Labs, Genetics and Fasting

Exploring Common SNP (small areas of the genes) Abnormalities:

• Reduced Absorption of Vitamin D: This can lead to deficiency and associated health risks.

• Reduced Conversion of T4 to T3: This can affect thyroid function and metabolism.

• Reduced Conversion of Omega-3 to EPA and DHA: This may impact brain health and inflammation.

• Beta-carotene Conversion to Active Form of Vitamin A: This could affect vision and immune function.

• Tendency for Type 2 Diabetes: Genetics can increase susceptibility, but lifestyle factors play a key role.

• FOXO3 Longevity: This gene variant may be associated with longer lifespan.

• Caffeine Metabolism: Variations can affect how quickly you metabolize caffeine and its effects.

MTHFR Gene and Homocysteine:

• The MTHFR gene helps regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine is linked to various health risks.

Potential Risks and Management of MTHFR Mutations:

• Research suggests associations with coronary heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other conditions.

Lab Testing and DNA Evaluation:

• Discuss appropriate lab tests like homocysteine, fasting insulin, thyroid panel, and vitamin levels with your doctor.

• DNA testing services like 23andMe and AncestryDNA can provide genetic information. Consider using data analysis platforms like Found My Fitness for further insights.

Labs looking for treatable cases of cognitive decline:

• Lipid Panel (Covered for a diagnosis of Atherosclerosis of any type or elevated cholesterol)

• CRP (High sensitivity C-reactive protein)

• Free T3, Free T4, TSH, Reverse T3 (Covered for a Dx of Fatigue)

• Complete Metabolic Panel

• CBC Complete Blood count-

• Homocysteine (Covered for a diagnosis of Atherosclerosis of any type)

• Vitamin D (Covered for Dx of vitamin D deficiency)

• Vitamin B12 (Covered for a Dx of Fatigue)

• A1c

• Insulin level

• Iron (Covered for a Dx of Fatigue)

• Ferritin (Covered for a Dx of Fatigue)

• Serum Iodine 

• Heavy metal panel (mercury, Lead)

• Gut Barrier Panel Finger Stick Test #LC900004 at https://www.lifeextension.com/

• Food allergy testing (Everlywell IgG Food Test)

Understanding ApoE:

• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a protein involved in fat metabolism and clearance of Amyloid β from the Brain.

• Three main isoforms: ApoE3 (common, neutral), ApoE2 (rare, protective), ApoE4 (common, increased risk for Alzheimer's and other conditions).

• ApoE4 associated with:

• Endosomal dysfunction in astrocytes

• Defective clearance of Amyloid β

• Increased production of Amyloid β

• Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

• Potential increased risk for cardiovascular disease

• Factors influencing ApoE effects:

• Diet (flavonoids may decrease amyloid production)

• Stress and stress hormones

• Exercise and BDNF

• Copper intake (high intake linked to accelerated cognitive decline)

• Avoid the "second hit" for ApoE4 carriers:

• Don't smoke

• Don't drink heavily

• Minimize sedentary lifestyle

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight

• Avoid head trauma

• Prioritize sleep and mental engagement

• Stay socially active

Time Restrictive feeding

• 12 hours  No food between 7PM to 7AM or

• 14 hours No food between 6PM to 8AM or

• 16 hours No food between 5PM to 9AM

Fasting offers a range of potential health benefits, impacting cellular health, stress resilience, immunity, inflammation, and even brain function. Here's a closer look:

Cellular Cleanup and Protection:

• Fasting promotes autophagy, a process where cells break down and remove damaged components like organelles and proteins. This helps eliminate dysfunctional cells and may protect against cancer and aging by reducing the burden of abnormal cells. During a fast, autophagy increases to provide energy for healthy cells.

Differential Stress Response:

• Fasting can enhance the stress resilience of normal cells. They activate genetic pathways that help them withstand stress, while cancer cells often lack this ability due to their abnormal signaling. This makes cancer cells more vulnerable during a fast.

Immune System Boost:

• Up to 40% of white blood cells are recycled during a fast. When you re-feed, your body rebuilds them, prioritizing the creation of younger, more robust lymphoid cells, strengthening your immune system.

• Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) enhances anticancer immunosurveillance, the body's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Enhanced Chemotherapy Effectiveness:

• Multiple cycles of short-term fasting can protect healthy cells from the damaging effects of chemotherapy drugs, while increasing their effectiveness against cancer cells.

Reduced Inflammation:

• Chronic inflammation is linked to various health problems. Studies show that fasting can reduce inflammatory markers, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Promising for Autoimmune Diseases:

• FMD shows promise in treating autoimmune diseases. Studies in mice with multiple sclerosis showed reduced symptoms and even full recovery in some cases. FMD appears to target and eliminate harmful autoimmune cells while promoting the regeneration of healthy ones.

Combating Senescent Cells:

• As we age, cells can become damaged and dysfunctional, entering a state called senescence. These senescent cells can trigger inflammation and harm nearby healthy cells. Fasting may help reduce senescent cells and their negative effects.

Improved Heart Health:

• Fasting can positively impact heart health by improving blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels.

Potential Brain Benefits:

• Animal studies suggest that fasting may protect brain health and even stimulate the generation of new nerve cells, potentially enhancing cognitive function. Additionally, by reducing inflammation, fasting might help prevent neurodegenerative disorders.

Please note: While research on fasting is ongoing, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen.

Building Better habits for a Better Brain

Week 1. Reduce sitting time by increasing outdoor time - Plant something, improve your yard, walk at the beach etc..  Create an exercise time in your daily routine before 6 PM

Week  2. Avoid Refined Vegetable oils, Substitute extra virgin Olive oil. Eat nuts, blue berries, greens daily. Supplements as listed. 

Week 3. Begin a walking program 4 days per week. Begin strength training 3 days per week.  Create a time for memorizing scripture, poetry or other brain memory program such as relearning a language that you learned in school.  It needs to start easy and be enjoyable.

Week 4. Lengthen the time between Supper and Breakfast to +12. No snacking. 5 glass + glasses of water per day (2 to 3 Quarts).  Check labs.