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Genetic Analysis

With genetic testing, we are able to analyze the DNA of a person to establish their theoretical disposition towards disease based on the presence of genetic variants called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). These SNPs are mutations that are actually relatively common in the population and many have been shown to be associated with the development of chronic disease. For example, many SNPs affect an individual’s ability to synthesize key nutrients like Vitamin B9 or break down & neutralize toxins like the pesticides & other chemicals we are exposed to every day. Especially when dealing with chronic disease, discovering such abnormalities can be a key factor to illuminating the patient’s path to healing.

Just because you have a genetic variant, however, does not necessarily mean that you have a problem in this area. Before making any supplement or lifestyle recommendations, Dr. Morcom will always take into account your medical history and current symptoms first and foremost. Furthermore, he often will confirm whatever genetic variants found that he suspects to be a problem by requesting additional diagnostic tests. Advanced Nutritional testing, for example, gives us insight into levels of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, oxidative stress, dysbiosis, energy production, toxicity, etc to give us a detailed snapshot of an individual’s biochemistry. Combined with Genetics, this wonderful synergy of NutriGenetic Analysis can give us deep insight into why someone is sick and allow us to individualize nutritional treatment to get them better.

Methyl Genetic Nutritional Analysis Report:

Integrative Wellness Fx utilizes the most advanced genetic analysis reporting service currently available on the market. We take the raw data from the popular ancestry service, 23andMe, and input the raw data into our cutting-edge software analysis program to generate a detailed, 40+ page report summarizing your genetic variants and making recommendations unique to your results.

The Methyl Genetic Nutritional Analysis Report includes information on:

MTHFR, B12 Recycling, Overall Methylation
Celiac Disease disposition
Detoxification & Glutathione production abnormalities
Histamine & Neurotransmitter break down
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress potential
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Risk

Getting started with Genetic Analysis:

23andMe

Use this site to get your DNA sequenced for $99 with expedited processing in half the time. Choose “Ancestry” only. This is something you will be able to use for the rest of your life.

Once your results are back in 3-4 weeks, sign into your 23andMe account & download the “raw data”:

Sign in to your23andMe account and click on Tools in the navigation bar at the top of your homepage.
Select the Raw Data Card from the available tools.
Click “Download Raw Data”.

Next, send your “Raw Data” to admin@integrativewellnessrx.com with the subject as “DNA Nutrition”. We will run this data through MethylGenetic Nutrition Analysis which will generate a detailed report for Dr. Morcom to utilize at your next appointment. You will have unlimited access to the detailed 40+ page report and will be charged $75 for this service.

Lastly, look out for a symptoms questionnaire sent by e-mail to be filled out before the appointment. It will be utilized to better elucidate what genetic variations are clinically relevant. Remember: Our health is not a direct result of our genes themselves but instead, a result of how our DNA is actually expressing due to our lifestyle, diet, stress & even our emotions!

*Note: DNA Testing is not required for new patients nor is it always recommended. There are particular reasons why we would ask for this based off Dr. Morcom’s assessment. Dr. Morcom can review your genetics with you in isolation from your health as a whole on special request to lend his expertise in this area, however, using genetics as just one tool to optimize your health is the recommended strategy. In this case, even if you have your DNA report done, it won’t likely be reviewed on the first appointment but on the 2nd when all other labs are reviewed.

Are we a Victim to our Genetic Makeup?

You are not simply a product of your genes, but instead, of how the genes are actually expressed. Individual genes can be expressed more and inhibited due to a variety of environmental factors. This understanding that lifestyle, diet, stress, and consciousness itself plays a large role in influencing genetic expression is called Epigenetics. It is estimated that over 80% of our total health is dictated by our lifestyle/environment rather than genetics alone. This means that if we take care of ourselves using diet & lifestyle medicine, we can change the DNA pattern of expression itself for the better. In some ways, we are performing genetic engineering every time we decide to eat a healthy meal full of greens or take a relaxing walk in nature. Interestingly enough, the act of a brief meditation has actually been shown to turn hundreds of anti-inflammatory genes on & hundreds of pro-inflammatory genes off. Thus, our epigenetic code is in constant flux due to exposure to both our environment within & without. The most empowering part of it all is that this complex pattern of expression & inhibition of genes that so greatly impacts our health and lives is actually passed down to our descendants as well. That means that every ounce of self-love that you pour into yourself not only is beneficial for your own health…but for your whole lineage after you!

What makes our approach unique & more effective?

We do not treat just genes, we treat the whole person. We don’t recommend supplements unless the genetics are in unison with medical history, symptoms and/or labs. We don’t throw a barrage of supplements for each variant confirmed but instead, offer numerous diet & lifestyle recommendations as well. Though Dr. Morcom is highly proficient in understanding all the complex biochemistry involved in genetic analysis, he views all this data through the lens of the Functional Medicine model. This allows Dr. Morcom to zoom out and see the genetics as simply one tool of many to understand and heal a very complex, interconnected system. Instead of just recommending an array of supplements tied to gene variations, he will customize protocols to heal the root systems out of balance first & foremost.

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