how the body responds to a genetic risk. So the real question isn’t “Are genetics destiny?” It’s “How much room is there to work with what I’ve been given?”
In this episode, I reflect on what it actually means to live with a genetically driven condition, how to stop chasing cures, and start working with your body for better long-term results.
Lifestyle doesn’t cure immune diseases; it decides how loudly genetics speaks. -Dr. Deepa Grandon
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Genetics explains risk, not destiny
Many immune and inflammatory conditions are genetically driven, but why do people with the same diagnosis experience vastly different severity and stability?
Lifestyle doesn’t cure disease, but it regulates expression
Sleep, stress, food, and movement don’t change DNA, but how do they influence which inflammatory pathways get turned up or quieted?
Stability is not failure; it’s progress
Why do we chase cures in conditions that require management, and what happens when we redefine success as fewer flares, better control, and improved quality of life?
Precision beats perfection in chronic immune health
If moderation doesn’t work for everyone, how do we learn to set boundaries that respect our unique biology instead of fighting it?
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
