Nutrigenomics (also known as nutritional genomics) is a branch of genetic research that evaluates how food affects genes. It is closely related to its mirror field, nutrigenetics, which explores how genes affect the way the body reacts to food. By understanding nutrition at the genetic level, nutrigenomics can help determine the exact lifestyle necessary to help you feel more energized, healthy and balanced.

At Natural Bio Health, our Pro7 genetic test identifies up to 55+ scientifically validated genetic SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) that could be affecting your health. 

SNPs are genetic variations or differences. According to Genetics Home Reference “These variations are found in the DNA between genes. They can act as biological markers, helping scientists locate genes that are associated with disease. When SNPs occur within a gene or in a regulatory region near a gene, they may play a more direct role in disease by affecting the gene’s function.

Most SNPs have no effect on health or development. Some of these genetic differences, however, have proven to be very important in the study of human health. Researchers have found SNPs that may help predict an individual’s response to certain drugs, susceptibility to environmental factors such as toxins, and risk of developing particular diseases. SNPs can also be used to track the inheritance of disease genes within families.”

Gene Mutations Can Cause:

• Poor Hormonal Production, Low Testosterone, Poor Estrogen Metabolism
• Poor Sleep, Fatigue, or Low Energy
• Digestive Issues, IBS, Leaky Gut, Excess Body Fat, Obesity, Difficulty Losing Weight
• Stress, Memory Loss, Poor Focus and Concentration
• Hashimoto’s Disease and Other Auto-immune Conditions
• Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain
• Cancer, Diabetes
• Heart disease, Stroke
• ADHD, ADD, Autism, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
• Depression, Anxiety, PMS, Bipolar Disorders

Our Pro7 genetic test offers seven major panels to review gene expressions. Let’s explore the three of them…

 

Methylation Foundation Wellness Panel

 

What is Methylation?

The Methylation Panel provides a strong foundation to evaluate overall wellness. Methylation is involved in neurotransmitter production, cell turnover and repair, membrane function, energy (mitochondrial) function and immune function.

According to Dr. Kendal Stewart, Founder of GX Sciences, “Methylation describes a biochemical process that is utilized in the body for transport of nutrients, energy production and in gene modulation. In patients with decreased methylation activity (i.e. methylation deficiency), there are significant shortcomings in the ability to execute a variety of important chemical functions in the body. These shortcomings can leave the body unprotected from the everyday assault of environmental and infectious agents, sluggish in neurotransmitter production and slow to recover from inflammatory damage.”

What is MTHFR / Methylfolate?

If your practitioner mentions Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), he or she could either be referring to an enzyme or a gene.

MTHFR Enzyme

The MTHFR enzyme regulates metabolism and folate. Folate is a type of B-vitamin that makes red and white blood cells in bone marrow, converts carbs into energy, and creates DNA and RNA. 

MTHFR Gene

MTHFR also refers to a gene that plays a major role in the methylation process. The gene’s role is very complex. Recent discoveries focus on MTHFR gene polymorphisms or variants. These variants are often referred to as ‘mutations’ or ‘defects’ because of the problems they cause in the body.

MTHFR gene mutations can cause the MTHFR enzyme to metabolize folate less effectively and therefore affect blood cells. Symptoms of folic acid/folate deficiencies or methylfolate issues can include fatigue, irritability, sleep issues, anxiety, brain fog, and aches and pains. Major side effects can lead to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, an autoimmune disease, or anemia. Symptoms can be worsened by excessive alcohol consumption, kidney problems, and certain medications.

For our Foundation/Methylation/Wellness Nutrigenomic Panel, experts have chosen 21 genes to analyze for SNPs. By analyzing your MTHFR genes, the methylation panel can indicate if you would benefit from a folate-rich diet. Vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, and lentils are sources of natural folate. 

 

Neurotransmitter Panel

 

What are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters send messages from your brain to the rest of your body. Neuron cells communicate with other nerve cells by sending electrical impulses. Neurotransmitters send information about processes such as digestion, heartbeat and breath. Each type of neuron cell can send information differently and in a different way. 

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters 

Inhibitory neurotransmitters are considered the “feel-good” neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. They help you feel calm and balanced.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Excitatory neurotransmitters are responsible for motivation and focus. They often respond to stress and anxiety. Norepinephrine and epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) are excitatory and stimulate the brain into action.

Your body can run out of inhibitory neurotransmitters if you have overactive excitatory neurotransmitters. When both types don’t work together, they can throw your mood out of balance.  Instead of centered and focused, you can feel anger, agitation, anxiety or depression. Change in weight, sleep issues, and poor concentration are other results. According to a 2010 report, 86% of Americans do not have optimal levels of neurotransmitters.

What Genes are Associated with Depression?

While depression is not inherited, the potential for depression can be modified by environment, stress, genetic makeup and nutritional health. In nutrigenomics, two genes are associated with depression risk factors: MAO and COMT. Both genes affect the speed at which neurotransmitters are broken down and cleared. If you get a buildup of norepinephrine and epinephrine, that can lead to stress and increase risk for depression. 

Recreational and prescription drugs, neurotoxins, stress, alcohol, caffeine, and poor diet, and can also increase symptoms of depression. By analyzing MAO and COMT mutations, your practitioner can recommend lifestyle adjustments to speed up neurotransmitter clearance and reduce the likelihood for developing depression.

 

Detoxification Panel

 

What is Detoxification?

There are many ways that your body flushes out toxins including feces, urine and sweat. Detoxification enzymes in the liver clear environmental chemicals and metabolic by-products out of your body. When chemicals accumulate, they can damage cells and have a significant negative effect on the nervous and immune system functions. 

What Genes are Associated with Detoxification?

GX Sciences experts choose seven key genes to analyze for SNPs related to Detoxification. Let’s explore three of them..

AHCY  

Mutations in this gene will lead to lower levels of homocysteine and glutathione. Homocysteine is a common amino acid in blood that’s absorbed through eating meat. High homocysteine levels can lead to early development of heart disease. Glutathione is an antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea.

GPX3

This gene is involved in protecting cells against oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can occur when there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Cells produce antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals. Oxidative damage can lead to fatigue and Memory loss.

GSTP1

GSTP1 functions in chemical clearance and anti-inflammatory properties. High concentrations of GSTP are found in the skin, lungs, sinuses, bladder and intestinal tract. Mutations of this enzyme increase inflammatory activity and can cause eczema, asthma, chronic sinusitis, IBS, “leaky” gut and interstitial cystitis.

By analyzing your detoxification genes, your practitioner can create a nutritional plan to improve gut health, weight loss and reduce inflammation. Recommendations may include increasing Vitamin C dosage or focusing on a high-antioxidant diet with more fruits and vegetables. 

 

Contact Natural Bio Health Today

Since 1999, Natural Bio Health has helped thousands of people regain their quality of life, prevent disease and maintain a strong immune system for optimal health. Through a careful review of health history, genetics and lifestyle, our providers are able to create individualized wellness plans to address the root-cause of your underlying health concerns.

Whether your personal struggles are with hormone imbalance, weight, sleep, energy, libido, migraines or depression, Natural Bio Health is committed to help you restore your quality of life and achieve optimal mental and physical health.

Contact Natural Bio Health today to learn more about our Genetic Testing Options.