40 - Nutrigenetics and the Future of Healthcare

Christa welcomes back Dr. Michelle Neil-Sherwood, DO and Dr. Mark Sherwood, ND, or as they like to be called, “Drs. M and M without the sugar” to talk about the science of nutrigenetics. Dr. Michele and Dr. Mark own and operate a wellness-based practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma called Functional Medical Institute. Their practice bridges the medical model with the functional model to teach people how to be completely and totally well. Drs. M & M use all kinds of unique and interesting tools to accomplish their mission and have many patient success stories where existing medical conditions have been reversed or eliminated. Christa repeats Dr. Michele’s opening statement and says, “So it’s not outside of our realm that we can actually be completely and totally well?  I love that.” A Little Background on the Subject The functional medicine approach gets to the root cause by looking at: Hormones Neuro transmitters Nutrition Lifestyle Looking at genetics: We are 99.9% genetically identical The .1% difference is what makes us unique That difference makes all the difference in the world – not everything works the same for everybody Traditional diets Workout programs Supplement types and quantities We’re born with our genes, but the experiential knowledge those genes have with the interaction of environment is called Epigenetics (the environment’s effect of the genes). For example, two identical twins can grow up and turn out a little different from each other because of the environment’s effect. Nutrigenetics – the genes effect on the environment How do our genes detoxify things? How do our genes influence what we need to be taking? How do our genes handle lipids; metabolize the fats we consume? How do our genes handle workouts we do? How do our genes handle inflammation? Simply stated, what we eat could actually influence our DNA and the expression of our DNA. Genetic Testing Drs. M & M utilize genetic testing to get the ideal breakdown of macro nutrients for each individual based on their genetic makeup. They formulate a unique nutrition and exercise plan based on those results to optimize body composition for each person. Benefits of testing include: Cutting edge technology Replaces trial and error Unravels the mystery for each person so they get specific, individual plans Optimization of health Saves time by getting to the answers faster Dr. Mark gives an example of how two people can have different reactions when consuming caffeine late in the day. One person may not be affected by a late afternoon cup of coffee, while the other person may be awake all night. Why? The person who is not affected at night by the coffee has a faster metabolism, so the caffeine is processed quicker. For the person whose metabolism is impaired, the caffeine is not processed as fast. To change metabolism: Reduce detoxification on back end (inside) = nutrigenetic effect Reduce toxins on the front end (outside) = nutrigenomic effect How does the genetic test work?  Get specific information here A sample ‘buckle swab’ of cheek cells is taken The sample is sent to lab and tested for 80 different genes specific for health, metabolic and exercise Results come back within 21-25 days Analyzed by Drs. M & M An individual plan is designed based on patient’s genetic and lifestyle information A sustainable life plan is created for the patient to use for the rest of their life Implementation may be either fast pace or a slow transition but results are definite Exercise Considerations Most people think that more exercise is necessary to lose weight but it can create inflammation and can be the wrong type and amount for our unique genetic makeup. Example:  A female patient, in her 40’s, chronic boot-camp person, 15-20 pounds overweight in excess fat, can’t get the fat off, frustrated, going to two boot camp classes daily several times a week, exhausted, and stressed out of her mind! The patient’s genetic testing revealed that she is of an endurance-based structure. Drs. M & M outlined a new exercise plan including: Only two boot camp sessions per week Walking, yoga, relaxation to “chill out” Once she incorporated these changes in her fitness routine, she immediately began to see results by allowing her body to adapt to the way it is supposed to be. Christa shares her similar story of being an athlete all of her life, being 50 pounds overweight while working out six days a week (but eating and drinking “trash”). She functioned in survival mode with no coping mechanisms to handle stress and no boundaries to shut down work, or do any type of self-care. Christa confesses that she is now more aware to her addictive tendencies towards donuts and wine, but it would have been great to have this type of testing information back then – it would have saved time because it was a long journey for her to figure things out. Taste Bud Genes (Phenylthiourea-Phenylthiocarbamide “PTC”) The spectrum of taste is determined by our genetics. There is an inherited genetic component that influences how we taste PTC, a single gene that codes for a taste receptor on the tongue. This gene is known as the PTC gene or TAS2R38. People can be classified as “tasters,” “non-tasters,” or somewhere in between. Tasters Wide taste spectrum Appreciates a broad range of tastes; bitter to sweet May have a dysfunctional dopamine receptor which indicates that sweet equals happy; therefore, food becomes happiness Non-Tasters Narrow taste spectrum Limited taste receptors Prefer or can eat more bland foods Doesn’t typically link food to happiness Food Addiction Must use caution when opening door to any type of “comfort” or “happy” food because it will cause the door to come flying open, which can activate the addition and lead to binge eating. Once the addiction cycle opens that door, it can swing open for a long time. Limit the shaming cycle by using Mind Zoning® or other types of mindfulness practices may help shorten the time that we are in the addiction. Once we know this information, we are empowered. We don’t have to ask for permission or forgiveness if we slip up; it is up to us to use the information and tools we have to be successful in all areas of our wellness journey. Access to Genetic Testing It’s not necessary to live in or to visit Tulsa, OK to get this genetic DNA test from Drs. M & M. You can access the information on their website and order your own sample test kit and mail it back for analysis. You’ll receive a 48-page comprehensive report within 3-4 weeks. Then, Drs. M & M spend 45-60 minutes (via Skype) reviewing it with you. They discuss your areas of vulnerability and set forth an action plan to fix those areas nutrigenomically. The plan is emailed to you as a written implementation synopsis. Cost Less than $500 for the entire package $349 + shipping for kit, testing and analysis, written report $100 for Skype consultation “We want people to have this so they can unlock the keys and the mysteries to these problems; how do I lose weight and keep it off, maintain muscle tissue and fight against heart disease and diabetes,” explains Dr. Mark. We provide the tools necessary to answer their own healthcare problems so they can manage their healthcare. Investing in yourself and your health saves money. Drs. M & M point out that their goal is to “take away the ignorance button.” Their patients are fully equipped to make educated adult decisions about their health, exercise and nutrition. They own their own healthcare. Final Tips Food is vitally important to health Food has changed and our health has declined over time because of it Low-fat foods lead to the obesity epidemic Using food to prevent disease Dr. Michele quotes Aristotle, “Let food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food”. Which Food Plan Works Best? Eliminate the “standard American diet” foods such as: Sugars Grains Breads Corn Artificial sweeteners GMOs Soy MSG High-fructose corn syrup Bring your diet back to what we were designed and intended to eat: Fresh and raw fruits and vegetables Nutrient-dense foods with low sugars Nuts and seeds Healthy proteins Drs. M & M encourage their patients to follow an anti-inflammatory food protocol with no limits (just guardrails) so their taste buds never get out of control and dopamine receptors are not stimulated. People who stay on the path don’t tend to overeat. Supplementation Rule of 5 – if you’re taking over 5 supplements, there needs to be a good reason Too many supplements can overstimulate your body and can weaken or limit your defenses Antioxidants can be oxidative if used in excess Cost savings by streamline and identifying targeted supplementation needs Please check out Drs. M & M’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet from their previous last Fitlandia podcast. If you're looking for a holistic nutrition program to help break addictive cycles, sign up for the next 30-day program with Fitlandia.       Today's sponsor is the Portland Community College Institute for Health Professionals. Learn more about their 100% online program at climb.pcc.edu/nutrition.