Body detoxification is much more than following a restrictive diet in an attempt to flush out what are believed to be harmful substances that have accumulated in the body from various foods and supplements. The body is naturally detoxifying itself everyday, and it is more important to regulate and test your body’s natural detoxification processes, rather than depriving yourself without doing proper and specific research.
Genetic testing reveals how specific genetic variants relate to detoxification, and it can help people understand why they:
- Struggle to lose weight
- Experience fatigue or mood irregularity
- Have skin issues
- Have difficulty detoxifying environmental toxins
- May contract Breast Implant Illness (BII) as a result of breast implants
It’s important to note that BII has been in the news more frequently due to recent studies and updates from the FDA.1 Now, many patients and plastic surgeons are more aware of potential complications with implants. If a patient has issues with detoxification and reduced enzyme activity in the xenobiotic metabolism pathway, then putting additional toxins, plastics, silicones in their body would be a health risk and potentially cause BII. Many plastics and silicones mimic estrogen in the body, so it’s important for women to understand how implants may affect their body’s natural detoxification, hormone regulation and overall health.
Genetic Testing: The Future of Preventive Health
Testing for genetic variants can provide a potential for personalized medicine and nutrition which is why I began offering this genetic detoxification panel. With testing, recommendations can be made to support the body based on your genes. These recommendations may include dietary and lifestyle changes as well as supplementation.
Genetic testing has moved into the mainstream and is the future of preventive health. Genetic variants are the differences that make each person unique. A variant refers to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).
SNPs can correlate with disease and respond to:
- Pathogens
- Medical treatment
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Detoxification
Significant Gene Categories
Humans have between 20,000 – 25,000 genes, half of which come from one’s mother and the other half from one’s father. We inherit traits from our parents, but our environment affects our traits also.
For example, a person’s genes may specify their predisposition to obesity. Their lack of access to healthy foods or a lack of exercise may result in high BMIs.
Below are the gene categories that are included in genetic testing:
COMT
CYP1A1
CYPA2
CYP1B1
CYP2s
Estrogen Metabolism
Glutathione
Inflammation
MTHFR
NAT
Nrf2
Oxidative Stress
SLC
SOD
SULT
SUOX
UGT
Here are a few highlights of significant genes in bold:
CYP1A (Cytochrome P450 1A) is a group of genes that code for different variants of the main P450 enzymes involved in Phase I xenobiotic, drug and hormone metabolism. Certain antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and macrolides can block CYP1A1. Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as cigarette smoke can increase CYP1A1 production as a way for the body to try to eliminate the carcinogens.
Variations in the 1A1 gene may lead to:
- Impaired metabolism of various foreign agents to carcinogens
- Impaired estrogen metabolism which is linked to conditions associated with increased cellular proliferation.
Variations in the 1A2 gene may lead to:
- Rapid breakdown of caffeine or Tylenol and estrogens
- Slower breakdown of caffeine or Tylenol, estrogens
GSTM Gene Family (Glutathione S-transferase Mu) is a part of the glutathione s-transferase family, located in the liver, that is partially responsible for detoxifying certain products of oxidative stress and a variety of electrophilic xenobiotics and carcinogens such as solvents, herbicides, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, steroids and heavy metals.
Variations in this gene family may lead to:
- Impaired enzyme activity, which can result in impaired hepatic detoxification process
- Lower vitamin C levels
UGT (UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Family) is a gene that encodes enzymes which perform a chemical reaction called glucuronidation. During glucuronidation, a compound known as glucuronic acid is attached to one of a number of different substances. The protein produced from the UGT1A1 gene, is the only enzyme that glucuronidates bilirubin, into its nontoxic form, making it dissolve, and eventually removed from the body. UGT1A1 is also involved in the breakdown of estrogen and several carcinogens such as BPA.
Variations in this gene family are associated with:
- Reduced UGT enzyme activity
- Impaired metabolism and clearance of steroid hormones, unconjugated bilirubin and drugs
SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) is a gene that makes an enzyme with powerful antioxidant function in the body. Its key role is in processing the harmful byproduct superoxide into less harmful products that can be cleared outside of the mitochondria, thereby protecting the cells from damage.
Variations in this gene have been associated with:
- Reduced SOD activity leading to lower antioxidant activity
- Increased oxidative stress
- Inflammation
So that you can gain a better understanding of gene categories, genetic testing and how we’re able to tailor detox plans for your body’s unique needs, we put together a demo Health Action Plan for you to view.
To leverage the power of knowing your body inside and out, we offer comprehensive DNA genetic testing and assess your results to create real change in your everyday life. If you want to learn how to support your body’s natural ability to detox, then schedule an appointment to get your genetic detox panel test so you can start your personalized program.