fall far from the tree, or, the apple is di- gested similarly in the family.


Other direct genetic influences on gut


health involve lactase deficiency in patients with Lactose Intolerance. This is a genetic issue where there is not enough lactase made, and the severity exists on a spectrum from mild to severe lactose intolerance. Another inheritable digestive problem is fructose malabsorption. The ALDOB gene that makes an enzyme, aldolase B, which is an enzyme used in the degradation of fructose to useable glucose. The spectrum of symptoms range from low blood sugar, vomiting, stomach pain, to liver disease. There are other possible enzyme deficien- cies that impact digestion due to genetic mutations, but these are quite rare.


Indirect Genetic Influence


There are many other examples of indirect genetic influence on gut health. One of these examples involves the HLA genes (human leukocyte antigen, in which there are several), and they make proteins that act as immune system regulators. Pa- tients may have genetic variations in these genes that predispose them to autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and Celiac disease.


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Genetic variants are not considered genetic mutations or genetic disease. Re- searchers have discovered the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s, pro- nounced ‘snips’) in an individual's health. SNP’s influence the functionality of a gene. Everyone has thousands of SNP’s, but case by case they vary in their influence and importance. Having a SNP does not equal disease, SNP’s can only be used as risk fac- tors. This is why environment is so impor- tant, because environment has a positive effect on genetic expression. In fact some ‘normal’ genes in a stressed and nutrient-


deplete environment function worse than a gene with several SNP’s.


There are other SNP’s that influence


how a person tolerates macromolecules such as fat versus carbohydrates. These can indirectly affect our gut health by affect- ing overall disease burden. If someone is eating a problematic diet based on their genes there will be higher rates of chronic disease. As previously mentioned, serotonin is important in digestion, playing key roles in intestinal peristalsis and secretion. There are several genes involved with the cre- ation of serotonin, and there may be SNP’s in these genes responsible for objectively low serotonin levels. If this was true for a patient, they may experience improved digestion with optimizing their nutrients for those specific gene’s function.


One cannot separate environment from genetics, they are very closely depen- dent on one another. Lifestyle medicine leads the way for a healthy environment as well as healthy genetic expression. Despite all the fascinating research coming out about genetics it still comes down to the basics of wellness. Whole foods, regular activity, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep. Beyond this, one can apply nutrigenomics to help better under- stand a condition and precisely optimize one’s wellness.


Dr. Nick Edgerton is a Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist practicing with Collaborative Natural Health Partners with an interest in functional cardi-


ology, nutrigenomics, and gastrointestinal disharmonies. Dr. Edgerton is accept- ing new patients at the Manchester, West Hartford, and Columbia office locations. Visit www.ctnaturalhealth.com or call 860.533.0179. See ad on page 29.


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