EP. 153: Dirty Genes + MTHFR | Dr. Ben Lynch
Digest
Dr. Tina Moore continues her interview with Dr. Ben Lynch, discussing the role of acetylcholine in learning, memory, and brain health. Dr. Lynch shares his personal experience with his son who has an APOE 4/4 genotype and struggled with learning difficulties. He explains how APOE 4 is associated with reduced acetylcholine production and how this can impact learning, memory, and sleep. Dr. Lynch also discusses the use of supplements to support acetylcholine levels and how this can be beneficial for individuals with APOE 4 variations. He emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to health and wellness, highlighting the need to consider individual needs and responses to supplements. Dr. Lynch also shares a story about a patient who experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function after taking a supplement that supports acetylcholine levels. He emphasizes that supplements are not cures but can be helpful in supporting the body's natural healing processes. Dr. Lynch also discusses the importance of addressing environmental factors and lifestyle choices that can impact brain health. He highlights the importance of stress management, good nutrition, and regular exercise. Dr. Lynch also shares his own experience with HRV monitoring and how it has helped him to identify stressors and make lifestyle changes to improve his health. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their own stressors and to make changes to their lifestyle to support their overall well-being.
Outlines
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Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its host, Dr. Tina Moore. It also introduces the guest, Dr. Ben Lynch, a naturopathic physician specializing in genetic variances and MTHFR mutations. Dr. Moore expresses her admiration for Dr. Lynch's work and her excitement to have him on the show.
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MTHFR: The Basics and Importance
This Chapter dives into the MTHFR gene and its role in folate metabolism. Dr. Lynch explains that MTHFR is a crucial gene responsible for producing methylfolate, a vital form of folate needed for various bodily functions. He emphasizes that MTHFR variations are common and have been around for a long time, but they can make individuals more susceptible to certain health issues.
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Dirty Genes and Lifestyle Choices
This Chapter explores the concept of "dirty genes" and how lifestyle choices can impact gene function. Dr. Lynch explains that genes can be considered "dirty" when they are not functioning optimally due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. He emphasizes that these genes can be "cleaned" through positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management.
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Genetic Testing and Personalized Approaches
This Chapter discusses the role of genetic testing in identifying potential vulnerabilities and susceptibilities. Dr. Lynch explains how genetic testing can provide valuable insights into individual needs and help guide personalized approaches to health and wellness. He emphasizes that genetic testing should not be used as a means of assigning blame or defining individuals.
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Methylated B Vitamins and MTHFR
This Chapter explores the complexities of supplementing with methylated B vitamins for MTHFR variations. Dr. Lynch cautions against blindly supplementing with methylfolate without a comprehensive understanding of individual needs and potential side effects. He explains that methylfolate can overwhelm other genes and create imbalances in the body if not used appropriately.
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Acetylcholine, Learning, and Memory
This Chapter delves into the role of acetylcholine in learning and memory. Dr. Lynch shares his experience with his son who struggled with learning difficulties and how he discovered that acetylcholine deficiency was contributing to his son's challenges. He explains how acetylcholine is essential for cognitive function and how it can be supported through targeted supplementation and lifestyle modifications.
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APOE 4 and Acetylcholine Deficiency
This Chapter explores the connection between APOE 4, a gene variant, and acetylcholine deficiency. Dr. Lynch shares his personal experience with his son who has an APOE 4/4 genotype and struggled with learning difficulties. He explains how APOE 4 is associated with reduced acetylcholine production and how this can impact learning, memory, and sleep. Dr. Lynch also discusses the use of supplements to support acetylcholine levels and how this can be beneficial for individuals with APOE 4 variations.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Personalized Approaches to Health and Wellness
This Chapter emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to health and wellness. Dr. Lynch highlights the need to consider individual needs and responses to supplements. He shares a story about a patient who experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function after taking a supplement that supports acetylcholine levels. He emphasizes that supplements are not cures but can be helpful in supporting the body's natural healing processes.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Addressing Environmental Factors and Lifestyle Choices
This Chapter discusses the importance of addressing environmental factors and lifestyle choices that can impact brain health. Dr. Lynch highlights the importance of stress management, good nutrition, and regular exercise. He shares his own experience with HRV monitoring and how it has helped him to identify stressors and make lifestyle changes to improve his health. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their own stressors and to make changes to their lifestyle to support their overall well-being.
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The Importance of Speaking Your Truth
This Chapter discusses the importance of speaking your truth, even when it is difficult. Dr. Lynch shares his own experience with censorship and how it has impacted his health. He encourages listeners to find their voice and to speak out against injustice. He also discusses the importance of supporting each other and creating a community of support.
Keywords
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and muscle function. It is involved in transmitting signals between nerve cells and muscles, as well as in regulating various cognitive processes. Acetylcholine deficiency can contribute to learning disorders, memory problems, and other cognitive impairments. It can be supported through targeted supplementation and lifestyle modifications.
APOE 4
APOE 4 is a gene variant that is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is also associated with reduced acetylcholine production, which can impact learning, memory, and sleep. Individuals with APOE 4 variations may benefit from targeted interventions to support acetylcholine levels.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic system of healthcare that emphasizes the body's inherent healing abilities. Naturopathic doctors use a variety of natural therapies, including diet, exercise, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications, to address the root causes of illness and promote optimal health. Naturopathic medicine is based on the principle that the body has the capacity to heal itself, and that the role of the practitioner is to support this process.
