Dhru Purohit Show Big Idea: How We Can Start to Heal From Traumatic Childhood Experiences that Shape Our Health with Dr. Gabor Mate
Environment Controls Gene Expression
- Genes explain little about disease; environment mostly determines gene expression.
- Epigenetics shows experiences switch genes on/off, influencing health beyond inherited DNA.
Childhood Trauma Shapes Our Health More Than Genetics
Dr. Gabor Maté reveals that genes are not the primary determinants of disease; rather, our environment, especially childhood experiences, plays a far greater role. He explains how trauma, even beyond blatant catastrophes, including neglect or unmet emotional needs in childhood, profoundly influences how we live, love, and ultimately our physical and mental health.
He shares personal stories of early trauma and highlights that societal structures often ignore these impacts, making healing and understanding trauma essential for improving health outcomes. Maté emphasizes that most chronic illnesses reflect a person's lived experience more than their genetic makeup, offering a hopeful perspective that by improving environments, we can heal and thrive.
This insight challenges the notion that our genes dictate our destiny and calls for a trauma-aware approach in medicine and society.
Gabor's Childhood Trauma Impact
- Gabor's early childhood trauma involved maternal neglect due to strict feeding schedules.
- This shaped his lifelong feelings of being on his own and affected relationships and work.