1. DNA Testing: A SNPshot of your DNA

What is DNA?

DNA contains the building blocks for all of life. It is the ‘instruction manual’, containing the codes for proteins that tell each cell in our body what it needs to be doing or producing. Our DNA is the same in every single cell in our body. This means that regardless of whether scientists in a laboratory analyze a hair sample, saliva sample or a stool sample, they will be able to obtain your entire genome, with all your DNA. With just a tiny saliva sample on a cotton swab, your DNA can be amplified millions of times to generate an enormous quantity of DNA which can then be used for analysis.

We all need the DNA instruction manual to build muscles, allow our organs to function optimally, and create a healthy internal metabolic state. In order to accomplish all of this, the human genome is comprised of 6 billion building blocks called nucleotides. Surprisingly, most of our DNA, with all its nucleotides is the same when comparing two individuals, and this is true! Believe it or not – even though humans looking so different from one another and contain such different intellectual and emotional abilities – the average genetic difference between any of us only 0.1%!! This means that you have 99.9% of the same DNA as someone living in Antarctica or Zambia. So, what about the 0.1%? Can this tiny amount of genetic variation be informative?

What is a SNP?

Understanding that the vast majority of DNA that humans contain is the same between people, scientists have conducted experiments to find single nucleotides or building blocks that differ when compared to the average population. SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are the most commonly occurring genetic variation among people. These occur within a population at a relatively high frequency.

Most of these changes in the building blocks are harmless and do not affect the health of a person. However, some SNPs can be tremendously helpful as they can be used as biological markers for certain health conditions. Researchers have discovered specific SNP markers to assess aspects of an individual’s wellness. They can tell us about the metabolic state of an individual regarding inflammation, detoxification, methylation, insulin sensitivity and more.

Dr. David Nossel’s practice aims at restoring metabolic wellness in all his patients. To do so, he requires a snapshot (SNPshot) into the current metabolic state of his patients. Therefore, one of the main investigations that Dr. Nossel recommends is a DNA SNP test. With a simple cheek swab, Dr. Nossel can learn about the metabolic state of his patients based on the SNPs found in their DNA. This test gives him the information he needs to tailor a supplemental regimen in an effective patient-specific manner.

2. Organic Acids Testing: OATstanding Insights from a Urine Test

7 reasons every individual with a metabolic concern should do a urine organic acids test (OAT)

By Dr. David Nossel, with acknowledgment to Dr. Kurt Woeller D.O.

1. The OAT evaluates for various toxins, including both bacterial and fungal toxins. Bacterial toxins can cause toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system and have been found to be associated with several behavioural issues. The presence of fungal toxins such as candidiasis (yeast infection) may also interfere with optimal brain activity. Through the OAT test, these toxins can be distinguished from one another, thereby facilitating appropriate toxin-specific treatment intervention.

2. The OAT evaluates for mitochondrial issues. Given that mitochondria are the energy generators of all cells, it is imperative that these function optimally. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be the result of various toxins, including bacterial, yeast-produced, heavy metals and excess unrequired nutrients such as oxalates. Mitochondrial dysfunction may hinder one’s physical growth, cognitive abilities, as well as result in attention deficit if not treated.

3. The OAT evaluates for important brain chemicals such as serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine. Our brain works to maintain hormonal and biochemical balance within our bodies. When there is chemical imbalance, our central nervous system can be significantly impaired. This may affect our mood, attention, focus, level of calmness, fine and gross motor skills.

4. The OAT evaluates for the critical metabolic process called methylation. Methylation is needed for many important cellular functions including DNA efficiency and brain chemical production.

5. The OAT evaluates for essential nutritional markers including various vitamins (B2, B5, B6, B12, C) and minerals (CoQ-10 and NAC) that are necessary for optimal functioning.

6. The OAT evaluates for the ability of our cells to detoxify and repair oxidative stress. It does so by evaluating markers for an essential antioxidant and detoxifier called glutathione. Besides being the “master antioxidant”, glutathione also supports immune function, tissue building and repair, and protein production.

7. The OAT detects raised oxalate levels that are aggravated by yeast infections such as Candida and can cause heavy metal and mineral imbalances. This may result in behavior disturbances include self- injury.

3. Heavy Metals Testing: A Hair-raising investigation

It is well known that toxins in our bodies can cause havoc with our metabolism. It is an alarming fact that heavy metals can accumulate in our bodies and exert their toxic effects on us. The heavy metal particles have an affinity for lipid-rich cells and as such tend to accumulate in the lipid-rich cells of the brain. If these metals are left untreated, they may cause significant developmental and neurological damage.

In assessing one’s metabolic wellness, it is extremely useful and important to test for the presence of potentially toxic levels of heavy metals. This includes alominium, lead, mercury, as well as cadmium, antimony, arsenic, and others. Hair analysis is the ideal tool for measuring potential heavy metal toxicity in the body, given that these toxic elements are far more concentrated in the hair when compared to urine or blood. Hair analysis provides a good assessment of the average mineral levels over the course of the last few months, as opposed to blood and urine which can fluctuate daily. Furthermore, hair sampling is convenient and non-invasive. A small sample of approximately 300mg (around the size of half a matchbox) of hair can be used for testing.

Should the results show elevated levels of one or more heavy metals, it is crucial to initiate therapy for their removal. There are several therapies that have been shown to be effective in eliminating heavy metals. The most important of these is the administration of chelating agents that bind to the metals and eliminates them from the body.