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.

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?

About Your Host

Hosted by Dr. Deepa Grandon, MD, MBA, a triple board-certified physician with over 23 years of experience working as a Physician Consultant for influential organizations worldwide. Dr. Grandon is the founder of Transformational Life Consulting (TLC) and an outspoken faith-based leader in evidence-based lifestyle medicine.

Disclaimer

​​TLC presents this podcast as a means of information sharing only. This information is not intended to be medical advice or to replace the judgment of a licensed physician. TLC is not responsible for any claims related to procedures, professionals, products, or methods discussed in the podcast, and it does not approve or endorse any products, professionals, services, or methods that might be referenced.