Here were are, Jimi!
The
final article of this 4-part series on genetics and your health from nutrigenomics expert, Jaclyn Downs!
So far, you've learned how your personal genetics can influence your detox capacity, neurotransmitter production, mood, energy levels, focus and
much more!
Today, you can take a deep dive into genetic influences on hormone production and balance.
Here's a little taste, and a few of the genetic variants (SNPs) that are covered in the article titled:
Genetics and Hormone Production, Transport, Utilization, and Metabolism
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) - This gene makes enzymes that are involved with hormone synthesis and break down. CYPs metabolize thousands of chemicals that are made by the body (endogenous) as well as the chemicals we are exposed to through diet and environment (exogenous). Some CYPs metabolize multiple chemicals, while others only metabolize one specific chemical.
CYP1A1 - This gene is involved with the first step of metabolizing estrogen into the desirable 2-hydroxyestrone estrogen. CYP1A1 genetic variants cause an upregulation in enzymatic activity which may be protective against 4-hydroxyestrone estrogen. This pathway can be blocked due to genetic predispositions or environmental toxins.
CYP1B1 - This gene is responsible for the first step of metabolizing estrogen, but shuttles it down the undesirable, DNA-damaging pathway that makes 4-hydroxyestrone. 4-hydroxy estrogen is a potent estrogen that may be oxidized into carcinogenic compounds. CYP1B1 variants cause an upregulation in activity, increasing the production of potentially harmful metabolites (dubbing this pathway the “breast cancer pathway”) that increase oxidative stress and demand more of the body’s glutathione (the body’s ‘master antioxidant’), potentially depleting its levels.
What this means is that it might not be a good idea for people with CYP1B1 variants to take a bunch of estrogen (birth control, fertility treatments, hormone replacement therapy) unless they are working with someone that will closely monitor their estrogen metabolites and work to encourage shifting them from the CYP1B1 pathway to the CYP1A1 pathway.
And that's just a small sample... you can
Click HERE to read the full article!
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And, in case you missed 'em, here are the other two articles in this 4-part series and an important invitation for anyone who'd like to go down this rabbit hole and learn how to truly personalize their approach to building health!
Article 1:
An Introduction to Functional Genomics: Know Your Genetics and Make Informed Personal Health Decisions
Article 2:
Genetics and Detoxification: Your genes are key to knowing what detox protocol will best suit your body.
Article 3:
Genetics & Neurotransmitters: Impact on Your Mood, Energy, Hormones, and More!