My Blog.......got SNPs?
An ongoing series of informational entries about your health, nutrition and genetics!
Our new Genomic ResourceTM DNA Kit is here!
May 2018
In August of 2017, 23 and MeTM made changes in their raw genetic test results without notifying the public! There was no announcement of any kind; not a press release, not an industry specific release.....nothing! We discovered this when we reviewed our clients data and found many SNPs were missing! 23 and MeTM pulled out at least 9,000 very important SNPs. For those of us who were using this raw genetic data to help our clients; we were left hanging. We were very disappointed, to say the least. We felt like we were somewhat handicapped as we tried to interpret our client's results.
If you possess 23 and Me's chip version 3 or 4, or earlier, you are fine. However, if you have version 5 (testing results after August 2017), you have the new lot with 9,000 less SNPs. No worries, we can still review your results, but will be somewhat limited. Some of these important SNPs that were removed are SOD3, NOS3, SULT1A1, MAOA, MAOB, VDR, HFE, MAT1 and many more. In our dismay, we began to look for an alternative.
Nutrition and Your GenesTM is working with MethylGeneticsTM who in turn contacted multiple organizations to do the research and perform the lab work. In the end, Thermo Fischer Scientific created our chip and Rutger's University will be handling our lab testing. We are thrilled with their commitment and the results.
Thus, we are excited to announce our chip is ready to go! The cost is $239. with 230,000 SNPs at our fingertips. This price includes the upload to our search engine. These kits will be sent to your home and you will conduct a saliva test and send in your results. Turn around time is similar to 23 and MeTM. It will depend on how many kits are in the queue before you, it could take up to 4-6 weeks, or maybe less!
To order your new kit, go to NAYG 'Services' page and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says: New Genomic ResourceTM DNA Test Kit. It is $199 plus $15 shipping and handling. We look forward to working with you!
Click here to purchase:
My hero: Dr. Sherry Rogers.....there's only one cause of death!
April 2018
I've been following Dr. Sherry Rogers for over 20 years. I have read her books and continue to subscribe to her fabulous 'Total Wellness Newsletter!' She is w-a-y ahead of her time in terms of environmental awareness (and epigenetics) as she teaches us in her book, DETOX OR DIE! She makes it VERY clear that no doctor will be able to cure you.....but you can! She says we have been brainwashed into believing that the diagnosis given to our condition, is a mere label, and is the end of the line. This label is merely consequential. The only label that matters is what caused these symptoms. Her books and newsletter are complete with the scientific backup for physicians and doubters. And for those who hate to read, shed feeds it to you with cartoons and captions. I love her!
I am going to start with her quote, 'there are only 2 causes for all disease: the nutrient levels go down and the toxicity levels go up.' There's only one cause of death, 'the body runs out of electrons needed for repair and the continual synthesis of energy.' I agree with her, plus I might add 'chronic biofilms.' They are a problem as well, especially with any chronic disease.
So, if there's only one cause of death.....the body runs out of electrons needed for repair and the continual synthesis of energy, then let's talk about electrons.
To make learning easier, she talks about making new electrons with the simplified acronym
FRIENDS:
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F = food and foregiveness
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R = reading and responsibility
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I = intimacy, interference fields, and intestines
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E = exercise and earthing
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N = nutrients and nurturing
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D = devices
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S = sunshine and sulfur
Lets start with food. Read more.
BIOPURE'S BRAIN DETOX TRIO*
January 2018
As a Chronic Lyme survivor, I can say that not only have I used all 3 of these products, but I totally endorse them and recommend them to anyone who suffers from any form of brain dysfunction or just plain 'brain fog.' We all need a binder and a good night's sleep!
The Brain TinctureTM combines organic extracts of Rosemary, Bacopa, and Ginko; this 'Brain Tincture' works synergistically to boost mental activity, reinforce memory, and improve mood! Potent phytochemicals enhance brain function and overall health; assisting circulation, facilitating neuron transmission, and inhibiting oxidative cellular damage. Brain Tincture also supports detoxification and immunity.
ZeoBindTM supports the body’s detoxification functions. ZeoBindTM is made from a naturally occurring mineral known as clinoptilolite, which is a particular type of crystalline aluminosilicate in a family of compounds known as zeolites. Clinoptilolite is formed when volcanic molten lava comes in contact with seawater. The result is a 3-dimensional honeycomb-like molecular structure with a negative charge that is unique among minerals in nature. Positively charged substances are attracted to clinoptilolite’s negative charge. An ion-exchange is readily performed and the substances can essentially become captive within the porous, sieve-like architecture of ZeoBindTM.
