What are Genomics, Epigenetics, and Nutrigenomics?

Genetics is the study of how children inherit characteristics from their parents (heredity). We now know that heredity is based on the DNA that is found in each cell of our body.

This DNA is organized into 46 long strings of 4 different colored "beads" [which are named C, G, A, and T] that are ordered in a special pattern that can carry genetic information. Each of these strings of beads is called a chromosome, and can be likened to a separate chapter in your "blueprint book of life." [For simplicity, I am leaving out details that are not needed for this discussion, such as the chemical identity of C, G, A, and T and the spiral helix].

As an interesting side-note, consider Quipu which is a system of recording information as a series of 4 different kinds of knots arranged along a string (similar to a string of beads) that was traditionally used by the Inca and other Andean cultures to encode and record numbers and possibly other forms of information Quipu

Normally, each cell of the body contains 46 of these chromosome strings, which are grouped into 23 chromosome pairs, and are numbered 1 through 22, plus XX (female) or XY (male). Each pair of chromosomes consists of one chromosome from your mother and one chromosome from your father. [There are exceptions to this rule in the case of persons who have various genetic syndromes, such as Down's, Turner's, etc.] Wikipedia - Karyotypes

Each of these chromosomes is divided further into many different genes. Each gene tells the cell how to make a different kind of protein, and can be likened to one sentence in your "blueprint book of life." There are different kinds of proteins, found in muscle, bones, connective tissue, enzymes, and so forth. [I am leaving out details that are not needed for this discussion, such as how each "3-bead word" (called a codon) in the gene gets translated to a specific amino acid in the resultant protein].

There are thousands of different genes. Just as chromosomes are paired (one of each from the mother and one of each from the father), most genes are paired [XY is a special case].

It is important to note that the genes from a person's mother and father may be slightly different, and these differences give rise to different traits or observable features. For example, a certain gene may describe how to make a protein that controls eye color of the child. While both the mother and the father have the a gene that controls eye color, slight differences in the details can code for either brown or blue eyes for example [reality is a bit more complex, since there are actually a number of different interacting genes that determines the child's eye color].

Genetics also describes how some genes can be dominant or recessive. For example, "blue eyes" is said to be a recessive trait, while "brown eyes" is said to be a dominant trait. If either one of the mother or father gives the child the "brown eyes" trait, then that trait dominates and the child will have brown eyes. Only in the case that both the mother and father give the child the "blue eyes" trait will child have blue eyes. For more information, see for example biologyonline.com

Genetics studies how traits are inherited, and is based on the concept that each gene in the human body can have one or more slight variations in the structure (sequence of beads) of each gene, which gives rise to the varying traits of each child. This science was based on the work of Father Gregor Mendel (1822-1884), a Moravian/Austrian/Czech monk who studied biology and mathematics. [Fr. Mendel was not aware of the detailed structure of chromosomes, which was only discovered in the 20^th century].

Genomics goes a step further, and applies the technology developed by the Human Genome Project (2003) to the detailed study of the exact DNA structure (sequence) of each gene in the human body. Using this technology, we can now say that a gene is a "sentence" written in the DNA genetic code, where each "word" is three letters long, and uses only the letters (beads) C, G, A, T.

Whereas Fr. Mendel only could discuss different "traits" in qualitative terms, genomics allows the exact difference between different traits (variations in the genetic code) of each gene to be identified and studied statistically to understand the association between each variation in "spelling" with the corresponding observed trait.

Over 99% of the DNA is the same for all living humans; the remaining DNA has many small variations in spelling (bead sequence) of the genetic code, which causes certain genes (and hence proteins) to differ from one person to another. Each of these variations (which is like a "typo" in spelling) is called a SNP (pronounced "snip"), which stands for "single nucleotide polymorphism" [i.e a change in a single bead ].

In laymen's terms, a SNP represents a change of a single letter (bead) at a specific position in the sequence of beads in the "sentence" that describes how to construct each particular protein. Using the technology developed by the Human Genome Project, we know exactly which bead on which chromosome has been changed, and scientists can assign a name to that location. These names generally follow the pattern "rs123456789" where the numbers are individually chosen to identify a particular location dbSNP Each different variant spelling of the sentence (gene) is called an allele.

The most common allele is sometimes called the wild-type, and any variations are referred to as mutations or variants.

The proteins that are coded by your DNA become the enzymes that control all of your metabolic processes. For example, different alleles determine whether you are more likely to be a "night-owl" or a "morning-lark;" have a reduced or increased risk for breast cancer; have blue or brown eyes; plus a myriad of other individual features that make us all unique individuals.

"Epi-" is a Greek word that means "on top of." So "epigenetics" consists of studying the processes that are layered on top of our genetics, and can control how our genetics are manifested or expressed.

It is sometimes argued that there is no point in genetic testing, because we can't change the genes (alleles) we were born with (which is called our genotype), that the DNA we were born with controls our lives and destiny, and that we cannot fight destiny.

However, this is not true - epigenetics can be a game-changer. Epigenetics is the study of how we can alter gene expression in order to optimize health.

Epigenetics doesn't change the gene's coding, but it controls how "turned-on" or "turned-off" a gene is. When we use epigenetics, we don't change our genotype, but we change how the genes manifest in our life (which is called our phenotype).

For an analogy, suppose you are doing "stock car racing." You cannot change out the engine (the genotype) to make the car go faster. But you can use high grade gas and tune up the engine (make epi-genetic changes) in order to obtain the best optimized car that can win the race.

