What if your genes are not a fixed sentence, but a flexible blueprint shaped by how you live?

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman takes a deep dive into the powerful relationship between genetics, environment, and health. Drawing from both cutting edge science and his personal journey supporting his daughter’s health, he explains why the outdated idea that “genes cause disease” no longer tells the full story.

With only about 23,000 genes, humans are not genetically much more complex than some animals. The real difference lies in the epigenome, the system that controls how genes are turned on or off in response to nutrition, stress, toxins, infections, and lifestyle. Dr. Hartman explores how gut bacteria, viral DNA, and environmental exposures influence gene expression, and why even well known genetic conditions can show dramatically different outcomes depending on context.

From historical events like the Dutch Hunger Winter to modern examples such as BRCA mutations and Down syndrome, this episode reinforces a hopeful truth: genes load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. Listeners will walk away empowered with practical ways to use genetic insights, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle changes to support long term health and resilience.

Key Topics Covered

• Why humans are not defined by gene count alone
• What the epigenome is and how it controls gene expression
• How gut bacteria and viral DNA influence human genetics
• The Dutch Hunger Winter and transgenerational epigenetics
• Why genes are blueprints, not fixed outcomes
• Understanding SNPs and how small genetic variations affect health
• The MTHFR gene and its role in folate metabolism
• Vitamin D receptor genes and nutrient requirements
• How personalized nutrition can modify gene expression
• Using genetic testing to identify vulnerabilities and strengths
• The difference between genotype and phenotype
• Why real food, sleep, movement, and environment matter most

About the Host

Dr. Aaron Hartman, MD, is the founder of Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine. He specializes in complex chronic illness, root cause medicine, and personalized care that integrates advanced testing with nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental medicine. His work bridges modern science with practical strategies to help patients reclaim health and resilience.

Links & Resources

📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds

 👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF

🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine

 https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

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