We now more than ever have so much science available at our fingertips and the online shopping readiness for our healthy spending habits. Some questions I asked myself were:
- What is the value in understanding more about my DNA?
- How can DNA data help me positively impact my long-term health, fitness, and lifestyle?
- What if I learn things from my DNA that concern me in relation to illness, disease, etc.?
On Valentine’s Day 2018, my fiancé helped me indulge my healthy research obsession and purchased me the 23andMe DNA Test that included Health + Ancestry. The 23andMe reports were quite informative. Some of the health-related report categories include Carrier Status, Genetic Health Risk, and Wellness.
Now for this article, we’re going deeper in relation to recommended supplements. Dr. Anthony Jay Ph.D. has co-hosted my podcast show multiple times, got word of my 23andMe test. Dr. Jay offers this deeper DNA and genetic analysis services. He’s currently researching Stem Cells and Epigenetics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota too!
Okay, so without further ado, let’s dig into Dr. Jay’s report on my DNA from AJConsultingCompany.com!
KEY SUPPLEMENTS AND CHEMICALS YOU SHOULD ESPECIALLY AVOID BASED ON YOUR DNA
Here is what I found based on my analysis of your +/+ DNA gene variants.
Based on your specific +/+ COMT gene variant (catechol-O-methyltransferase), you likely need to eat more salt and drink more water than normal. I use and recommend Redmond Real Salt since it has no radioactivity, no microplastics, and a complete mineral profile. Also, because of this COMT gene, adrenaline will stay in your body longer than normal. This can inhibit your digestion and sleep after an intense event so be sure to explore techniques to “wind down” in evenings and around meal times. I recommend magnesium supplementing in the evenings and workouts/exercise earlier in the day rather than later. In addition, having high levels of vitamin D and/or estrogen can lower the function of this enzyme, so you don’t want high levels of vitamin D and estrogen.
Based on your specific +/+ VDR gene variant (vitamin D [1,25- dihydroxy vitamin D3] receptor), you need to get higher-than-normal levels of vitamin D; preferably from plenty of sunshine. In winter, supplement at least 5,000 IU every day and probably closer to 10,000 IU each day. Never supplement vitamin D in the evening as it causes poor sleep in a surprising number of people (it inhibits melatonin production). Ideally, take a week or two in the dead of winter and visit southern Florida or a similar tropic region each year.
Based on your specific +/+ BHMT gene variant (betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase), you likely have higher-than-normal levels of “homocysteine” in your body. You should experiment with supplementing with vitamin B6 at 100mg per day (5,000%) to help lower your homocysteine (inflammation), along with other B vitamins (use a “B Complex”) so you don’t get a B vitamin imbalance. You should also eat less processed sugar and research additional ways you might lower general inflammation throughout your body (for example, exercising consistently, supplementing DHA/fish oil, and supplementing curcumin regularly). Alternatively, rather than B vitamin supplementing, eat foods rich in vitamin B6 at least twice per day. These foods include seafood, meats, and eggs. Pistachios are also good. Finally, be sure to get 100% daily value of zinc each day.
Based on your specific +/+ SOD2 gene variant (superoxide dismutase 2), you need to get 100% daily value of manganese every day. Preferably, simply eat a handful of pecans every day, since these have high levels of manganese and low phytic acid (Brazil nuts have high levels of phytic acid, so these are not an ideal manganese source). Next, eat more antioxidant-rich foods than normal, such as colorful fruits and vegetables. If you can afford it, try supplementing “liposomal glutathione” because it will probably work for you; try cycling this supplement into your diet on and off – especially when you are under high-stress loads.
In general, +/- gene variants have less negative health impacts. If you have several +/- issues that affect one gene, though, they are more likely to cause problems. Based on my analysis of your +/- DNA gene variants, I found one additional and notable specific issue.
Based on your specific +/- NAT2 gene variants (N-acetyltransferase 2), you need to be especially careful to avoid any and all carcinogens as much as possible. Google and research “top carcinogens” and see if you are regularly exposed to any of these. Because of this issue, vitamin C is more important for you than people without this DNA variant (vitamin C is both an antioxidant and it generates hydrogen peroxide when it is broken down – which also can kill cancer cells rather than put them on life support like other antioxidants can do!). I prefer you get high doses of vitamin C from foods like guava, bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, and papaya but you can also supplement vitamin C at the upper limits of recommended values in cycles (like one week off and one week on). This will help diminish cancer-causing problems from carcinogenic items. Avoid vitamin C supplements that have carbs, sugars, or artificial dyes. Garlic is also likely to diminish the function of this enzyme even further in your body – something that may not be optimal for you.
Disclaimer… The information provided above is my own research, opinions, and experiences. Scott Mulvaney (LIVETHEFUEL) is not liable for any personal decisions. Please always consult a professional doctor when appropriate, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
