The Case:
- Helen has 2 different autoimmune diseases and hypothyroidism and rarely feels good.
- She was experiencing fatigue, brain fog, body aches, and depression.
- She wasn’t sure if the depression was a symptom or something caused by her struggles.
The Investigation
When I met Helen, I saw that there were many areas where we could start to intervene. I knew we had to look at her DNA blueprint if we were going to solve this health mystery. There are a lot of different ways that our DNA can inform us about our health but Kashif Khan has a unique approach. I knew he’d be the right person to talk to about Helen’s case.
Thought Leader in Functional Genetics
Kashif Khan is the author of The DNA Way, a two-time TEDx Speaker and the Founder of The DNA Company, where personalized medicine is being pioneered through unique insights into the human genome. He is also the host of the Unpilled podcast. He knows firsthand the power of understanding your DNA blueprint because he was able to heal his own issues through functional genetics.
Understanding the Story Our Genes Are Really Telling Us
So many people plagued with health issues blame their genes. What most don’t realize is that our genetic makeup does not completely determine our health. Genes can turn on and off, we can provide detours that will get us to better health outcomes. In my conversation with Kashif, he explains that often, people look at DNA testing as a way to determine the likelihood that they will experience disease. For example, one DNA test might tell you that you have an 80% chance of breast cancer. Kashif feels like the model of DNA testing is broken because the body doesn’t work that way.
He suggests a more comprehensive approach that requires us to understand the genome properly. We can move from ‘this gene equals this problem’ to ‘this gene informs us how your body functions and the most supportive nutrition and lifestyle choices.’ It’s a much more functional approach to genetics and addresses disease, chronic conditions, and overall health which I really appreciate because it’s so empowering.
Functional Genetics and Autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s)
Helen has 2 autoimmune diseases and has hypothyroidism so I was curious to hear what Kashif had to say about the role that gene expression plays in autoimmune disease. He explained there is a race to identify the autoimmune gene, but the body doesn’t work in such a straightforward manner. It’s becoming evident, he says, that the underlying system’s failure (rather than a single gene) is what leads to autoimmune conditions.
He shares a powerful example relating to hormone toxicity in women. There is a hormone cascade that involves the production, conversion, and clearance of hormones. If a woman is estrogen dominant and lacks proper detox pathways, exposure to hormone disruptors in the environment or additional estrogen from birth control or hormone therapy can lead to chronic inflammation and eventually manifest as an autoimmune condition or other health issues. The outcome varies among individuals based on their specific hardware failures. This example highlights that, while there may not be a direct gene that causes autoimmunity, understanding the pathways and habits can empower individuals to make informed choices and take preventive measures from a young age.
In other words, gene expression plays a role in autoimmunity but is not 100% of the picture.
Can Your DNA Impact Gut Health?
When examining our DNA and its relationship with the gut, there are important insights to consider, says Kashif. One significant finding is the impact of specific dietary choices. For example, the growing popularity of veganism has led many individuals to adopt this lifestyle. However, it is crucial to recognize that not everyone possesses the genetic makeup necessary to break down certain plant-based proteins found in beans, lentils, legumes, and chickpeas. Over time, those lacking the required enzyme may experience symptoms resembling an autoimmune condition due to the strain placed on their gut by consuming these protein sources as their primary protein intake. This example illustrates the importance of aligning dietary choices with individual genetic predispositions. The same caution goes out to those following a Keto or carnivore diet – they may initially feel great but after a few weeks, they discover health issues simply because they are not genetically aligned with their diet.
This is why it’s so powerful to get a map of your genetic makeup because even “healthy eaters” may discover that their misaligned diet plan is the root cause of their health concerns.
Can Our Genes Cause Brain Fog?
Our genetics play a significant role in our brain health and overall cognitive function. Kashif says individuals may experience symptoms in varying ways due to their unique genetic makeup. For example, some individuals may be more prone to brain fog or joint pain, while others may have different manifestations.
Mitochondrial health is crucial for brain function, as the brain has the second highest density of mitochondria in the body. Some people may have genetic factors that affect mitochondrial function, making them more susceptible to brain-related symptoms and difficulties. Another genetic factor is a gene called BDNF, which influences neuroplasticity, brain repair, and neurogenesis. Individuals who struggle with efficient neuroplasticity and brain repair may experience greater challenges in handling cognitive loads, with symptoms such as brain fog setting in more quickly and taking longer to recover from.
Perception is also influenced by genetics, explains Kashif. Individuals may have different neurochemical maps that affect risk aversion, reward-seeking behavior, procrastination, or susceptibility to burnout. On the other hand, some individuals may have fewer dopamine receptors, leading to increased seeking behavior, while others may experience difficulties in experiencing dopamine at appropriate levels.
Is Autism Genetic?
Considering the role of gene expression in the brain, it made me curious about autism. In the functional medicine world, there are so many thoughts about contributing factors. From exposure to heavy metals to gut microbes, to obesity, autoimmunity and the gut-brain connection.
Kashif has worked with autistic children and says it’s important, when talking about the cause and support of autism, to distinguish between innate autism (a child is born with the condition), and acquired autism (external factors contribute to its development). He says the allopathic medical perspective tends to view all autism as innate, while the functional medicine approach attributes it to outside exposure. Both perspectives have validity, but they do not account for the entire spectrum of autism.
He further explains that the first step is to determine which category the child falls into. If it is innate, the focus is on improving brain function and addressing behavioral development issues, as it is not reversible. Functional interventions can still help the child thrive, but the underlying condition remains. Research is ongoing to identify the switch that triggers autism, but it is yet to be discovered. However, a significant portion of autism cases fall into the second category, where a child was initially fine but experienced a change after a specific event. In these cases, inflammation caused by that event or events can lead to brain inflammation and altered development. Understanding the child’s unique genetic makeup is essential to determine the appropriate approach. By focusing on the “why” rather than just the condition itself, individualized solutions can be provided for chronic conditions, respecting the diverse factors contributing to each person’s health challenges.
