Homocysteine

If we have a genetic tendency to an increased level of homocysteine (a kind of fatty acid which we can have too much of), this is indicative of other health risks, for example dementia or multiple sclerosis. So if we know we have an elevated homocysteine level, we should keep monitoring it in order to forestall more serious diseases. That’s because homocysteine is inflammatory and is capable of causing inflammation at the neurological level. Prevention means identifying the gene and, if the bad gene variant is actually present, then regularly measuring the homocysteine. If homocysteine levels are elevated, then use vitamin B complexes in certain quantities to reduce the homocysteine.

Vitamin E

By taking additional vitamins, we can slow the aging process. The problem is, if you do your own research into vitamins, you will eventually come across discussions about the so-called “Vitamin Myth”. And you will even read claims that vitamins can be counter-productive. As so often, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Vitamin E, for example, often comes in for criticism. To some extent, this is justified. The intake of vitamin E – which cardiologists have been recommending for many years now – has tended to aggravate coronary health rather than alleviating it.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant which has a strong effect on the formation of free radicals and can significantly strengthen our immune system. In this respect, vitamin E has been repeatedly recommended for its capacity to strengthen our immune system as a whole. The problem is that the latest research suggests vitamin E has side-effects which virtually cancel out the benefits, and for this reason, the intake of vitamin E is no longer recommended. However, there are people who benefit considerably from vitamin E. Here too, it is very much a matter of individual genetics. Tailored to the individual’s genetic makeup, it can reduce the risk of heart attack by 50%.

Hormone D3 (Vitamin D)

We should always monitor our vitamin D balance because, according to modern research into aging, humans can nowadays live as long as 115 years. But prolongation of life is not always synonymous with quality of life. Increased life expectancy has meant that the incidence of age-related diseases such as osteoporosis has increased significantly. This disease, in which bone mass and density decrease, has now reached epidemic proportions. This where vitamin D (which is actually a hormone because we make it ourselves) plays a really big role.

Vitamin D is produced with the aid of sunlight on our skin, a process called synthesis . If we have a genetic weakness in this respect and suffer from vitamin D deficiency – something that can be measured – we need to take supplements of this vitamin. Very little of it is present in the food we eat, which means we need to consume it in the form of a vitamin capsule. In addition to preventing osteoporosis, vitamin D also gives protection against cancer. Cancer patients are nowadays treated with very high doses of vitamin D supplements. A person who has a good vitamin D level also enjoys good protection against breast, colon and prostate cancer. And on top of all this, it is one of the vitamins that contribute significantly to boosting the immune system.

Vitamin D

If you have a genetic predisposition to produce little vitamin D via your own skin, then you should always monitor your vitamin D balance and have it regularly checked. It is very important to know your own genetic predisposition: vegetarians, bedridden patients and growing babies need twice as much vitamin D as adults (especially those with a darker complexion).

Furthermore, the ability of the body to produce vitamin D decreases with age, hence there is an increasing susceptibility to osteoporosis. Certain illnesses will also cause a decrease in production, for example thyroid deficiency or Crohn’s disease, or if you are taking cortisone preparations on a regular basis. You should then do the following: Step 1 – take a genetic test; Step 2 – measure your Vitamin D level; Step 3 – take vitamin D supplements as necessary.

Vitamins #2

In deciding on the right amount of vitamin supplementation, the following questions need to be answered: Which vitamins? And what are vitamins anyway? Vitamins are essential micronutrients. “Essential” means that we cannot produce them ourselves. Only a handful of vitamins and minerals are classified as essential. The system of classification and the recommended quantities still represent the state of research in the late 20th century, i.e. quite some time ago.

Nowadays, highly accurate measurement techniques allow a much more nuanced profile to be drawn. And there are more and more “supersubs” from the bench that turn out to be star players. For example, the Omega 3 fatty acids, or lipoic acid... These are important “vitamins” which do not technically qualify as such. They even partially influence genetic features and repair processes within human cells; a suboptimal intake of these nutrients can increase the extent of DNA damage – a marker and a reference point for degeneration, cellular aging and cancer.

So the message is clear: it is not only what we normally refer to as vitamins that are important, but also a variety of other micronutrients.

Vitamins #1

There is a slight problem with the minimum recommended dose of vitamins, i.e. enough to ward off disease. This classification developed in the first half of the twentieth century has been criticized by scientists, because it quickly became clear that the role of nutrients in the body is incredibly varied and in any case is not confined to preventing diseases cause by vitamin deficiency. An analogy might be to suggest that the job of water is to prevent kidney failure on the basis that this condition arises when the body is deprived of fluid.

Conversely, no one would argue that we should drink only enough water to prevent kidney failure. Yet the so-called “minimum recommended dose” of vitamins, as defined for example by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (German Association for Nutrition), is still based on such minimum quantities. In other words, on dosage recommendations that can at most help prevent advanced deficiency symptoms. The physiological optimum intake of vitamins is, in some cases, ten times higher than the minimum recommended dose for the prevention of diseases caused by deficiency.

