Book Review: ‘Dirty Genes‘ by Ben Lynch
Have you seen the self-guided genetic test kits available at every convenience and big box store? Or maybe you’ve ordered one? Did you get the results back and wonder what the heck to do with the information or if any of your genetic variations affect your fertility? If you have, I think this book may shine some light on your confusion and questions!
Dr. Lynch took the enormously overwhelming topic of epigenetics and boiled it down to bite-sized information. If you are unfamiliar with the term epigenetics, it simply refers to the fact that many factors can influence our genes’ expression. He repeatedly assures the reader that diet and lifestyle are the keys to maximizing your genetic potential and that “Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny.” As a helpful tool, questionnaires are included to help uncover the possibility of ‘dirty genes,’ based on common signs and symptoms. Seven chapters are dedicated to what he calls the Super Seven Key Genes. These seven genes offer a roadmap into the wild and winding road of genetics with the biggest bang for your nutrition and lifestyle efforts. Each chapter offers painstaking detail about its namesake gene.
Not to worry, actionable steps weave through the rest of the manuscript, including a ‘4-Week Clean Genes Protocol‘ full of low tech support recommendations, including nutrition (with recipes), environmental detoxification, sleep tips, stress management, and supplement ideas. Next, he discusses finding an appropriate practitioner, recommended lab testing, and other various resources.
The only fail-safe way to know if you were born with a slight variation in your genetics is to do a test. With that said, subpar nutrition and lifestyle habits can cause your genes to act ‘dirty.’ A metaphor Lynch repeatedly uses to express an inborn or lifestyle induced reduction in gene function.
Interestingly, all of the Super Seven Genes influence fertility, reproductive health, or pregnancy. I’ve listed the genes below, along with signs related to these topics.
MTHFR
MTHFR supports methylation, a process essential for genetic expression.
- Infertility
- IVF or other advanced interventions were needed to become pregnant or maintain a pregnancy to full term
- Excessive menstrual cramping and clots in menstrual fluid
- Presence or history of cervical dysplasia
- Recurrent miscarriages
- History of placental abruption and preeclampsia in pregnancy
- Postpartum depression
- Elevated homocysteine (greater than 12 micromoles/liter)
- Cleft palate
- Congenital heart defects
- Tongue-tie
- Child on the autism spectrum
- Child with Down Syndrome
COMT
COMT influences estrogen metabolism, mood, sleep, energy, and focus.
- Early or late menarche
- PMS
- Heavy or very light menstrual bleeding
- Uterine fibroids
DAO
DAO is key to histamine production and tolerance, affecting sensitivities to food and vulnerability to allergies.
- Food sensitivities
- Allergies
- Histamine intolerance
- Poor gut health
- Improved tolerance to foods while pregnant
MAOA
MAOA is an important modulator of dopamine and serotonin. It could be pushing your cravings, altering your mood, and keeping you up at night.
- Mood swings
- Carb and sugar cravings
- Addictions
GST/GPX
GST/GPX enhances the production of glutathione, supporting the detoxification of environmental chemicals and harmful compounds produced within our body.
- Infertility
- Hypersensitivity to chemicals
- Feel better after a sauna or intense exercise
- Easily gain weight
- Early graying of hair
- Chronic fatigue
- Mood swings
NOS3
NOS3 influences your cardiovascular system and circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to your tissues.
- Recurrent miscarriage
- PCOS
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hypertension
- Metabolic syndrome
- History of preeclampsia
- History of children with congenital birth defects
- Family history of heart disease
PEMT
PEMT regulates the manufacture of phosphatidylcholine, an imperative part of cell membranes, your brain, and liver.
- Low estrogen
- Intolerant to fatty foods
- Vegetarian or vegan diet
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Liver and gallbladder issues
- SIBO
This list of genes is limited to the Super Seven that Dr. Lynch discusses. Additionally, several other genetic variations can impact fertility, some that can be influenced by diet and lifestyle and others that cannot. I will discuss additional genetic variants in upcoming blog posts.
As you can imagine, our current fast-paced, eat on the run, slather it on, go til you drop culture is fraught with the opportunity to alter our genes’ activity and potentially contribute to sub-fertility, infertility, or other health issues for a myriad of reasons. If your curiosity is peeking, grab ‘Dirty Genes’ from your local bookstore or library. It is loaded with additional information. Alternatively, you can find a naturopathic physician, integrative, or functional medicine provider to offer guidance on this topic.
Lastly, I give this book a thumbs up, with the caveat that you must be a little bit of a science geek or willing to be patient as your brain assimilates a plethora of new words and ideas. You’ve got this!
Additional Resources
Our Fertility Blog and Resources are loaded with additional info! Check them out. 🙂
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