Tests
I can get a great insight into health problems by discussing symptoms with you, but in some cases I will need to investigate further in order to find the underlying cause of a health problem. Testing takes the guess work out of nutrition.
Most commonly used tests
In clinic or at home tests
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Blood pressure
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Stomach acid test
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Ragland Adrenal Stress test
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Pupillary response test
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Broda Barnes Temperature Test
Lab tests
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Hair Mineral Analysis
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Adrenal Stress Index - saliva
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Segretory IgA - salvia
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Candida Antibodies - salvia
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Organic acids - urine
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Food Intolerance - blood
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Stool test including Parasitology
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Detoxification Profile - salvia and urine
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Female Hormone Panel - salvia
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Homocysteine - blood
Nutrition and your genes
Most people blame their 'genes' for what ails them and assume that genetic testing is a 'bad' thing. The most common fear is that genetic information will be used against them i.e. for insurance purposes or will give them bad news about an inherited disease that they can do nothing about.
But what if genetic testing provided you with information that you could do something about?
We are all unique (unless you are an identical twin!), even if we have inherited some similarities from each of our parents and share similarities with our siblings. In fact the genomic code has identified that only about 3% of your DNA codes for "you". Your genes are your blueprint for life or your Geneotype i.e. a group of individuals who all possess the same genetic constitution.
There is a clearly shown interaction between your genotype and the environment in which you are bought up and live or the conditions influencing your development and growth. That is, exposure to toxins and infections, your lifestyle, your diet, your exercise profile. External influences which we can largely choose for ourselves. This interaction is known as your phenotype.
Genes are easily affected by these environmental factors and virtually all human disease results from the interaction between the susceptible genes and environmental factors, which we can change. So, just because you may inherit a specific gene in your family it does not necessarily mean you will 'turn on' or express that gene. The expression (turning on or off) of any gene is modified by the environment it is subjected to. During our thousands of years of evolution the human race has been exposed to many different types of environment, the ability to survive in these difficult conditions was because of our ability to adapt and over very long periods certain genetic mutations would have taken place. For example the 'thrifty gene' has been identified that made certain populations incredibly efficient at retaining calories from food, a distinct adaptive advantage when food supply was scare. However now that food is abundant their genes predispose them to obesity.
Genetic polymorhisms are the presence in a population of two of more relatively common forms of a gene or chromosome which are small variations in the genetic code that have been passed down through the generations. Polymorphisms are largely responsible for our biochemical individuality. Polymorphisms are not rare, up to 50% of the population have a specific polymorphism.
Some examples
a.. In 50% of Britons caffeine does not give them a lift and they don't become addicted to coffee.
b.. About 6% of people will have smelly urine after eating asparagus
c.. Sickle cell anaemia is commonly found in Africans, this mutation actually protects against death from malaria and therefore prolongs life. But in Europe where there is no threat from malaria it will shorten life.
d.. Some people can metabolise alcohol very quickly and are more likely to become alcoholics, other people cannot metabolise alcohol efficiently at all and it makes them very ill. This is due to an enzyme up regulation or an enzyme deficiency.
The point of genomic testing is to be able to better personalise that information for the benefit of the individual. For example you can be tested for polymorphisms associated with increased risk of poor liver detoxification to environmental toxins or adverse reactions to drugs. Or for genes that modulate bone formation and breakdown, as well as calcium and vitamin D3 metabolism. A CardioGenomic profile evaluates polymorphisms in genes that modulate blood pressure regulation, lipid balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Dependant on results there are nutritional strategies that can be put in place that will modulate (turn on or off) the expression of the gene polymorphism.