Good upbringing is warm as apple pie

I occasionally cover health topics on this blog. This study that was recently published supports the nurture side of the nurture versus nature argument. The study examined the blood of 53 individuals from lower socioeconomics status (SES) and examined for genetic markers of inflammation. In layman's terms, they are trying to track potential, chronic illness later in life and correlate it with the factor how close an individual is to their mother. Apparently, chronic illness and inflammation are correlated. Correlations do not mean guarantees, but are higher probabilities. The article puts it simply.

Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and cancer. Cole compared inflammation to a "fertilizer" that feeds disease. For example, in women who have been successfully treated for breast cancer, those who show high levels of inflammation have twice the risk of a recurrence of the cancer, research has shown.

This study found that having a harsh life when young does lead to a greater number of inflammation markers. The environment is activating certain genes. The article states.

Early life experiences can lead to the release of hormones that channel the body into being more or less prone to chronic inflammation, Cole said.

Harsh family life

In another recent study, published online April 29 in Psychological Science, researchers found that adolescent girls who reported having harsh family lives growing up - abusive, neglectful or violent - had increasing markers of inflammation during the 18-month study period compared with girls who came from more stable homes.

Neither an abusive home nor a cool relationship with mom automatically translates into disease later on in life, however. Cole said early family experiences are one factor that shapes the way the body responds to stress. From his research, Cole hopes to develop a checklist of risk factors, including family upbringing, that can guide treatment decisions.

Being a good loving family not only spiritually encourages people, it physically helps. The article gives hope by also stating that coming from a low SES is not a cause for the markers if the family is loving and caring. This gives further hope for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.