Personalized Medicine
Personalized medicine is an approach to healthcare that takes into account an individual's unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. It aims to provide tailored treatments and interventions that are most likely to be effective for each individual. Personalized medicine is becoming increasingly important as we learn more about the complex interplay between genes, environment, and health.
Supplements
Supplements are substances that are taken in addition to the regular diet to provide additional nutrients or to support specific health goals. Supplements can be helpful in addressing nutrient deficiencies, supporting specific bodily functions, or promoting overall health and well-being. However, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they may interact with medications or have other potential side effects.
Stress Management
Stress management is the process of identifying and reducing stressors in one's life. It is an important aspect of overall health and well-being, as chronic stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Effective stress management techniques include exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and seeking social support.
HRV Monitoring
HRV (heart rate variability) monitoring is a technique that measures the variations in time between heartbeats. It can provide insights into an individual's stress levels, autonomic nervous system function, and overall health. HRV monitoring can be used to identify stressors, track progress with stress management techniques, and optimize performance.
Cognitive Function
Cognitive function refers to the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, remembering, and problem-solving. It encompasses a wide range of abilities, including attention, memory, language, and executive function. Cognitive function is essential for daily living and can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices.
Brain Health
Brain health refers to the overall well-being of the brain. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including cognitive function, mental health, and physical health. Maintaining good brain health is essential for overall well-being and can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Dr. Ben Lynch
Dr. Ben Lynch is a naturopathic physician and expert in genetic variances and MTHFR mutations. He is the author of the book "Dirty Genes" and the founder of Seeking Health, a company that produces high-quality supplements. Dr. Lynch is a leading voice in the field of personalized medicine and has dedicated his career to helping people understand their genetic predispositions and optimize their health through lifestyle choices and targeted interventions.
Q&A
What is the connection between APOE 4 and acetylcholine deficiency?
APOE 4 is a gene variant that is associated with reduced acetylcholine production. This can impact learning, memory, and sleep. Individuals with APOE 4 variations may benefit from targeted interventions to support acetylcholine levels.
What are some ways to support acetylcholine levels?
Supplements that support acetylcholine levels can be helpful for individuals with APOE 4 variations or other conditions that affect acetylcholine production. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, can also support acetylcholine levels.
What is the importance of personalized approaches to health and wellness?
Personalized approaches to health and wellness are essential because individuals respond differently to treatments and interventions. It is important to consider individual needs and responses to supplements and other therapies.
What are some key takeaways from Dr. Ben Lynch's interview?
Dr. Ben Lynch emphasizes the importance of understanding individual genetic predispositions and how they can impact health. He also highlights the importance of addressing environmental factors and lifestyle choices that can impact brain health. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their own stressors and to make changes to their lifestyle to support their overall well-being.
What is the role of supplements in supporting health?
Supplements are not cures but can be helpful in supporting the body's natural healing processes. They can be used to address nutrient deficiencies, support specific bodily functions, or promote overall health and well-being. However, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
What is the importance of stress management?
Stress management is an important aspect of overall health and well-being. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Effective stress management techniques include exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and seeking social support.
What is HRV monitoring and how can it be helpful?
HRV (heart rate variability) monitoring is a technique that measures the variations in time between heartbeats. It can provide insights into an individual's stress levels, autonomic nervous system function, and overall health. HRV monitoring can be used to identify stressors, track progress with stress management techniques, and optimize performance.
What is the importance of speaking your truth?
Speaking your truth is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It is important to find your voice and to speak out against injustice. It is also important to support each other and create a community of support.
What are some key factors that contribute to brain health?
Key factors that contribute to brain health include cognitive function, mental health, and physical health. Maintaining good brain health is essential for overall well-being and can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
What are some tips for improving brain health?
Tips for improving brain health include engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and challenging your brain with new activities.
Show Notes
Join me on the Dr. Tyna Show as I welcome the brilliant Dr. Ben Lynch, an expert in MTHFR mutations and genetic variances. Discover the profound impact of genetic vulnerabilities and targeted nutritional interventions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dedicated to mastering the art of personalized health and navigating the intricacies of genetic predispositions.
On This Episode We Cover:
- 01:09 - Introduction to Dr. Ben Lynch
- 07:58 - Creating formulas to solve specific issues
- 11:45 - General application vs innovative medicine
- 14:56 - Assessing medical risks and the need for lab testing
- 1730ishThe issues with lab testing and standard of care
- 22:01 - The low down on MTHFR
- 28:46 - Genetic variation
- 32:16 - Identifying the vulnerability and creating a lifestyle plan
- 42:40 - Genetic testing and locating the vulnerabilities
- 44:24 - Dopamine and serotonin
- 49:03 - Why methylfolate is not always the answer
- 54:40 - Methyl Trapping
- 58:40 - Acetylcholine
- 01:05:00 - APOE4 gene and associated learning disabilities
- 01:09:13 - Managing supplements and improving cognitive performance
- 01:12:39 - Assessing your own body and figuring out your dosage
- 01:16:44 - Being in denial about your stressors
- 01:20:46 - “Peopling” and the negative impact of being censored
- 01:23:14 - APOE4 and Covid symptoms
- 01:25:02 - Negative effects of vaping
- 01:27:16 - ADHD and ADD
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