BioPure’s Liposomal Melatonin is primarily used to support normal sleep patterns and cognitive function. Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly in the pineal gland of the brain during the nighttime hours. It is involved with regulating the sleep-wake cycle in humans as well as circadian rhythms throughout the animal kingdom. Darkness stimulates the pineal gland to produce melatonin and light inhibits it. Natural melatonin, and the synthetic forms that are being developed, have hypnotic and sleep-promoting actions, without hangover, withdrawal, or other side effects, and they are proving to be a useful supplemental support. The mechanism by which melatonin promotes sleep appears to be largely due to its effect on specific receptors in the hypothalamus “sleep switch”. Experiments with humans, monkeys, cats, and other animals have shown that melatonin can support normal sleep quality and duration.* This Liposomal Melatonin works very well and I am very pleased with the results. I have tried several melatonin products and this one works the best! Be sure to take it and then turn off all the lights and digital devises! You must be in the dark for it to work well!
**If you read this entire blog post, call me for a discount on all 3 products!
Lyme, MTHFR and Glutathione
November 2017
If you have chronic Lyme disease (or any other chronic disease), it’s equally important to know if you have an MTHFR gene mutation, and the reason is simply detoxification. The C677T impacts the methionine cycle and helps convert homocysteine to methionine. Most need support reducing homocysteine. The A1298C impacts the BH4 cycle. This is important because most need to support creating BH4 and preventing NOS uncoupling (which can lead to the process of creating the very damaging molecule, Peroxynitrite.)
However, let's don't get stuck on MTHFR and methylation. There is also DHFR, it's just as important and not usually mentioned in the literature. There's a litany of other genes that are upstream and downstream from MTHFR and those need to be taken into consideration as well. We all have some of these 'loss of function' genes or SNPs. There are a lot of supplements, methods, and techniques for detoxifying the body, however, in the midst of all these detoxification methods, rarely do you hear about the body’s own natural master detoxification agent - glutathione. Most chronically ill people have very low glutathione and many have the glutathione variant SNPs that may oxidize their glutathione. This glutathione is very important.
To keep the subject of genes simple, the MTHFR is a gene that is directly responsible for producing glutathione for the body, and a mutation with the MTHFR gene results in lower levels of glutathione in the body. This translates into toxins, generated in the body by Lyme, co-infections, mold, viruses, candida, parasites, and environmental toxins, not being detoxified efficiently and keeping a person with chronic Lyme from getting better. Read more.
Why Wheatgrass?
August 2017
Wheatgrass juice is nature’s finest medicine. It is a powerful concentrated liquid nutrient. Two ounces of wheatgrass juice has the nutritional equivalent of five pounds of the best raw organic vegetables.
2 ounces = 5 lbs of raw organic vegetables!
For example, wheatgrass has twice the amount of Vitamin A as carrots and is higher in Vitamin C than oranges! It contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium in a balanced ratio. Wheatgrass is a complete source of protein, supplying all of the essential amino acids, and more. It has about 20% of total calories coming from protein. This protein is in the form of poly peptides, simpler and shorter chains of amino acids that the body uses more efficiently in the bloodstream and tissues.
In addition to flooding the body with therapeutic dosages of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients, wheatgrass is also a powerful detoxifier, especially of the liver and blood. It helps neutralize toxins and environmental pollutants in the body. This is because wheatgrass contains beneficial enzymes that help protect us from carcinogens, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), that lessens the effects of radiation and digest toxins in the body. It cleanses the body from head to toe of any heavy metals, pollutants and other toxins that may be stored in the body's tissues and organs. Read more.
Glyphosate and aluminum in your genes!
April 2017
There's growing awareness of the increasing environmental exposure of aluminum and glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. I admire Dr. Stephanie Seneff's work and she was the first to open my eyes to the biological impact of glyphosate. Her recent paper "Aluminum and Glyphosate Can Synergistically Induce Pineal Gland Pathology: Connection to Gut Dysbiosis and Neurological Disease" demonstrates the synergy of aluminum and glyphosate.
Simply put, through several mechanisms glyphosate increases the uptake of aluminum in the gut while blocking the uptake of a variety of needed trace minerals. (Another reason why so many of us are low in trace minerals.) The increased body burden of aluminum damages the pineal gland. Both aluminum and glyphosate disrupt the CYP450 enzymes (cytochrome P450 family that assists in liver detoxification) which have a role in melatonin production. In addition, glyphosate disrupts the production of tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin, by our beneficial bowel microbes. Both toxicants impair the body's production of melatonin. Disrupted melatonin production directly impairs the brain's ability to detoxify.
*Clinical pearl: an excellent way to detoxify the brain of heavy metals and assist in a better night's sleep is by using a liposomal melatonin spray before going to bed. (Caution: only use if you can tolerate liposomal and/or melatonin supplements.)
