An Introduction to Functional Genomics
Genetics is an area of increased attention and study in both the mainstream population and in the healthcare arena. More people are learning about genetics, acquiring genetic testing, and seeking out knowledgable providers to help interpret the data to make educated decisions about their health.
The Importance of Cellular Health and Genetic Expression
It has been said that we live and die at the cellular level. Our health is dependent upon the health of the 60-100 trillion cells that make up the body. Various triggers including eating a nutrient-poor inflammatory diet, environmental toxin exposure, stress, infections, and genetic variants in our DNA contribute to a disruption in physiology. These factors promote an increase in toxic substances (inflammatory pathways and compounds) and a decrease in critical nutrients and molecules needed for good health. The reality is, everyone has some level of genetic variation in their DNA. This genetic variation may impact your ability to make and use different nutrients critical for digestion, detoxification, tolerance to gluten, blood sugar regulation, mitochondrial function, free radical production/premature aging, master antioxidant production and much more.
Why Do Genetic Variations Occur?
Genes are passed from parent to child with each and every cell containing a set of genetic instructions. When an existing cell divides to make a new cell, it copies its set of genetic instructions. However, sometimes these instructions are copied incorrectly, like a typo, which leads to variations in the DNA sequence. This is called a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP. Oftentimes these are referred to or pronounced “snip”.
How do Genetic Variants Impact My Health?
Most SNPs do not cause any observable differences. But the location and total number of SNPs a person has may influence their susceptibility to health issues or impact how they react to certain drugs or even specific foods. Research points to the fact that the presence of free radicals and oxidative stress play a significant role in the root causes of health challenges. Your body naturally produces free radicals and other inflammatory agents, but genetic variations can cause you to have too many of them. When out of balance, they can cause cellular damage, inflammation and the formation of toxins, leading to slower rebuilding and repair of cells and ultimately faster aging. To compensate for these free radicals, your body makes antioxidants to rebuild and repair damaged cells. But your inherited genetic issues may inhibit you from making enough antioxidants, cause you to produce too many oxidants, and suppress your ability to support cell repair, which can negatively impact your health.
What Does Genetic Testing Entail?
We take an in-depth genetic profile to understand where genetic variants and potential detrimental genetic expression may occur. This is done with an at-home saliva or buccal swab test. When we receive the data back from the lab, Dr. Ashley will be able to review thousands of genetic variants (SNPs) and hundreds of genetic pathways specific to your body. The genetic data is run through a cutting-edge software offered only through trained clinicians that is built upon on a solid foundation of extensive research. You will receive a comprehensive genetic profile detailing thousands of SNPs and genetic pathways that are unique to you.
Additionally, we often run a Urine Organic Acids test to look at amino acids metabolites that give a deeper understanding to how these genetic pathways are functioning. Based on a thorough health history, symptoms survey, a robust genetic profile, an organic acid test (OAT), and other blood work, we are able to make a custom, highly personalized plan for optimal wellness. By supplying individualized nutrition and targeted supplementation to compensate for genetic variants we can decrease oxidative stress, increase antioxidants, support detoxification, and facilitate the rebuilding of cells and organs. When the genetic interferences are removed, the body has the ability to come into balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
My doctor tested me for MTHFR and recommended I supplement with methylfolate. This means I have my bases covered, right?
Unfortunately supporting genetics is not that simple. In fact, supplementing with methylfolate for something with MTHFR can be dangerous, potentially contributing to more inflammation and negative symptoms. Because genetic pathways are complex and deeply intertwined, most people need to be supported in a proper sequencing of events. This could be described as peeling back the layers of an onion, one step at a time.
I did genetic testing through 23 and Me and plugged the raw data through a software to understand my SNPs. How does your testing differ?
Back in 2017, 23 and Me changed their testing and the amount of data given to the individual. They now only report about 1/4 of the data they used to. Unfortunately, this data is no longer robust enough to glean important health information from. Our current DNA testing provides data on over 200,000 SNPs. This raw data looks at various pathways involved in functional nutritional support and helps to tell a more comprehensive story of personal genetic function.