ptor gene. This allows for a more granular approach that is more likely to help us understand of the cause of the outcome.
Epigenetic Modifications: Changing the Recipe
So you might be asking yourself, if 62% of the people in the above graphic have heart disease, why don’t all of them who have the same SNP? While we can often identify a pattern, the human genome is a complex and dynamic multi-factoral system that is not necessarily linear. And, this is where epigenetics comes in. Just as the methylation marks changed the expression of the genes in the agouti mice and queen bee in the example above, there are 100’s of possible ways beyond methylation to change the outcome of the gene SNP, and many different complex networks of interactions.
Our cells are in constant communication with the genome and use the epigenome to tell it how to respond the environment. Think of the genome as a recipe for a pie. It’s just a list of instructions, not the actual pie. The epigenome is like the chef, who assembles the ingredients and bakes the pie. The cells are like the customers, who might give him feedback on how the pie tastes. After he gets feedback, he might decide to add some extra salt, bake the pie for longer, or add some extra blueberries. The epigenetic modifications are like his notes written in the recipe. The important thing to remember, is that it acts as a feedback loop. As he gets a response from his customers, he modifies the recipe. This is how our genes respond and react to the signals they get from nutrients and other environmental factors to make sure the products they create are exactly what are cells need for their current situation. This is how nutrigenomics works. By inputting the right signals through food, nutrients, or herbs, we can instruct the epigenome to change the recipe so we get the result we want.
Its important to understand that through this process, we actually have more control over our health than previously thought. When I look at your SNPs, understand that what I tell you is not a prognosis. Its an opportunity to shift these factors in the direction of your choice. My approach is to help you better understand what your predispositions are so that you can take a precision approach to understand what tool or practice will most effectively shift you in a positive direction. Unlike what you may have come to expect from genetic testing, I’m here to find solutions and strategies for optimizing your genetic potential, rather than telling you about a fixed outcome.
So, by compiling your SNPs together, a fairly comprehensive picture of how you are genetically wired can be painted. Then by understanding these underlying factors, nutrition and supplementation plans can be developed to epigenetically modify the outcomes of SNPs. Just like the queen bee in the above example, we can target specific genes with different nutrients or herbs that can turn on or off certain genes, or like in the caffeine example, we can modify your intake of substances to match the best outcome.
The Current State of Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics
How do I take advantage of this information?
Coaching vs Direct to Consumer Models
Right now, you can type in “genomic diet” to google and find a number of services where you can upload your genetic data and get a report telling you what to eat or how to exercise. The problem with these direct to consumer models is that they fail to account for the individual. An algorithm just simply doesn’t have the capacity to view you, the client, as a complex system of interactions and factors. Some of the top researchers in field are decrying these services as opportunistic and ineffective. Reducing the individual to data simply doesn’t work. It’s like diagnosing a disease without ever meeting the patient.
Working with a trained professional, either a coach or clinician, or doing the research yourself is important to get the full benefits of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics. I’m not saying that you have to work with me, however, I do urge you to find someone who really understands this material to 