We are excited to offer genetic SNP analysis as part of our practice, providing valuable insights into your unique genetic profile.
This analysis focuses on 90 of the most impactful genetic variants affecting key areas of health, including:
- Thyroid function
- Hormonal balance
- Brain and mood support
- Metabolism and insulin resistance
- Methylation pathways
- Vitamin and mineral utilization
- Unique genes for conditions such as PCOS
Our report includes exclusive variants not found in many standard genetic tests, along with the most well-known snps for nutrition and overall health including MTHFR.
How is Genetic Testing Useful / Actionable?
As an example, certain patients may have a gene variant called DIO2 which slows the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone T4 into its active form, T3. In these patients, certain medications and supplements may provide more benefit.
Understanding genetic snps helps us personalize your health recommendations. We use this information in combination with your lab tests and clinical assessment to create a treatment plan and preventative strategies for your health.
If you are interested in this program, reach out to us by email!
MTHFR: The Most "Famous" Genetic SNP and Methylation
MTHFR is an important genetic “SNP”- a single nucleotide polymorphism (basically a tiny change in DNA). One of many important SNPS involved in methylation processes, (turning “off” protein production by DNA) the effects of MTHFR are far-reaching. Although not well-known, MTHFR can affect fertility, and can be implicated in autoimmune infertility, autoimmune diseases, thyroid health and inflammation.
MTHFR is also implicated in mental health neurological disease, clotting, cardiovascular diseases and more.
Although MTHFR is certainly the most well known genetic SNP, there are many other SNPs which have different applications to disease in humans.
“Nutrigenomics” which applies nutritional treatments to genetic “SNPS” is growing at a rapid rate, but we still have much to learn about this area.
Unlike MTHFR, many SNPS don’t actually have a large amount of studies helping us to confirm how they work. Some of the nutrition information included on many websites on a given SNP may be minimal -based on one, small quality study – this is important to consider when making clinical decisions like taking a supplement or medication!
Genes are not your destiny, rather they are potential. It’s important to realize that genetics themselves and the expression of the genes are two different things altogether. When we consider your health, we consider root causes, clinical symptoms, history, and comprehensive laboratory testing.
Nutrigenomics can be an asset to a comprehensive health plan but since genes are only “potential” and express differently in various situations and people – the big picture must always be considered.
Treat The Whole Person
We do not offer supplement protocols based on genetic SNPS alone. As naturopathic doctors we include a comprehensive view of health, using clinical symptoms, lifestyle, and lab diagnostics as a guide.
Genes are only potential and their expression varies in different people, and environments, a concept known as epigenetic.
Epigenetics is the study of how our environment affects the expression of our genes. Many factors including stress inflammation, infection, or toxicity can alter the way that a gene is expressed.
Lab tests and clinical signs and symptoms may point to problems linked to hormones, the gut,, inflammation, infections, sleep patterns, lifestyle factors, cortisol and other key areas involved in health concerns. This can then be correlated with genetics to personalize care, tracking important markers over time. We have a clinical focus on supplementation and can guide patients towards optimal forms and methylated products as indicated for personalized health needs.
Naturopathic medicine focuses strongly on prevention, therefore we welcome not only patients with significant health concerns, but also many who simply want to manage health risks, and prevent disease.
Interested in Learning More? Next Steps
During your initial appointment your provider will complete a comprehensive health review including family history and gain a thorough understanding of your health goals.
Based on your naturopathic doctor’s findings, blood testing is ordered to determine underlying causes of health concerns and to track markers for chronic conditions..
Information on retrieving genetic raw data will be provided by your practitioner at the first visit. Treatment plans are completed at the followup visit.
Contact us by email to learn more about the process!
