Strong as an Ox or a ticking time bomb?
Modern research is revealing that the heart plays a much larger role than what we have traditionally believed:
It serves as the primary receiver of information from the environment, which it then transmits to the brain. However, delving deeper into this topic will have to wait for another occasion! (Check out 'Human Heart/Cosmic Heart by Tom Cowan MD)
By itself, it does not function as a pump or transporter, but it is greatly affected when there is a decrease in oxygen or nutrition.
So.. what does your cardiovascular health risk look like?
Do you have a family history of stroke, heart attack, angina, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or atherosclerosis?
Can you attribute it all to poor diet and lifestyle choices or do you suspect there’s something else increasing the risk factor?
Undoubtedly, consistent physical activity, optimal body composition, and a diet abundant in vibrantly colored fruits, vegetables, salads, nuts, seeds, and a proper mix of healthy fats can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing that risk.
Nevertheless, individuals with a genetic methylation issue may face a risk if they are unable to efficiently convert certain nutrients into a usable form for the body.
Anybody remember Jim Fixx, the American Marathon runner and fitness guru who died of a heart attack age 52?
Some genotypes have a higher risk of cardiovascular 'events' than others. However, the positive aspect is that by identifying your SNPs, you can improve your methylation pathway through supplementation and diet, and even redirect it by promoting the dominance of another pathway if needed to lower the risk.
Consider the most prevalent risk factor, which is believed to affect up to 44% of the population, the MTHFR 677 mutation. This gene is responsible for producing the MTHFR enzyme, crucial for converting methylfolate to 5-MTHF and controlling homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with inflammation, hypertension (in specific groups), cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, depression, macular degeneration, cognitive decline, and cancer.
The reduced enzymatic function of the heterozygous (inherited from one parent) MTHFR 677 is estimated at 30%, and the homozygous (from both parents) MTHFR 677 genotype at 50-70%. Depending on the environment, this increases the need for riboflavin (B2) and folate…. In their ACTIVE forms.
So what can we do?
The homozygous genotype or heterozygous MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298 gene increases the methylfolate requirement and increases the sensitivity to synthetic folic acid due to a bottle-necking effect. High circulating levels of synthetic folic acid has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and autism.
Homocysteine levels can help determine if folate needs (as well as B12, B6, B2 and choline/betaine) are not being met. This can be a clue for inflammation, high blood pressure (certain populations), heart disease, blood clots, depression, macular degeneration, dementia, and cancer. I would say if nothing else, if there is a history of these then a Homocysteine test is a must and a potential life-saver.
Folate is also a precursor of BH4. BH4 is depleted by high blood sugar, high omega-6 intake, chronic stress, high levels of mercury, arsenic, lead and aluminum, aspartame, and oxidative stress. This affects neurotransmitter health and the aggressiveness of DNA viruses.
With a quality Nutrigenomic test, you will receive all this information, and I can provide you with a guide to empower you to take charge of your health and that of your family.
Comments