Genetic Testing For Wellness

Genetic Testing For Wellness

 The combination of genes and our environment influence whether a genetic factor will be expressed. Genes can either be turned on or off, depending on nutrition, physical or emotional stress, stages of development and other factors. Genetic testing can be a valuable tool to determine whether a particular medication may be contraindicated. It can determine if you are more likely to have a problem with hormone regulation, or even more at risk for strokes and heart disease.

 Recently, I decided to get a genetic testing panel to see if there is any more information that I can incorporate into my wellness routine. Although a pharmacogenetic testing profile didn't necessarily apply to my specific needs, this was one of the tests on the panel. This is a patient's likelihood to experience a problem with a pharmaceutical drug or not respond to a medication.

 One of the medications that came up on my panel to seek an alternative to was codeine. I was given codeine in college for pain when my wisdom teeth were removed. I remember not being able to sleep, extreme palpitations, and feeling extremely out of it on that drug. It was at a time in my life where I may have welcomed those feelings much more than I do today, but it absolutely didn't agree with me. I was impressed by that finding in the panel. It is important to have as much self-knowledge, because, ultimately, we are all faced with being our own patient advocates. Considering the number of people around the world on medications, and the amount of adverse drug reactions, this is something that should be performed more routinely.

 Another finding through my genetic testing panel was limited MTHFR activity. This is related to the process of methylation and is involved with DNA synthesis, detoxification, the immune response and converting folate to active folate. This result was not a surprise, as I have muscle tested for nutritional supplements that support methylation like adenosylcobalamin, pyridoxal 5 phosphate, and folinic acid. Thankfully muscle testing was able to identify this many years ago.

 Even though the genetic testing identified the MTHFR defect, it is the interpretation of this knowledge and figuring out the correct supplements to manage this defect that is important. Many would interpret this information and recommend that I take methylfolate (a methylated form of folic acid), which doesn't work for me, and methylcobalamin (a methylated form of vitamin B12) which also doesn't work well for me. I was able to figure out what nutritional supplement works better for me through muscle testing.

 Many people are recommended supplements based on blood work, but they are never tested for what nutritional supplement is the best for them. Muscle testing can take this valuable information and rule out what doesn't work and give a patient the best option for their body.

 Some of the other genetic defects tested in genetic panels are:

 Cytochrome P450: 2c19 - this defect means you are a rapid metabolizer, breaking down a hormone or drug too quickly, and equates to decreased drug or hormone efficacy. 2c9, 2d6, 3a4, 3a5 - this defect means you break down drugs or toxins too slowly, that you are a poor metabolizer, and this would mean that your doctor should give you a lower dose of a drug than the average person.

 Factor II or Factor V: A positive Factor II or Factor V is associated with overproduction of clotting forming proteins. Patients are at higher risk of clotting from oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.

 COMT: A COMT defect can lead to increased hormone concentration that can slow down the methylation process, resulting in higher levels of stress, anxiety, mood swings, and dangerous cardiac events.

 DRD2: An increased risk of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD. If a person with this defect is taking an SSRI, they can have an increase in suicidal thoughts and psychological disorders.

 Our genes and our DNA can greatly be influenced by our food intake and nutritional supplements, which can help to turn our genes on or off. Nutritional supplements like turmeric, Resveratrol, Glutathione, hemp oils, specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and many herbs can effectively support many genetic defects.

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading NY Chiropractor who specializes in traditional chiropractic care and holistic healing through nutrition response testing. Learn more by visiting his website at www.HolisticChiropracticCenter.com.

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Location: 307 Wall St., Suite 7 Kingston, NY 12401, USA

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