What My Genes Revealed!
I am all about data, especially data from our genetic make-up!! My husband, Mark, lead psychiatrist at Boutique Mind Doctors, has been using genetic swabs to prescribe proper medications for years!! So, when I found one that looks at genes related to our overall health, I was intrigued.
Recently, in my coaching programs, I have started to use genetic swabs to learn more about my clients as a whole. And let me tell you, looking at your genetics is fascinating. So, I decided to join the fun and look at my own.
I wanted to share with you some of the different things that popped up for me. None of them were surprising to be honest. I will highlight just a few since there are so many different things that the genetic tests look for.
Here were some of the highlights for me:
GENE: CRHR1, FKBP
HEIGHTENED STRESS RESPONSE.
“We detected a variant was detected in one of your core STRESS HORMONE REGULATION genes (CRHR1) that predisposes you to a HEIGHTENED STRESS RESPONSE. The feelings we associate with being stressed result primarily from STRESS HORMONES that are released as part of the STRESS RESPONSE. Your genotype is associated with significantly higher levels of these hormones when exposed to stress.”
My AHA Moment: No wonder I actually gain body fat when I am over-exercising! No wonder I gain body fat when my nutrition is not optimized. When I strategize my nutrition and exercise, I see results… makes so much sense now. I tend to be an overproducer in cortisol when in stressful situations. I can’t change my genes, but I can change my lifestyle.
GENE: CRHR1
MID-LIFE BRAIN FOG.
“We detected a variant in one of your core STRESS HORMONE REGULATION genes (CRHR1) that predisposes you to a HEIGHTENED STRESS RESPONSE and MID-LIFE BRAIN FOG. A chronically activated stress response system can cause fatigue and a decline in WORKING MEMORY as people age, and you may be particularly sensitive to this. In a large study testing the effects of stress on memory, people with your genotype who were 31-59 years of age tended to score lower on tests of WORKING MEMORY.”
My AHA Moment: When I go on vacation and give myself brain rest, I come back as a new, sharper woman. I know that managing my stress is key for me. I also know that I can do things to alleviate my chronic stress such as listening to classical music, making lists for myself, and giving myself some brain rest.
GENE: HTR1A
IMPULSIVITY
“You may be predisposed to choosing immediate gratification at the cost of long-term gain. This is likely due to how SEROTONIN is used in an area of the brain responsible for memory and impulse control. We detected a variant in one of your SEROTONIN RECEPTOR genes (HTR1A) that is associated with decreased SEROTONIN activity. This is thought to be why people with your genotype tend to be more IMPULSIVE.”
My AHA Moment: I have done a lot of work to overcome emotional eating, which I believe would start with restlessness and then trigger urges that I would act upon impulsively. Knowing this has given me validation. I have worked through this despite my genotype. And because of this, I am empowered and proud.
GENE: ARID3B
SKIPPING BREAKFAST
“Your genotype is associated with an increased tendency toward SKIPPING BREAKFAST. Scientific research is emerging on how some genes may play a role in our meal timing preferences, and it seems that CELL CYCLE REGULATION (how cells throughout the body metabolize nutrients) may be a key factor. We detected a variant in one of your CELL CYCLE REGULATION genes (ARID3B) that may influence whether or not you feel like eating first thing in the morning. In a large study of Caucasian volunteers, people with your genotype were more likely to SKIP BREAKFAST.”
My AHA Moment: Knowing this information reminds me to tap into my unique hunger cues. It allows me to be curious about when I prefer to eat. It supports my desire to be an intuitive eater. I know that fasting for me is not difficult, and this explains it.
GENE: MC4R
OVEREATING
“Your genotype is associated with a tendency to OVEREAT, likely due to decreased FULLNESS SIGNALING. FULLNESS SIGNALING is how the stomach messages the brain that it is full. Unfortunately, many of us continue to eat well after our stomach says ‘I’ve had enough.’ This may be even more troublesome for those with your genotype, as you are predisposed to decreased FULLNESS SIGNALING and increased caloric intake.”
My AHA Moment: I was an overweight child and I can remember that I always felt hungry. I could eat way more than my friends. As I have adopted intuitive eating and strategic nutrition, I now can sense my satiety extremely well. And because of this, I am now 50 lbs lighter than I was at the age of 18. Nothing has gone wrong. Knowing my genetics just helps me be well prepared.
There were so many other pearls that I gained from understanding my genetics. This assessment was extremely powerful. I was able to take my data and validate what I was currently doing, make changes for what was not working, and quite honestly… I gained a whole heck of a lot of self-compassion in this process.
Because this testing is so powerful, my team is planning to offer something special in the near future. To be the first to hear about our future offering, join the interest list HERE.
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About Ali Novitsky, MD
Dr. Novitsky is certified by the Life Coach School, Obesity Board Certified, a physician speaker, and fitness enthusiast. Ali helps women physicians achieve their optimal health with scientific, yet intuitive, principles that work.
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