The idea is that if we have "problematic" genes that either are overactive or underactive, we can in many cases alter how our genes manifest (express themselves) by diet, lifestyle, and our individualized naturopathic medical treatments.

In addition, if we know what our gene weaknesses are, we may be able to "bypass" weak links in our biochemistry, through using testing to determine your individualized supplementation needs for vitamins, minerals, etc.

Science has now progressed to the point where we can measure all the DNA in our bodies and determine what many of our unique gene variations (SNPs) are. This in turn allows us to determine the best diet, lifestyle, and medical treatments for our unique body!

The important point here is that we are focusing on what makes each individual different (what specific SNPs they have), and designing unique epi-genetic interventions for that specific individual.

This is targeted, precision medicine, rather than the mediocre medicine ("one-size-fits-all" protocols based on what works best for the "average" patient) as practiced by insurance-driven conventional Western medicine.

Epigenetics is the science of individualizing nutrition and other interventions to control the expression of a patient's genes through lifestyle modification.

The cornerstone of a limitless life is knowing your genetic code and how that code interacts with the environment. This knowledge empowers you to create an ideal plan that honors and optimizes your health and performance based on your own precision DNA blueprint. Since your genes never change, this blueprint will serve you forever.

As an analogy, think of a card game. Your DNA is "the hand you are dealt." You cannot change that. But on top of the cards you are dealt is your game strategy - which can determine whether the hand you were dealt is a winner or a looser.

Epigenetics then is the science (and art) of how to modify the strategy of DNA expression in the body, in order to overcome "weak genes" and to get the most out of the genes (cards) you were dealt.

This is optimization! This is precision medicine!

Optimization includes changing diet, lifestyle, supplements, environment, and even your state of mind to become the best version of yourself you can be.

Since everyone has hundreds of SNPs, the opportunities for optimization are limitless!

Dr. Weyrich compares Genomics and Epigenetics to a game of poker. You are born with a unique DNA blueprint, which controls formation of the genes that are the basis of the biochemical processes of your body.

Genomics is the study of how the genes you are born with (which is called your genotype) relates to your flesh-and-blood body (which is called your phenotype).

Your genes (genotype) can be compared to "the cards you are dealt." But you can use epigenetics to change the outcomes (to change your phenotype). Epigenetics are the precisely individualized strategies you can use to "play the game" to maximize your potential.

As the country music singer Kenny Rodgers says in his song entitled The Gambler,

"If you're gonna play the game, boy,
You gotta learn to play it right ...
Every gambler knows the secret to survivin',
Is knowin' what to throw away, and knowin' what to keep.
'Cause every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser ..."
[It all depends on how you play the game].

Genomics testing and epigenetics coaching help you "play the game of life" to the optimum.

Nutrigenomics is simply the scientific application of nutrition and genomics to effect epigenetic changes in order to benefit an individual's physiology.

Current technology allows us to do a simple procedure at home using a "Q-tip" to swab the inside of our mouth and collect a genetic sample, which we can mail to a lab to get a report back of thousands of different SNPs that we can associate with various biochemical traits, both to understand "how we work" as individuals, but also how to optimize our genetic potential using epigenetic interventions.

Dr. Weyrich is affiliated with the company Apeiron which offers several Genetic Report Packages focused on epigenetic optimization of different body systems. Dr. Weyrich is currently Level-1 certified as an epigenetics coach through Apeiron, and can help you getting started to be the optimal you, the "best that you can be."

Other genetic testing companies include Ancestry.com and 23andMe. These companies focus more on genealogy - tracing where your ancestors came from. While this is interesting, a different approach is needed to optimize your epigenetics. [23andMe told Dr. Weyrich that his ancestors were Neanderthals. Interesting cocktail party talk, but how does that help him optimize his life today?]

Dr. Weyrich can analyze your genetic testing information from Apeiron to find out what your "cards" are, and then coach you in epigenetic strategies to optimize your "game."

In conjunction with Apeiron, Dr. Weyrich can use your genetic data to "uncover" your genomic "cards". The first six "cards" or reports that Dr. Weyrich provides based on Apeiron technology include the six reports described below, covering what you need to know to make ideal lifestyle choices based on your unique genetic makeup.

The decision whether to do genomics testing and get epigenetic coaching or not comes down to this: Do you want to go through life with your genomic cards face down, or do you want to turn them face up so you can optimize your strategy of being as healthy as you can be for as long as possible?

The following genetic report packages are available from Dr. Weyrich (pricing updated 9/13/2023) - plus tax and shipping as applicable

Comprehensive Apeiron Genetic Test (no reports). Do this once in your life, and the raw data can be used to generate various reports as described below, as well as future reports that may be developed.	$165
PRECISION BLUEPRINT: Report covering many things you need to know to make ideal lifestyle choices based on your unique genetic makeup, including: Nutrition and Diet Genomics (macronutrients) Supplementation Genomics (micronutrients) Environmental and Detox Genomics Sleep Genomics Report Athletic Performance Genomics Hormone Genomics	$165
Diagnosis, treatment, and coaching based on above results are available at standard office visit/phone consultation rates. Diagnosis and treatment only available to patients of Dr. Weyrich living in Arizona. Coaching via phone or Internet is available to clients living outside Arizona or who are not patients of Dr. Weyrich.

For more information, please see genomics, epigenetics, testing, and Dr. Weyrich's services