Specific Genetic Variants (SNiPs) (The Big Players)
AANAT: (Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase) This enzyme is critical in the production of melatonin from serotonin. It controls the night/day rhythm of melatonin production in the pineal gland. Genetic variants are associated with sleep phase disorders.
There seems to be a link between genetic variability in the AANAT gene with susceptibility to major depression (MD).
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations: Keeping regular hours for sleeping can help balance this genetic variant. Reduce light in the bedroom and electromagnetic fields near the bed.
Nutrient Recommendations:
- Melatonin
ACAT1: (Acetyl CoA Acetyltransferase) This gene encodes an enzyme located in the mitochondria that catalyze the reversible formation of acetoacetyl-CoA from two molecules of acetyl-CoA. Mutations of the ACAT1 gene are associated with a deficiency in acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase and subsequently an increase in cholesterol compounds. Mutations in the ACAT gene cause the patient to be unable to process isoleucine and ketones correctly. As a result, harmful compounds can build up and cause the blood to become too acidic, which impairs tissue function, especially in the CNS. Genetic variants have been associated with prostate free radical damage in studies.
This gene is associated with cardiovascular imbalances, blood lipid imbalances, risk of kidney stone formation, increased weight, low energy, mitochondrial dysfunction, digestive imbalances (esp. gallbladder), bumps on arms and legs, increased blood glucose, decreased cognitive function.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations: Low saturated fat, low glycemic index diets will be more beneficial to the person with ACAT variants. Once balanced with the proper nutrition to help this enzyme function more efficiently, however, this is not as much of an issue. Increasing potassium-containing foods can be beneficial for persons with this variant.
Nutrient Recommendations:
- Thiamine (Benfotiamine)
- CoQ10
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Riboflavin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Niacin
- Bile Salts (Gallbladder support)
- Vitamin E
- Molybdenum
- Guggul lipids
- Policosanol
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- Iodine
- Potassium
In her book, Dr. J. Dunn explores issues into why you are the way you are and how you can make changes. It’s a whole new paradigm in understanding what causes disease and mental health issues. The basis of the book talks about how to bypass your genetic makeup to help change destructive behaviors such as overeating, substance abuse, and anger.
Specific Genetic Variants (SNiPs) | Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase
Dr. J. Dunn explains how her research was motivated because of her personal struggles to feel healthy. She had a case of mono when she was sixteen years old and suffered from lifelong depression. Since then she has battled chronic fatigue syndrome caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Looking into the history of the virus she found that 90 percent or more people have antibodies to the virus and yet don’t necessarily have an issue with it for the rest of their lives. She was also looking for true answers to her own depression. These were missing pieces in the puzzle of health, and she began her quest to search for why and how to fix them. She approached her research with a compassionate point of view, knowing that some types of behavior and health problems are caused by inherited biochemical imbalances and are not personal failings. Things such as:
Weight
Depression
Anxiety
Focusing Issues such as ADD and ADHD
Addictions
Chronic Fatigue
Genetic testing can identify potential health problems and give you another tool to make informed decisions about managing your health care. Dr. J. Dunn explores how to obtain correct results and what to do with the results. She also talks about compassion for yourself and others when it comes to problems beyond our control. Her book – Genetic Compassion – will help you to understand how genes play a very important role in how we feel.