As more people get DNA Testing, some of these tests are inevitably through the larger international websites that on-sell multiple types of lab tests.

Often these reports are identical to what we offer, however we are finding many of these clients coming to us to get help with understanding their results.

If you do not know where to get started in working with your results, or even what the most important findings are, then you are not getting the value out of your expenditure.  These reports are there for you to make a real difference to your health profile moving forward.

We are finding that many people are not interpreting the results entirely correctly, and this is especially true for the methylation profile.  You really need an understanding of the weighting the different SNP's hold, as well as the combinations of SNP's that tend to be more problematic.

So if you have a DNA report that is the same as we offer and are struggling to use it, we are offering a 1 hour stand alone consultation to go over it with you.  This is a consultation that can be done face to face in our Christchurch clinic, or on-line.   If your report is substantially different, we may still be able to help.

Contact us for more information on how we can help.
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MTR = Methionine synthase
The role of MTR is to convert homocysteine back into methionine. To do this is uses a methyl group from 5-MTHF. Methyl B12 is a cofactor, and the process is dependent on Zinc.

MTRR - Methionine synthase reductase
The role of MTRR is to regenerate oxidized B12, and support MTR activity.  Vitamin B2 is a cofactor

If we have SNP's in one or both of these genes, this can leading to an associated degree of compromise in the methylation process.   However, we never assess methylation based on 1 or 2 genes.  We need to look at the entire picture before deciding if supplementation is necessary.  

Often the most sustainable way to address moderate levels of compromise, is to understand how to find the necessary nutrients in the diet.   This is a simple process that should be included in your genetic report.  After all, the only reason to get a genetic report is to understand what you can do to address any potential issues.

Supplementation if needed, should be tailored to directly intervene in your most problematic areas.  

Another aspect to consider is that not only are there factors that can increase gene activity, there are also factors that decrease gene activity.  For MTR these include:  excess alcohol, excess sugar and heavy metals.  MTRR can be negatively influenced by a number of common pharmaceutical drugs.

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that converts folate into 5-MTHF.  This vital conversion takes place early in the methylation cycle.   

A SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a variation in a gene sequence that can result in the under functioning of a gene.

MTHFR can have a SNP in the coding which correlates to under functioning of the methylation cycle.  In fact it can have two SNP's MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298.  Depending on the combination of these SNP's, this under functioning could be significant.

However, there are also other points within the methylation cycle and its off-shoots that can be compromised by SNP's. These include MTR, MTRR, MTHFD1, DHFR, CBS, COMT, FUT2 and TCN2.

The point to make here, without getting any more complex, is that Methylation is a cycle.  It goes through a number of processes to reach its end goal.  To understand the efficacy of this process, we need to assess all the genes involved.    

There is no doubt that MTHFR has a significant impact and is a well researched gene.  If we just test for this, we are getting very useful information.  However, if we wish to understand and optimize methylation, then we need a complete picture.  This involves  testing all the clinically relevant genes that we know have an impact on methylation function.

This understanding of the inter-connectedness of methylation genes can now be expanded out further.  Methylation impacts every other system within the body.  When we assess complete functional genetic profiles such as the myDNA Comprehensive Health Report, we begin to see these web-like fingers that branch out to affect other organs and systems.  Which in turn can be impacted by their own specific SNP's.  

Only the SNP's that meet the threshold for clinical relevance are included in these profiles.  In summary, my suggestion is that you get the most comprehensive DNA test that is currently available in order to understand and optimize your health.

Methylation is a reaction in which a methyl group (CH3) is attached to another molecule.

We be healthy and well, it is vital that we are able to methylate efficiently. 
Methylation is responsible for:

• Gene expression.  This is a regulatory process that turns genes "on" or "off"
• DNA and protein synthesis (ie, cellular regeneration and repair)
• Energy production.  Methylation supports mitochondrial function
• Metabolism of  hormones, neurotransmitters and heavy metals
• Optimal fertility.  Methylation plays a crucial role in DNA replication, cell differentiation, embryonic development and fetal programming

In order to support healthy methylation, we need a DNA test that looks at the entire methylation cycle.  This gives us all the current information on where we need to intervene (if at all).

