How Environmental Toxins and Genetic Weakness May Be Impacting Our Health

Environmental Toxins and Genomics Conference, Denver, Colorado, September 6-8, 2019

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Farm field of golden grain being sprayed by tractor

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Many practitioners are frustrated on how to effectively help patients with high inflammation, anxiety and depression, mold sensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivity, EMF sensitivity, Lyme Disease, fibromyalgia and other modern day health challenges. Health experts are recognizing that environmental toxins that we were not exposed to 50-75 years ago are taxing our ability to detox and neutralize free radicals. Consequently, an emerging field of discovering how to deal with environmental toxins is on the rise. The NutriGenetic Research Institute is striving to be a leader in this field to learn how genetic and epigenetic factors combine together to contribute to toxicity and inflammation in the body that can lead to less than optimal health.

The conference speaker lineup included Joseph Mercola, DO; Neil Nathan, MD; Jill Carnahan, MD; Stephanie Seneff, PhD; Sandeep Gupta, MD; Lari Young, MD; Bob Miller, CTN; Emily Givler, DSC; Mackay Rippey, L.Ac.; Beth O’Hara, MA; Robert Slovak; and the most prestigious and knowledgeable figures in functional medicine along with the NutriGenetic Research Institute staff. The goal was to help practitioners understand how to find potential genetic nutritional weaknesses and compensation methods in Phase 1, Phase 2 detox pathway and autophagy. In this fast-paced seminar, participants learned how to use custom software and personalized nutrition to offer support to compromised detox pathways, and NADPH, which is needed to recycle antioxidants. In addition, Bob Miller presented his groundbreaking research on what he is calling the “NADPH Steal,” based on scientific findings that the NADPH oxidase enzyme is being overstimulated by environmental toxins.

As an overview the following key points were covered:

  1. The New Pathway Map Introduction
  2. Addressing Environmental Challenges – Mold & Mast Cells, Glyphosate (Roundup), EMF, Iron Dysregulation, Xenobiotics
  3. Identifying Genetic Weakness in Detox Pathways & Nutritional Compensation – Autophagy, Phase 1 (CYP) Detox, Phase II Detox: Glucuronidation, Acetylation, Methylation, Sulfation, Amino Acid Conjugation, Glutathione Conjugation
  4. Supporting Environmental Challenges & Genomic Outcomes – Nitric Oxide, Supporting NAD+/NADPH

Following is a brief summary of the presentations.

Mackay Rippey, LAC – Nitric Oxide

Mackay Rippey, Licensed Acupuncturist and host of Lyme Ninja Radio, discussed into new discoveries of how to support and spare Nitric Oxide. Mackay reviewed the genetic pathways that support NO and introducing new products to support this critical molecule.

Dr. Joseph Mercola – EMF and NADPH

Nationally known for his website, books, emails and cutting edge videos, Dr. Mercola spoke about the dangers of EMF and the crucially important NADPH.

Bob Miller, CTN – NADPH Steal

Bob reviewed the “NADPH Steal,” genetic patterns that may lead to it, and introduced new innovative products to support the production of and “protection of” NAD+ and NADPH.

Dr. Sandeep Gupta – The Many Faces of Iron Toxicity

Dr. Gupta came all the way from Australia. He talked about how iron, although critical for health, can become a free radical and do damage to us.

Bob Miller, CTN – Iron Genetics and Products to Support

Bob reviewed the genetics that can impact iron and introduced cutting edge products to support healthy iron usage and protect from the damage.

Dr. Jill Carnahan – Mold

Nationally known as a leader in functional medicine, Dr. Jill helped us understand the dangers of mold and what we can do about it with our patients.

Dr. Lari Young – Phase I Detox, the CYP Enzymes

An innovator in Functional Medicine, Dr. Young spoke about Phase I detox, how to find genetic weakness and the CYP enzymes.

Neil Nathan, MD – The Cell Danger Response

A true pioneer in Functional medicine and author of the book “Toxic,” Dr. Nathan presented the most recent information on the cell danger response, and why some patients do not respond to even the most gentle support.

Bob Miller CTN and Emily Givler DSC – Autophagy

In this brief talk, Bob and Emily discussed the importance of Autophagy, the genes that may indicate need for support and how to support this critical process.

Robert Slovak – Deuterium Depleted Water

Robert Slovak is one of the foremost experts on water. In this talk, he revealed what may be one on the most important discoveries, and how it may be of extra benefit to those dealing with environmental toxicity.

Bob Miller, CTN – Nrf2 and Keap1

Bob briefly reviewed the importance of Nrf2 and Keap1 in detox and protection from free radicals.

Stephanie Seneff, PhD – Glyphosate and Sulfation

Well known for her cutting edge knowledge on the dangers of glyphosate, Stephanie presented her latest findings on glyphosate and how it impacts the critical Phase II pathway of sulfation. After her presentation she received a standing ovation.

Emily Givler, DSC – Oxalates

In this talk, Emily explained why checking for and supporting high oxalates is a necessity for you to add to your practice.

Bob Miller, CTN and Emily Givler, DSC – Sulfation

In this talk, Bob and Emily went thru the genes and variants impacting transsulfuration, and sulfation and products to support Phase II sulfation.

Beth O’Hara, FN – Glucuronidation

One of the Phase II pathways not often covered is Glucuronidation, and we are finding it’s a critical process for detoxification. In this talk, Beth taught the importance of this detox pathway, the genetics involved, and new ways to offer support.

Bob Miller, CTN and Emily Givler, DSC – Methylation

In this talk, Bob and Emily discussed the basics of methylation, especially as it relates to detoxification, how to identify genetic weakness and products to support it.

Bob Miller, CTN and Emily Givler, DSC – Glutathione Conjugation

Bob and Emily discussed the importance of the Phase II Glutathione Conjugation, genetic variants that may impact it and products to support it.

Bob Miller, CTN and Emily Givler, DSC – Glutamate

Bob and Emily discussed how high glutamate can be related to anxiety and inflammation, NOX upregulation, how to identify genetic weakness and innovative ways to support healthy levels.

Beth O’Hara, FN – Acetylation

Another important detox pathway that is overlooked is Acetylation. Beth explained this important pathway, how to identify genetic weakness and how to support it.

Beth O’Hara, FN – Heme Pathway

The Heme pathway is critical for making Heme, a critical component for not only the blood but for supporting antioxidants and the SUOX enzyme for sulfation. In this talk, Beth taught the Heme pathway basics, how to identify genetic weakness, and innovative ways to support the Heme pathway.

For more information visit the NutriGenetic Research Institute.

About the Author

Joanne Quinn

Executive Director of the Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine

Joanne Quinn, Ph.D., R.M.A., has an extensive background in science with a doctorate in holistic nutrition. She has studied both allopathic and alternative approaches to health care, studying alternative therapies since 1989.