Not All Genetic Testing Is Created Equal
Many of us immediately think of tests like 23andMe when we think about getting our genetic testing done. Kashif says there are other options that go much deeper.
As a listener of this show, you are likely aware that functional medicine offers a distinct approach to healthcare compared to traditional medicine, focusing on understanding the underlying causes of diseases and addressing them rather than just managing symptoms. This approach extends to functional genetics, which looks beyond individual genes and considers the interconnected systems in the body. Functional genomics takes into account factors such as detoxification, methylation, neurology, mood, behavior, and gut health to identify the root of the problem.
While genetic testing can be valuable for specific genetic conditions, functional genomics is more useful for understanding how the body functions and how lifestyle choices contribute to inflammation, which is often at the core of many health issues. In fact, most major health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, are rooted in inflammation. By focusing on maintaining healthy cells and addressing inflammation through lifestyle choices, individuals can prioritize their long-term health and potentially prevent chronic diseases. However, in today’s environment, with various threats like environmental toxins, poor nutrition, and elevated stress levels, it requires conscious effort to maintain health and well-being. Taking proactive steps (based on the findings of functional gene testing) and actively working on one’s health becomes essential to avoid falling into illness and maintaining optimal health.
The DNA Testing Process
DNA testing can be done in three main ways:
- Swab. These are often considered entry-level products, are less accurate and require a larger amount of DNA. They are suitable for basic nutrient genomics testing, such as evaluating diet.
- Saliva Sample. These tests, like those offered by companies like 23andMe, collect more data and require a higher level of accuracy. These tests run the sample multiple times to ensure reliability.
- Blood Testing. This option is typically used for more in-depth clinical analysis, especially when searching for rare genes associated with specific conditions.
When it comes to functional medicine, the focus is on key genes that influence important systems like hormones, brain function, and metabolic health. In functional genomics, a saliva sample of about five milliliters is sufficient. The DNA is extracted and sequenced to identify versions of relevant genes. At this stage, genetic companies usually provide a report with the gene versions. However, Kashif cautions that interpreting these results often leads people to consult with different experts (conventional doctor, functional medicine doctors, or other professionals) who may offer varying recommendations based on their expertise.
This challenge is what inspired Kashif and his partner to go beyond DNA testing. They discovered that the key was to provide a clear picture of what the results mean to the individual. To do this, they developed an AI portal that takes the results and offers a comprehensive interpretation. He says their portal can help people identify the underlying causes of conditions like anxiety and provide actionable steps to address them based on the individual’s genetic drivers. This includes recommendations for supplements, habits to adopt, and habits to eliminate.
Shifting Habits Over Time Drives Results
I loved that Kashif points out that just getting the test is not going to change anything for anyone. They have to interpret those results and create a plan for change. True transformation requires dedicated effort over months, not just a quick fix. However, these new habits do not need to be huge changes, they can be tiny habits that add up to a big difference in how someone feels and thinks. By committing to the process, Kashif says individuals can undergo a profound shift in their identity and experience lasting change.
And, he would know. He was able to interpret his DNA test to help heal his own issues including migraines, eczema, Psoriasis, gut issues and depression. He was able to hone in on the root cause of his inflammation and other issues which were a combination of his genetic disposition, his environment, and his habits.
Like I always say, it’s not what genes you have, but what you can do about it. Looking at your DNA as a GPS is so inspiring because there is so much we can do to either change our habits or take other specific actions to either replace, counteract or add to what your body may not be doing as efficiently. If you’re interested in accessing the testing and the subsequent detailed action plan, go to thednacompany.com/inna. Be sure to use that link to save 15% (another listener perk!).
Mystery Solved
Helen and I looked in depth into her thyroid and started exploring her autoimmune triggers. She had A LOT of triggers! I knew that we had to be smart about addressing what was going on and the best way to do that was going to be to look at her DNA. With this extra bit of information, we were able to plan a detox that was safe and that her body would naturally respond to.
We also worked on shifting her mindset around who she is and how she wanted to feel. Understanding her genetic disposition helped with this too.
Conclusion
Having the DNA blueprint was quite amazing. We saw which detox pathways were suboptimal and worked around those. We also identified tendencies when it comes to methylation, the way her brain worked when it came to rewards, and how her hunger and satiety mechanisms, among other things. This was a real eye-opener that allowed us to truly customize her protocol so that we can better address all of her triggers.
Happy Ending
Helen felt so empowered by this information because everything made sense and she finally felt like she could take optimistic action.
She noticed such a difference in how she felt and within a few months, she was finally losing weight. She has more to go but she is excited to continue and motivated by all the changes she is already seeing.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Helen we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?
Links:
Resources mentioned
Thanks to my guest Kashif Khan. You can connect with him through his website and also on TikTok and Instagram. His book is available at The DNA Way.
Suggested Products
If you are interested in looking more in depth into your DNA and and get access to DNA Company’s detailed report and plan, please visit thednacompany.com/inna (using this link will save you 15% on your kit.
Related Podcast Episodes:
143 Your Family History Goes Beyond Genetics: A Novel Way to Look at Hashimoto’s 144 The Case of Premature Aging: How Lifestyle Changes and DNA Methylation Lead to Big Breakthrough 34 The Case of Unrelenting Depression and Anxiety w/ Dr. Loren Marks 108 The Case of Fatigue and Brain Fog Made Worse by B VitaminsThanks for Listening
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