This blog is adapted from Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch. You can view the full PDF here.
About Dirty Genes
Dr. Ben Lynch coined the term “dirty genes” to describe genes that stop functioning properly. Dirty genes are different from genetic diseases or mutations; however, these genes didn’t start out “dirty.” No transcription error coded them incorrectly at conception.
Instead, these genes got progressively muddy, either due to environmental exposure or everyday choices. The good news is, you can clean them and return them to their original, functional status. This may require a bit more effort than simply “eating healthier,” but once clean, these genes will finally let the results of your wellness efforts truly shine.
The Super Seven Genes
The wellness game is all about efficiency. To win it, the key is to identify which genes are defective or “dirty”, and out of those, which ones have the most significant impact on each person’s body. Through decades of research, Dr. Lynch has identified seven key genes that are particularly susceptible to lifestyle modifications and that also code for bodily functions in several systems simultaneously.
This gives them an oversized impact but also multiplies the benefits of cleaning them. These are:
- MTHFR: The methylation master gene that affects stress response, inflammation, brain chemistry, energy production, immune response, detoxification, and more.
- COMT: The “focus nucleus” that affects mood, mental alertness, and how your body handles estrogen fluctuations.
- DAO: A gene that controls how the body reacts to histamines, foods, and gut bacteria.
- MAOA: A powerhouse that tweaks the production of brain chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) that affect mood, energy, and sleep.
- GST/GPX: Due to their role in enzyme production, this gene pair is responsible for healthy detoxification.
- NOS3: As it impacts nitric oxide production, this gene is crucial for heart health.
- PEMT: It supports cell membranes, bile flow, muscle health, and brain development.
Common Symptoms of Dirty Genes
The genes listed above all share one common feature: they all code for a specific enzyme or receptor, which in turn, participates in different body functions. The result? When the gene goes awry, the resulting symptoms are rarely clear-cut or neatly defined.
Instead, the symptoms of dirty genes will cluster in “families” that all tie back to the same unregulated function. Among the most visible ones, we have:
- Brain function and mood issues: Anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, insomnia, irritability
- Cardiovascular problems: Heart disease, hypertension, stroke, postural hypotension
- Hormone issues: Menstrual challenges, PMS, menopause difficulties
- Digestive problems: Acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea
- Energy and metabolism: Food cravings (especially for carbs/sugar), weight gain
- Aches and pains: Aching joints/muscles, cold hands/feet, headaches, allergic reactions
Factors That Affect Dirty Genes
Over the past 15 years, the field of epigenetics, the study of how genes influence their behavior throughout our lives has undergone significant growth. Now we understand that many genes can activate, go dormant, or get dirty based on exposure to chemicals, stress levels, or even traumatic events during our mother’s pregnancy.
As part of these discoveries, the Super Seven genes have emerged as being particularly sensitive to our small, everyday lifestyle choices.
Dirty genes and diet:
An imbalanced diet can easily create the kind of genome-altering stress that we should avoid. Classical reasons include:
- Eating too much sugar or fast-acting carbs
- Consuming too much or too little protein
- Not getting enough healthy fats (such as polyunsaturated, natural fats)
- Nutrient deficiencies, especially for B-group vitamins, vitamin C, copper, and zinc
Exercise and routine:
Physical activity can also “dirty up” your genes. Surprisingly, a sedentary lifestyle is not the only problematic issue here.
Here, we must fear all extremes: letting your muscles and bones grow weaker will add some clutter to your gene room. Still, it can lead to overtraining, especially if it results in electrolyte deficiency or dehydration.
Likewise, constant disruptions to your routine (such as an irregular sleep pattern, too little sleep, or not sleeping deeply enough) can also progressively affect your gene hygiene.
Environmental Toxins:
The epigenetics community is only now beginning to understand the full impact of pollution inside our bodies. So far, the Super Seven genes are particularly sensitive to both general pollution in our food and water, as well as chemical toxins (such as those found in cleaning products, low-quality cosmetics, or pesticides).
Can Dirty Genes Be Cleaned?
Yes! According to Dr. Lynch, dirty genes can be “cleaned” through diet and lifestyle changes.
The Clean Genes Protocol includes targeted actions that will help your genome return to its ideal, squeaky-clean status.
Many specific interventions will vary depending on the specific genes that need to be targeted. But as a starting point, the protocol will include:
· Overhauling your diet to favor whole foods and a good nutrient balance
· Reducing exposure to environmental toxins
· Avoiding synthetic folic acid
· Improving the quality, quantity, and predictability of your sleep
· Working to lower and manage stress levels.
How Genetic Testing Can Help?
Consider adjusting your diet, exercise routine, sleep habits, and stress management strategies. For anyone struggling with poor health and a full-time job, that’s easier said than done.
And while many of us can’t simply change all our naughty habits in a week, most will find it impossible to hold these changes. To succeed, we will need to prioritize our efforts.
This is where genetic testing can make all the difference. At Agen Genomics, we specialize in health-optimizing genetic testing. Our proprietary technology allows us to test quickly and reliably for over 92 different genes, which can all impact wellness in one way or another.
By identifying the unique nuances of your personal genetic blueprint, we can understand your individual strengths and weaknesses and provide you with actionable steps to enhance your physical resilience, energy, and mental performance.
Your genetic results will provide us with a wealth of information, which we can then use to discover which lifestyle changes will have the biggest impact. Address those first and then wait until the ripple effects spread through every aspect of your life.
Your report will help you make informed decisions about diet, supplements, exercise, and other factors based on your unique genetic makeup.
It all starts with a quick swab. Get started HERE.