The
Medicine of the Future is Here /
Genetic
research and genomic testing makes it possible to determine genetic
predispositions for
developing diseases before they manifest. Most
importantly, knowing which enzymes are defective allows one to
make necessary lifestyle changes and add appropriate nutrients,
which will make the manifestation of the disease less likely to
occur.
Conversely
the presence of toxic metals and other toxins will accelerate the
manifestation of illnesses.
Genetic
polymorphism
(presence of more than one gene to regulate a given function)
allows us a larger possibility of protection.
This
reality gives us a breather from disaster.
As
long as we take proper steps, such as removal of the toxic load
and usage of specific antioxidants, we can avoid most illnesses,
even given the genetic predisposition (For more on this read THE
AGELESS WOMAN ).
Serious
diseases such as cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis even
defective immune systems can all be reduced and managed.
An
example of the value of genetic polymorphism is the study of 650
postmenopausal women that
has shown that genetic variations of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE)
appears to influence how the body deals with the good and bad
cholesterol when women receive estrogen replacement therapy.
Knowing which subclass of ApoE a woman has, conditions whether
or not one should focus on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or
not.
For
instance, women who have the subclass
2 of the
ApoE and take
ERT, have an increase in “good” cholesterol (HDL).
Women,
who have the subclass
3 of the ApoE
and take ERT, will have an increase in triglycerides, which
leads to increased cholesterol and subsequent cardiovascular
problems.
The
information on the subclasses of APOE
is an example of how basic science can make medicine into a more
precise science rather than a hit and miss art.
Functional
medicine has
been concerned with these issues for years and is ahead of
conventional medicine in this contest.
REFERENCE:
VonMuhlen
D, Barrett-Conor E, Kritz-Silverstein D.
Apolipoprotein
E genotype and response of lipid levels to Postmenopausal
estrogen use.
Atherosclerosis
2002; 161:209-214
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