In the past decade, genetics testing has become a huge and expanding field, filled with exciting promise for helping us understand our health challenges in a deeper way. But it’s often hard to sort out which tests to use, how they can help you, and whether it’s worth the money they cost. Recently, we’ve started using IntellXX Genetics testing at Blum Center, and I have been very impressed by how much the test results have helped me figure out my next steps when working with a patient who’s situation just doesn’t make sense.
Let me give you a clinical example of how I’ve used the testing and how it’s helped me figure out what’s going on.
Leslie (not her real name) and I had been working together for about 2 years. Her main concerns were related to her heart disease risk, given a strong family history. In her early 50’s, she loved going to the gym and included both strength training and aerobics most days. Being very disciplined by nature, she was willing and able to implement all the changes we discussed that were needed: she was eating a whole foods, low sugar, low processed food diet; was being mindful of her stress and sleep, and followed different strategies for her weight training and aerobic training routine. But no matter what we did, she could not get her Hemoglobin A1C below 5.9. This blood test tells us about the risk for diabetes and the health of the blood sugar system. Diabetes is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.
After seeking and following guidance from our nutritionist Vicki Kobliner, RD, (including wearing a continuous glucose monitor), and working closely with her Cardiologist, this number still didn’t budge. I decided to do the Intellx testing. It was a game changer! Leslie’s genetic code was working against her. She had 8 different genes that gave her a high risk for diabetes, and another 7 that gave her a higher risk for all sorts of other metabolic issues like obesity, and having the ability to feel full. After we saw these results, it was such a relief! Just to know that we have an explanation for WHY she couldn’t get this under control, and for her, to feel vindicated that this isn’t her FAULT!
Each personalized Intellx Genetic report provides recommendations for what interventions would work best to help improve the functioning of each gene that is identified as increasing your risk for a particular health condition. And, they back up all their recommendations with lots of research articles. And so, for Leslie, with all the new ideas for treatment, I was able to create an updated plan, including supplements, medication, and specific exercise and nutritional approaches tailored to her genetics. And now she’s doing better than ever! Game changer!
A little more info about genetics testing
Here is a brief primer about the different kinds of genes that are tested.
DNA is the molecule that contains all our genetic information, and genes are specific sections of DNA that code for particular traits or proteins. IntellxxDNA™ allows us, as your clinicians, to look at over 600 DNA sequence changes (or variants) that affect specific genes. These genetic variations make you unique and are modifiable with lifestyle changes, supplements and medication. That’s the good news. The bad news is that left unattended, they can contribute to chronic diseases such as cognitive decline, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, gut issues, and more. Genetic testing using Intellxx also allows us to look at gene variants related to how various nutrients and hormones are transported throughout your body and into your brain and identify which nutrients and hormones you may need more or less of than others.
More good news! Chronic illness is not due to one gene. It is the result of a combination of many small gene variants and how they interact with our diet, lifestyle, and environment. This means your genetics doesn’t guarantee an outcome, and instead, with our guidance, you can improve the functioning of these genes and reduce your risk of chronic disease. And if you are worried about things that run in your family or want to create a plan for overall wellness and personalized prevention, this tool can be hugely beneficial.
IntellxxDNA™ also looks at Inflammation and genes involved in repairing your body and removing harmful chemicals and mold. From our experience, we have not met anyone who did not benefit from having access to their genomic information. Genomics is a powerful tool for finding the root contributing factors of complex health issues. I have used this many times for my toughest inflammation and autoimmune patients.
Ready to learn more about yourself? Unravel the mystery that is you? Schedule a consult with our Functional Medicine providers. Please call 914.652.7800 to learn more.