Our DNA contains all of the memories of our ancestors. It contains our unique, ancestral blueprint to mental health & wellness. Therefore, it is the key to unlocking blockages to mental wellness across generations.
Genomic medicine (also known as “precision medicine”) is a powerful tool to help us identify underlying genetic causes for ongoing mental health concerns. Although it is still a relatively new scientific phenomena, genomic medicine is beginning to show a lot of promise in the field of mental health. Genomic medicine is an under-utilized tool that can save time and resources when it comes to developing an individualized and effective treatment plan. It can also serve as a source of empowerment, helping you to come to terms with who YOU are and how you intend to move forward in your journey towards health and healing.
BUT – Before we dive any deeper, here are a few basic concepts within the world of genomics.
What is “DNA”?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule within every cell of our body that contains ALL of the biological instructions that makes each individual person unique. This set of instructions is absolutely necessary for our development, survival, and reproduction. In order to perform these functions, DNA sequences must be translated into messages that are used to produce proteins, which do most of the work in our bodies (e.g. neurotransmitters, insulin, antibodies, serotonin receptors, etc.).
What is a “gene”?
A gene is a DNA sequence that contains instructions to make a protein. The size of a gene can be very small (1,000 bases) to very large (1 million bases). Coincidentally, genes only make up 1% of all DNA sequences. The DNA sequences that fall outside of that 1% regulate when, how, and how much of a protein is produced. Humans contain about 20,000 genes in their complete DNA instruction manual (also known as the human genome).
What are “SNPs”?
SNPs (pronounced as “snips”) are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. They are genetic mutations that are commonly found within the human population and usually harmless. Some of these genetic variations, however, can increase an individual’s likelihood of experiencing mental symptoms or illness if the body is not supported adequately via diet, lifestyle, or environment. Some well known SNPs are MTHFR, COMT, DRD2, and SLC30A8.
What is the “genome”?
The genome is the complete DNA instruction manual that is carried by every single cell in the body. The differences among our cells are determined by how and when certain genes within the genome are turned on or off. For example, cells in the pancreas turn on genes that make proteins (insulin) to regulate blood sugar. Red blood cells turn on genes that make proteins to carry oxygen from the air to the entire body. These genes within the genome are regulated by what is known as the “epigenome”.
What is the “epigenome”?
The epigenome is a network of chemical compounds and proteins that can attach to the genome and tell genes what to do without changing the DNA structure itself. Rather than changing DNA sequences, these chemical tags change the way cells read the DNA’s instructions. These chemical tags are sometimes passed from cell to cell as they divide. They can also be passed down from one generation to the next. Unlike the genome which is very hard to change, the epigenome can change throughout a person’s lifetime. Lifestyle and environmental factors (e.g. chronic stress, trauma, smoking, alcohol or drug use, diet, physical activity, infections, pollutants, etc.) can expose someone to pressures that cause chemical responses, which often causes changes in the epigenome. Some of these changes can be damaging and lead to disease.
Conditions such as, PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and addiction have been shown by modern research to be linked to epigenomic dysregulation. It is also theorized that the epigenome is where the memories/experiences of our ancestors are stored and passed down through generations.
What is “epigenomics”?
Epigenomics is a field of research exploring the locations and functions of chemical tags that attach to the genome. What is particularly intriguing about this area of research is whether or not some communities and families experience higher rates of disease and negative health outcomes because of ongoing epigenomic factors, such as, inherited, unresolved trauma and the abandonment of traditionally healthy, indigenous diets. What is also interesting about this field of study is the realization that we can reduce our risk, or even prevent and reverse some diseases, by altering our epigenome. This is a revolutionary concept that can potentially lead us towards a new paradigm of healing, where genes do not always determine our destiny.
How does all of this apply to Genomic Medicine?
Genomic medicine focuses on the interactions between the genome, SNPs, the epigenome, and our environment. It uses genomic information for diagnostic, preventative, and/or therapeutic decisions in clinical care. This information can encourage clients to restore and maintain overall wellness by supporting their genetic blueprint as best as they can.
For example, someone who carries 1 or 2 risk alleles (SNPs) for the MTHFR rs1801133 (C677T) mutation has 35% to 70% reduced MTHFR enzyme activity leading to a decreased ability to transform folate into its active form – folic acid (L-methylfolate). Folic acid carries and adds methyl groups to various molecules, such as, DNA. The methyl groups carried by folic acid are important for metabolism, energy production, neurotransmitter production, brain function, immune function, DNA protection, DNA regulation (including epigenetic regulation), cardiovascular health, and a healthy inflammatory response. Did this person’s ancestors consume a diet rich in folate, resulting in a genetic mutation such as this? No one can say for sure. However, this person’s ancestral blueprint signals that if she does not consume enough folate through her diet, she has an increased risk of low folate levels and conditions, such as, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, heart disease, or stroke.
It is important to note that someone with this mutation is NOT guaranteed to have any of these conditions. This information merely helps us understand how to help the body convert folate more efficiently so there is less likelihood of developing symptoms. On the other hand, if someone is already experiencing depression, this information may give us one of many clues as to what may be causing or aggravating his/her/their symptoms. In this case, daily consumption of folate-rich foods will be crucial. If finances and/or lifestyle is an obstacle, L-methylfolate supplementation would be recommended as an alternative.
If you’d like to learn more about our genomic consultations, you may schedule a free 15-min consultation here.