Genetic Testing

care offers a variety of genetic tests as part of our integrative biomedical approach to healthcare. Advances in genetic testing have allowed nutritional and medical interventions to be individualized in ways not previously possible. Autism, attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and depression are among the conditions that can be associated with neurological inflammation and certain genes appear to predispose to this inflammation. Knowledge of genetic weaknesses allows nutritional interventions to be optimized and alerts individuals at high risk for certain conditions to the need for closer medical supervision.

Pre-Pregnancy Genetic Testing

Family history may indicate that genetic testing prior to pregnancy would be of benefit. Individuals with a family history of autism, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, autoimmune disease, birth defects, Alzheimer's, or heart disease may choose to assess their own risk factors for these diseases. Treatment of high-risk conditions with improvements in lifestyle and nutritional status prior to conception will optimize one's chance of a healthy pregnancy. If genes known to increase the risk of certain medical conditions are present, this risk can often be mitigated through the avoidance of environmental triggers of disease and the provision of nutrients proven to decrease the incidence and/or severity of these conditions.

Genetic Testing for Neurological Disease

Defects in the ability to utilize vitamins such as folic acid and B12, the ability to clear toxins from the body, and the ability to repair free radical damage to cells may increase the risk of developing neurological disorders such as autism, attention deficit disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and other neurological conditions. Individuals with symptoms of disease or a family history of neurological disorders may elect testing to identify risk factors amenable to treatment.

Genetic Testing for Cardiovascular Risk

In addition to lifestyle, the interaction of several genes is known to contribute to each person's risk of developing heart disease and compromised blood flow throughout the body. The genes for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), for example, determine one's ability to utilize folic acid. If genetic weaknesses are identified, disease risk is likely to be reduced with the use of medical grade nutritional supplements. Other genes of interest include those relating to cholesterol production and metabolism, blood pressure, and blood clotting.

Alzheimer's Disease

Genetic testing for the APO E gene can assist in determining an individual's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Additional testing may be indicated to assess detoxification pathways and glutathione levels. Exposure to aluminum, lead, mercury, and other metals

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