Epigenetics and Health
In a world where chronic physical diseases, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADD/ADHD are increasingly common, it’s crucial to adopt innovative, evidence-based approaches to support health. One essential aspect of this approach is understanding the critical role of genetics in health, particularly key genetic pathways that influence how the body processes nutrients and chemicals related. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and trauma, influence gene expression. This means that your lifestyle can activate or suppress specific genes, impacting your mental and physical health. For people with PTSD, epigenetic changes due to trauma can heighten anxiety and stress responses. Living Well Nutrition uses targeted interventions to positively influence gene expression, potentially reducing the impact of trauma and improving your emotional and physical resilience.
While you are not expected to understand the pathways we assess and our approaches to supporting gene function, we simply want you to understand there is a connection between your genes, how they function, and your everyday life.
Genetic variations, or SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), in genes responsible for important biochemical processes like methylation, neurotransmitter synthesis, the production of long-chain fatty acids, and detoxification can have a profound effect on mental health. Some of the most studied genes in this regard are MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, PEMT, the Biopterin cycle, COMT, and the FADS family of genes. These genes and many more regulate key pathways in the body that, when impaired, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, imbalances in neurotransmitters, and increased susceptibility to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive issues.
Once genetic weaknesses have been identified, four approaches are applied to support gene function;
-Remove inhibitors such as certain inflammatory molecules or toxins
-Provide co-factors needed for gene function by repleting nutrient insufficiencies
-Upregulate the gene function
-Bypass the gene if possible by providing bio-active nutrients that are ready for absorption into the cell
Genetic Pathways and Personalized Health Care
Understanding these genetic pathways allows for the creation of highly personalized physical and mental health care plans that target each individual’s unique biochemical and genetic needs. In combination with nutrition, therapies like Theta Wave entrainment, rTMS, Nexus Neural Entrainment, and Red Light Therapy help address both the root causes and the symptoms of mental health disorders.
By adopting this holistic, evidence-based approach, individuals suffering from chronic physical disease, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADD/ADHD can achieve lasting improvements in reduced symptoms, mood, cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. Nutritional therapy combined with genetic testing provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing health in a personalized, effective way, empowering individuals to take control of their physical and mental wellness. If you’re ready to explore how this approach can help you, contact us today for a consultation and start your journey to better mental health.
Nutritional and Genetic Testing
Genetic testing and you combine to give us the power to regain wellness — naturally.
There is a phrase flying around the medical community these days: Personalized Precision Medicine. What makes personalized precision medicine different from the traditional medical approach is that it is, well, personalized and strategically focused! That means practitioners are taking into account everything that makes you uniquely you.
Making personalized medicine work takes a team approach. To restore your health or prevent disease, the most powerful tool we have is YOU! By that, we mean your attitude and willingness to take control of your health.
Information about your nutrition is the second most powerful tool we have. This information comes from you, but also from the tests that we order. The data from genetic testing are invaluable in assessing your nutrient status, food sensitivities, and epigenetics.
Working with your physician, we may recommend other diagnostic tests. These tests are used to help us determine how certain nutrients are working, or not working, in your body.
You may wonder what types of tests are commonly recommended, and why. Below is a brief summary of regularly recommended tests and their purposes. We are also including links so you can get more information about these tests if you desire.
DIRECT ACCESS LAB TESTING
We have teamed up with a company that believes in empowering you as much as we do.
UltaLabTests allows YOU to order your own bloodwork for various tests through the Living Well Nutrition link.
- Monitor your thyroid levels
- Tests in addition to your annual bloodwork ordered by your PCP
- Monitor certain vitamin levels, such as Vitamin D and B12
- Follow up on health concerns that appear in your annual labs
- Affordable
- Great if you have a high deductible
- Work part-time or don’t have health insurance
- Get your test even if you don’t have health insurance or labs aren’t covered
SPECIALTY LAB TESTS
DNA Genetic Testing
We have had clients use genetic testing for years: this is a powerhouse of tests. DNA testing enables us to determine where your body can use extra support and what you might be ingesting that could be the cause of your symptoms. Even things that are “healthy” for some can be “poison” for others. This test can save you a lot of trial and error with an elimination diet!
Read more about the benefits you can achieve as a result of DNA genetic testing.
In addition to genetic testing, we offer a full range of specialty labs and Qest Bioenergetic Scanning to meet all of your health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genomics and Genetic Testing
Q: Are the tests covered by my health insurance?
A: Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of these tests.
Q: Will this nutritional and genetic testing affect my ability to get insurance in the future, or cause my rates to go up?
A: The results of these tests are private. They are not provided to your insurance company or your employer, or to any medical database.
Q: Will having these tests done affect my ability to get a job or keep my current health plan through my employer?
A: Again, the results of these tests are private. Your employer will not know the results.
Keep in mind that these tests are specialty labs used in functional medicine. Most insurance companies won’t cover these tests. Ordering these tests is completely private and will never be a part of your permanent health record unless you submit the results to your physician. We use these tests to find the root causes of what is happening with your health. Armed with this information, we can work together to improve your health, reduce your pain and increase your energy level. All of these things will make your life better, both at home and on the job.
Living Well Nutrition
Phone: 970-685-8531
Email: Kristy@LivingWellNutrition.com
Address: 1435 29th Street, Suite 100 | Loveland, CO 80538
