Do we really need to put up with early onset pain, lethargy, inflammation? What if we decided we didn’t? Researchers in the fields of genomics are finding that we may not have to. As this field rapidly expands, we are learning so much more about what regulates and changes gene expression, and how we can turn on, or dial down the genes responsible for dysregulation. Chronic inflammation, cognitive decline and loss of mobility seem all too common with age, but it doesn’t have to be that way – this doesn’t have to be the norm.
So what actually determines how our genes are expressing themselves? How can they influence our feelings, behaviors and success? This is where Epigenetics comes in. The science behind how our genes express themselves. It’s basically a layer of instruction atop our DNA that tells it what to switch on/off, how to perform, act and feel. These instructions can thus impact our energy, focus, vitality, and mood. While our genome remains the same from the time we are born, our epigenome changes throughout our lifetime.
Additionally, genetic health is significantly influenced by our diet and how we metabolize foods – actually everything. Enter Functional Nutrigenomics – how nutrition and genetics play a role in dealing with metabolic and cellular processes that direct genetic behavior. These processes determine everything from protein production to gene expression.
Everything that we’re exposed to, what we eat, drink, the air we breathe – make up our cellular structure through one enzymatic process after another. Where an enzyme takes one substance, pulls in cofactors and then makes a new substance. This continually occurs throughout the body, one process after another.
Our genes create the instructions on how to make these enzymes. But when we have genetic variants or SNPs on specific genes, sometimes these enzymatic processes aren’t as effective in converting to new substances and the process is incomplete – negatively impacting health. Especially if faced with both genetic weakness plus cofactor weakness.
At GeneCrush Wellness, we use a systematic approach to determine if there are inflammatory, metabolic, or oxidative imbalance. There’s a whole host of factors to consider that are part of a larger chain of events. It’s important to initially assess impaired metabolic pathways and issues with hydroxyl radicals, free radical production, antioxidant production, and if hydrogen peroxide is getting cleared properly. Also key is food intolerances, detoxification pathways, digestion, Methylation cycle, environmental stress, and many more areas that can lead to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. Everything is linked and needs to be taken into consideration as a whole.
So Functional Nutrigenomics looks for potential impairment of function and helps find the best nutritional intervention to bring your body back into balance. In order for our bodies and minds to achieve optimal function, we need to properly nourish our genes. This looks different for each individual as we all have a unique epigenome and each of us have a different set of demands.
At GeneCrush Wellness , our process includes the FUNCTIONAL GENOMIC ANALYSIS™ DNA test* that provides 200,000 SNPs. With this test, proprietary software, plus our analysis, we identify gene variants and impaired pathways that lead to dysregulation. We pair this with your symptoms and labs to help root cause issues. Then with targeted nutrients, supplements, and lifestyle changes, we work together to optimize your metabolic pathways for better health.
Researchers are discovering more and more how it is possible to elevate our quality of life by addressing imbalances through diet, exercise, bio-hacking, supplementation and more. Where it was once thought that our genes were our destiny, epigenetics and functional nutrigenomics may allow us to have more influence over how we age.
So basically we may be able to enhance our epigenome by targeting dysfunction, and making good lifestyle and food choices. This can empower us to take control of our health more easily than we think. Imagine being able to elevate your mood, focus, or energy just by being able to identify, address impairment, and giving your body the nutrients it needs.
* Note: With the Functional Genomic Analysis™ DNA Test, your data is private (and anonymous if preferred), and will never be sold.
