FAQ

Nutritional genomics, nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are words that often mean the same thing. From a clinical perspective, it involves looking at particular genes that may affect your diet, nutrient requirements and your health.

Another way to think about nutritional genomics is that it can help you identify inherited genetic strengths and weaknesses. This information might help you understand why you are experiencing certain symptoms, target interventions and improve overall health and wellbeing.

From a scientific perspective nutritional genomics or nutrigenomics are related to the interaction between foods or nutrients and the genome (the genome refers to all our genes). While nutrigenetics is specifically related to the interaction between foods, nutrients or environmental factors with a single gene or genetic variation. However, you do not need to get caught up in the terminology, what matters is your health.

Epigenetics relates to gene expression. Gene expression describes how we use our genes, a simplified explanation is how we “turn our genes off or on”. The epi in epigenetics means above or upon and this is because epigenetic marks, such as methyl groups, sit above and on top of our DNA acting like a switch turning genes off or on. Epigenetics and gene expression are influenced by our diet and environment, including stress, exposures to chemicals and toxins as well as physical activity just to name a few examples.

It is important to know that if you have inherited a genetic variation, also known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), within the MTHFR gene, or any other gene it does NOT automatically mean you have to take supplements. The MTHFR gene codes for an enzyme involved in folate metabolism. Research shows that people who inherit the MTHFR 677 T allele (this would mean your results show a “CT” or “TT” for MTHFR 677) are likely to have lower folate and higher homocysteine levels. If you do have low folate or high homocysteine improving diet is essential and most people will benefit from supplementation.

Preconception care and improving your health before you try to get pregnant not only increases your chances of falling pregnant, it will also support your baby’s growth and development as well as help you better deal with the lack of sleep and demands of a new born (I speak from experience, prepare!). Genetic profiling can help guide dietary recommendations, prenatal supplements, and lifestyle recommendations. But you still have to do the work, meaning preparing healthy food and focusing on selfcare. Genetics does not provide a magic bullet and is one part of the holistic approach to improve health and fertility.

It is possible to reverse autoimmune disease, but even if you have the symptoms under control you can relapse, particularly if you are exposed to any triggers. There are many underlying causes and triggers including genetics, stress, foods, infections, nutrient deficiencies, digestive disorders, and environmental exposures. Identifying your specific triggers can help you manage your health and reverse your autoimmune symptoms, but this does not mean you are cured. Once you have had an autoimmune disease or a chronic condition it is important to take care of yourself to stay symptom free and enjoy life. This is something I am extremely passionate about.

Tests that we commonly offer, but are not limited to include BioCeuticals DNA testing, Precision Analytical DUTCH tests, Great Plains Organic Acids Test (OAT) and GPL-Tox (environmental pollutants test) and Doctors Data stool analysis tests including the GI 360.