GENETIC TESTING - THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE

GENETIC TESTING

THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE

ACACIA HEALH CENTER

125 N. ACACIA #103

SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 (858) 794-0300

Monday, November 14th, 2005 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

We have all known people who eat an unhealthy diet, drink excessively, and even smoke but they live to a ripe old age without any major health problems. Other people are extremely careful about their health; eating nutritious foods, avoiding junk food, not drinking or smoking, and yet they are sick frequently. Even worse, you may know someone who has followed a very healthy lifestyle and has developed cancer or heart disease at an early age. Why does this happen?

We all have different genetic predispositions toward disease. In a few cases, science has identified specific gene variations that virtually insure that a person will develop a certain disease, such as sickle cell anemia. But in most diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, there are many genes that increase or decrease your likelihood of getting these diseases. What you may not know is that many of these genetic problems can be solved with proper nutrition. Most people have heard that a woman should take folic acid to prevent spina bifida. What you may not know is that almost every baby born with this condition has a very common genetic variation (1 in 3 people) that prevents the body from absorbing folic acid properly. This same genetic variation also predisposes people to heart disease and Alzheimer's. For these people, taking extra folic acid is essential and greatly reduces their risk for these diseases, even though they have this genetic "abnormality."

Enter the medicine of the future. Our Gene Screening Analysis can provide you with valuable information on the relationship between your own genetic profile and potential health challenges that could be effectively met through advanced nutritional supplementation. Genetic testing is useful in adults who have a family tendency toward chronic diseases, in anyone interested in anti-aging, and in children or teenagers to know what supplements they need at this important stage of their development. It is affordable and the results will remain accurate for your entire lifetime because your genes do not change.

Our gene analysis focuses on seven major areas:

• Heart Health
  
  Some genetic factors make it more likely that certain individuals will develop heart disease. By knowing which of these factors you have, you can take appropriation action years or even decades before cardiovascular disease has progressed to the degree that you might have a heart attack or a stroke.
  


• B Vitamin Use
  
  Problems with B vitamin metabolism can cause a significant increase in our likelihood of developing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Also important in brain health and in the prevention of depression and anxiety.
  


• Detoxification
  
  Genes can determine how well your body cleanses itself of harmful toxins. Our bodies ability to detoxify itself from chemicals, both environmental and those that occur naturally in the body, is one of the main ways we protect ourselves from cancer. An example of this is how well a woman breaks down estrogen, whether produced by the body or taken as hormone replacement. Many women have genetic reasons that they break down estrogen into a form of estrogen that is dramatically more likely to cause breast cancer. Our body’s ability to detoxify is a major factor is maintaining youthful skin.
  


• Antioxidants
  
  A genetically determined level of antioxidants controls how well our bodies neutralize free radicals, destructive molecules involved in aging and a variety of diseases.
  


• Bone Health
  
  Gene testing can not only identify the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, but also determine which supplements and medications will be most effective in preventing or treating osteoporosis.
  


• Inflammation
  
  Increased inflammatory tendencies can contribute to arthritis, migraines, heart disease, and diabetes.
  


• Insulin Sensitivity
  
  Genetic modifications in insulin sensitivity are a major cause of obesity, as well as contributing to heart disease and diabetes.
  

Presented by


Brigham Bowles, M.A., L.Ac.

Brigham is a licensed acupuncturist, neurofeedback therapist, and nutritionist. He received a National Institute of Health grant to study the effects of acupuncture on depression. His other research projects include treating depression, ADD, anxiety, and insomnia by treating the brain with minute electrical currents, biofeedback, and nutritional supplements. After graduating from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 1995, he spent two years in India and Nepal, studying with several prominent Ayurvedic and Tibetan doctors including Yeshi Donden, physician to the Dalai Lama. He is presently completing his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.