Did you know that there's a whole world of microorganisms residing in your gut?  The term used to describe this vast, yet microscopic community is 'microbiome' or 'microbiota' which collectively refers to all the microbes - including bacteria, viruses and fungi - that exist in and on the human body.  A whooping 95% of these microbes reside in your gastrointestinal tract, predominantly in the large intestine.

To put this population into perspective, there are ten times more bacterial cells in your body (40 trillion), specifically contained in your gut, as opposed to human cells (only 30 trillion) - meaning, you're more bacteria than human!

Diving deeper into the gut microbiota, there are around 1,000 different species of known bacteria, each playing a different role in your body - but only a couple of hundred predominate.  The collective weight of these bacteria can be up to 2 kilograms.

The composition of the colony in your gut is as unique as your fingerprint.  One third of gut bacteria is common to most people, while the other two thirds are individual to you.

While some strains of bacteria are harmful, many others are extremely beneficial and necessary to keep your body healthy.  When the number of harmful bacteria outweighs the number of friendly bacteria in the gut, an imbalance called dysbiosis can occur.

So, it makes sense that in order to be at your healthiest, you need to ensure that your good bacteria are kept happy, healthy and as abundant as possible.

The gut microbiota is a complex field of ongoing research in the medical community and is constantly under the microscope.  Findings uncovered by new scientific investigations have greatly improved our understanding of the microbiota, and its systemic influence in the body.

Studies have explored and identified links between gut health and the immune system, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, weight, skin conditions and even cancer.

Poor gut health not only relates to digestive discomfort, but can also restrict essential energy and nutrient supply to other bodily organs and systems, compromising their function.  For example, the gut houses 70-80% of your immune system, so this can take a hit when the gut isn't performing properly,  Essentially, the gut microbiota acts like another organ in your body, regulating health and disease.

Reproduced from The Good Gut Guide, Orthoplex.

Vanessa Winter
​BHSc (High Dist.), BEd, Dip.Nat., Dip.Herb.Med., NMHNZ
​SmartGENES Naturopathic Clinic

Acid Reflux is a condition in which the acid contents of your stomach wash back up into the oesphagus.  This happens because a valve at the end of your oesophagus does not close properly when food arrives into the stomach.  The acid then flows back upwards into your throat.

Acid reflux happens to many people at some point.  Pregnancy is a time when a lot of women will experience reflux due to the pressure in the abdomen, which will mostly self resolve post partum.  However, for many, regular episodes of acid reflux is the first sign of an under-functioning digestive system.

GORD/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a related but more serious condition in which the acid contents of the stomach persistently regurgitate back up into the oesophagus.

As the development of GORD is often multifactorial, identifying the key contributing factors is necessary to address and improve gut function, and reflux symptoms.  Mechanisms that are associated with GORD include: Lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction, oesophageal clearance, mucosal resistance, delayed gastric emptying, and the presence of a hiatal hernia or acid pocket.  

Generally diagnosis is made through clinical symptoms and the response to acid suppressing medications, and diagnostic tests such as upper endoscopy.

A medically diagnosed condition, IBS is a functional digestive disorder affecting @ 11% of the population.  Diagnosis normally occurs after testing has ruled out other conditions, and your symptoms are contained within the IBS criteria.  IBS has no medically recognised effective treatment.

Naturopathically, IBS is not seen as a single condition.  Rather it is viewed as an umbrella term that encompasses a cluster of related conditions, that simply present with similar symptoms.  These conditions can and often have a vastly differing set of causes.

By putting aside the label, we come back to the # 1 naturopathic principle.  Work with the patient, not the disease.  What this means, is looking at your specific symptoms, and your specific causes in order to work to restore optimal function.
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Here at SmartGENES Naturopathic Clinic, we focus on functional, lifestyle, and nutritional factors that impact digestive function.  Some of these include:

​There are many testing options available.  Complete Microbiome Mapping (GI Map) is a targeted and comprehensive testing option, with samples being sent to Australia for analysis.