The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Scientists have found that GUT bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, all of which play a key role in mood and brain function.
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When considering your overall GUT function, it is important to think about the impact that GUT lining inflammation can have on poor neurotransmission as it creates a poor environment whereby friendly GUT microbes can't flourish.
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Often called the "second brain", your GUT can be a great place to start if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, poor concentration, and generally poorer brain function.
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To get to the "root cause" of these health problems, we recommend that you test both your GUT genotype and assess your internal GUT environment using the GI MAP testing.
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To learn more, visit our website www.mydnachoices.com

This is an excellent review highlighting the importance of GUT health and its connection to your thyroid function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353203/

We just love how genes and nutrient cofactors collide to active Natural Killers Cells. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2018/4868417/

The magic of minerals acting as cofactors to many key genes and the enzymes that they encode.
https://mydnachoices.com/blogs/news/are-my-mineral-levels-out-of-whack

This podcast is an awesome resource for those suffering from “long haul COVID”.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPDjHmMN2YB/?utm_medium=copy_link

Toxic exposures can make us sick. Genetic variations in the key genes involved in detox, oxidative stress, and inflammation can predispose you to greater risk. This academic review of N-nitrosodimethylamine's (NDMA) impact on liver and antioxidant enzymes highlights this impact. The primary sources of human exposure to NDMA are tobacco smoke, chewing tobacco, diet [cured meats (particularly bacon), beer, fish, cheese, and other food items], toiletry and cosmetic products (for example, shampoos and cleansers), interior air of cars, and various other household goods, such as detergents. Supporting these pathways and making better, chemical-free choices can protect you. You are in control when you have the knowledge!

This info is really useful for people who carry genetic variations in SOD, GPX, CAT, and CYP genes. Glutathione plays a major protective role!

🧬ABP1 gene🧬
This gene looks at your body’s ability to launch its natural autophagy response.
Variations have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, increased COVID related cytokine storm and increased Bacteroides in the GUT.
https://mydnachoices.com/collections/abp1

This article in Nature April 2021 explains how the mRNA and vector Covid vaccines work to stimulate adaptive immune responses. Innate sensors of the innate immune response do also play a role through the TLR7 and TLR 9 which then induce the production of IFN gamma which activates T helper cells to recognise the spike protein (S) on DC cells and differentiate into effector, memory T cells. In turn T cell follicular cells activate B cells to make antibodies and some become memory B cells. Genetic variations in the TLR genes and IFN genes could result in variation in response. Knowing your genotype can empower you to "add-in" key nutrient cofactors known to modulate your response. Personalisation in health is key!

The mighty T-cell.
An incredible mechanism, deep in your magical immune system, that holds a life long memory.
Humbling details of our biology.

Here are the details of the study from Israel.
This is immunology 101 - herd immunity is achieved from both vaccines and infections.
Food for thought for those who have been infected as whether to vaccinate or not. 💉🦠

"What is nutrigenomics"?

These questions are EVERYTHING in nutrigenomics.
Here is what we know:
1) we are not all the same when it comes to our genes: you may carry a genetic variation that predisposes you to lower enzyme levels or activity OR too much enzyme activity
2) we do not all respond the same way to certain nutrients: nutrients are chemicals that bind to the active site of enzymes/proteins that have been made from your genes giving the instruction for them to be made. Depending on your genotype, you may need more or less of certain nutrients.

AGONIST NUTRIENTS act by binding to a receptor and activate it to produce more of its biological response. We call this "upregulating" genetic expression.
ANTAGONIST NUTRIENTS block the action or inhibit its function. We call this "downregulation" of genetic expression.
Knowing your genotype is key in personalising your diet, and supplementation choices so that you can be the BEST version of yourself.

Great research by Dr. Houghton - the Queen of Sulforaphane - on how this nutrient co-factor works in activating the NrF2 pathway (comprising of 200 target genes) as well as regulating gene expression in other key genes such as NQO1, CYP3A4, and the GST superfamily. Knowing your genotype for these genes is a great place to start in determining whether you need to supplement with sulforaphane.