In addition to flooding the body with therapeutic dosages of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients, wheatgrass is also a powerful detoxifier, especially of the liver and blood. It helps neutralize toxins and environmental pollutants in the body. This is because wheatgrass contains beneficial enzymes that help protect us from carcinogens, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), that lessens the effects of radiation and digest toxins in the body. It cleanses the body from head to toe of any heavy metals, pollutants and other toxins that may be stored in the body's tissues and organs. Read more.
CYP's and the Cytochrome 450 Family's Ability to Detox
January 2017
Another important group of SNPs is the CYP family's ability to detox. There are over 40 CYP’s and 20 others related to them. All CYP’s (cytochrome P450 enzyme family) are estrogen sensitive and caffeine metabolism is difficult. Plus, caffeine interferes with estrogen for both men and women. Does caffeine give you the jitters? There are two major detoxification pathways inside the liver cells which are called the Phase I and Phase 2 detoxification pathways. Phase I detoxification consists of oxidation reduction and hydrolysis. Phase I detoxification is catalyzed by enzymes referred to as the cytochrome P450 enzyme. These enzymes reside on the membrane system of the liver cells (called Hepatocytes.) This pathway converts a toxic chemical into a less harmful chemical. This is achieved by various chemical reactions (such as oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis), and during this process free radicals are produced which, if excessive, can damage the liver cells.
Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, and natural carotenoids reduce the damage caused by these free radicals. If antioxidants are lacking and toxin exposure is high, toxic chemicals become far more dangerous. The more CYP variants, the more difficulty there may be in detoxification of toxins and drugs. Find out more about your genetic pathways and their implications in your health with a MethylGenetic Nutrition AnalysisTM.
The ACAT Gene = Energy + 1st Step for Methylation!
November 2016
For the body to function properly, fats, carbs and proteins need to be carried into the cell and to be converted into Acetyl-CoA, the first step of the Citric Acid Cycle, for the production of ATP. If inadequate Acetyl-CoA is made, the individual may experience fatigue. Since ATP is needed for many functions, other parts of the body may suffer as a result of low ATP. The ACAT gene is the most important gene for energy as it supports the conversion of proteins into Acetyl-CoA. This should be one of the first genes we support, as it slows down the production of ATP from the Citric Acid Cycle. There are several variants in the ACAT enzyme. If the ACAT1-02 SNP has variants, then support for ACAT is needed. This is the most significant SNP for ACAT. Checking the fatty acid metabolism markers in an Urine Organic Acids test (OATs) may verify how serious a problem the ACAT is creating. Read More
Peroxynitrites...the angry gorilla in the room.
August 2016
Peroxynitrite is considered to be the angry gorilla in the room! This gorilla doesn't look so angry right now. But let's find out what that statement means and why that's important in relationship to our variants or SNPs.
‘Peroxynitrite’ is a short lived oxidant species that is a potent inducer of cell death (or, cell danger response; CDR.) Along with superoxide, this is formed when L-arginine is not turned into nitric oxide. Recent evidence indicated that most of the cytotoxicity attributed to NO is rather due to peroxynitrite (produced from the diffusion controlled reaction between NO and superoxide anion.) Thus, when L-Arginine is not turned into nitric oxide it turns into peroxynitrite and causes inflammation! (Think erectile dysfunction and body builders.) Read More.
HFE Iron SNPs and Lyme Disease.....who knew?
April 2016
I recently participated in a Lyme Study with MethylGenetic Nutrition AnalysisTM. The data collected indicated that specific genetic variants are common in those with chronic Lyme Disease and/or chronic illness! We examined over 350+ genes that are involved with mitochondria function, methylation, neurotransmitter production, antioxidant production and patterns what may result in excess production of oxidative stress, including superoxide, glutamate, ammonia and peroxynitrite. The results were fascinating and gave us the knowledge necessary to help those suffering from illnesses due to these genetic variant patterns.
PON1 SNP: Are you sensitive to medications, chemicals or pesticides?
January 2016
Are you sensitive to medications, certain chemicals or pesticides? If you are homozygous positive (+/+) for the PON1 (paraoxonase 1) gene, you need to stay away from nuts and foods containing pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. You will have a lot of trouble clearing the metabolic waste and poisons from your body. A PON1 gene means poisons build up. This gene is probably common in people with multiple chemical sensitivities because they react to everything. PON1 means there is trouble breaking all synthetic chemicals, including pharmaceuticals. You don’t think of pharmaceuticals as synthetic chemicals but that’s what they are. Drugs are not natural and are not good for us! Read More.