Hormonal balance

Another important factor in our lives is hormonal balance. By this we mean that we carry on producing hormones as we age. Sex hormones are of course an important part of this: estrogen in women, testosterone in men. They not only keep us young and vital but also healthy. There are various approaches that have been tried out in recent decades, namely the controversial hormone replacement therapies. As so often in life, both sides of the debate are right to a certain extent, in this case the proponents and opponents of hormone replacement.

Hypothyroidism is a case in point: we take thyroid hormones without hesitation. Or in the case of the female contraceptive, hormones are taken over a period of many years. It is only when it comes to slowing the aging process that criticism is voiced, and even the term “hormone” has bad associations. And to some extent with justification, because – and this is how things stand today – hormones should only be taken if you know your genetic predisposition and are able to assess the risk of getting breast cancer. Hormones should not be produced synthetically; they should be derived from plants in moderate amounts sufficient to stimulate the individual’s own hormone production.

Cortisol and children

As parents, we try to ensure that our children grow up in affluent circumstances and receive a proper education. Let me pose a provocative question here: Does poverty make people stupid? There is a reason for this question. Studies conducted in OECD countries indicate that, when children grow up in relatively deprived circumstance, they are less talented, they tend not to go the best schools and their educational opportunities are restricted. This is not only for financial reasons but because children in this sort of environment suffer greater stress.

They receive less affection, and for a child that means the formation of cortisol, the stress hormone which severely impairs working memory. As a result, such children are severely restricted by their environment in their ability to learn. And this is of course once again genetically influenced. So if we as adults had difficulty in learning things when we were young, it will certainly also be the case that our children have a similar gene. Which makes it all the more important to ensure that they are given plenty of affection!

Serotonin (the “happiness hormone”)

Yes, there’s also a gene for it. A team at the University of Essex in the UK took a closer look at the so-called 5HTTLPR gene and discovered that, in certain long variants, serotonin (i.e. our happiness hormone) is transported much faster, with the result that it is delivered in larger quantities to the brain. Consequently, the length of this gene determines whether we take a more positive view of the world, keep our chin up during times of crisis and tend to see the glass as half full. But in the case of shorter gene variants, the glass will be seen as half empty. More details soon ...

Cortisol

Stress, anxiety and overwork are also affected by our hormones. Stress is always a consequence of hormonal processes. The main stress hormone is cortisol. Ultimately, it has been responsible for the survival of the human race. Cortisol causes the organism to adapt and cope with dangerous and stressful situations. Cortisol increases the supply of glucose to aid metabolic activation and boost energy supply. It also raises temperature, relieves pain, suppresses inflammation and enhances emotional and cognitive responses. In short, a release of cortisol causes our entire system – including sense organs, brain and muscles – to operate at full speed, enabling us to face up to and overcome danger and stress. The pace of modern life is so rapid that we are continually confronted with challenges and stressful situations, which obviously has consequences. When called on to produce cortisol virtually non-stop, the body eventually reaches a limit, resulting in burnout, illness and depression. The main problem is not the sheer quantity of cortisol that has to be generated but the failure of the hormone to degrade and dissipate. This leads to a blockage of the growth hormone axis and to a significant weakening of the immune system.

The solution is to break down the cortisol.

This works differently for every person. The appropriate method of degrading cortisol is determined by the genetic predisposition of the individual. For example, there are certain mental disciplines that can be used. Some people respond to autogenous training, to meditation or to visualization techniques. Others find that sports which require mental alertness (e.g. golf, tennis) help to relieve their stress hormone. By contrast, people of a different genetic predisposition will find quiet activities more beneficial. I myself am one of those people who need to let off steam. I indulge in physical activity to the point of exhaustion, after which I am able to relax more thoroughly. This burst of activity should be short and sweat inducing; it should also follow as soon as possible after the stressful

Testosterone

Testosterone is responsible for libido and endurance during sex. It promotes muscle growth and reduces fat in the stomach and hips area. In the male, it boosts vigor, energy and assertiveness. It facilitates signaling in the brain and thereby aids spatial awareness, mental agility, physical coordination and memory. Men can stimulate the production of testosterone in their own bodies. Regular endurance exercise and weight training are helpful in this regard.

On the other hand, regular consumption of alcohol in large quantities causes a long-term decline in testosterone levels. As a guideline, you should drink no more than 0.2 liters of wine per day. It is clear that sex has a major influence on the formation of testosterone. Supplementation is usually prescribed in the form of a patch. Genetic predisposition will determine whether this course of action is safe or not. For certain gene variants, it may significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer

Growth hormones

The growth hormone acts in a similar way to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or to testosterone. It stimulates the growth of muscle and makes fat disappear. In addition, it provides firm skin by stimulating collagen synthesis and additionally has a positive effect on mood. Decreased growth hormone levels occur in men over forty and women in their mid-thirties. Loss of libido and burnout syndrome may be indications of this. The best way to be sure is by measuring the relevant laboratory parameter, namely IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1).

The main form of supplementation is injection into the abdominal wall. For many people with a certain genetic predisposition, this type of hormone rebalancing entails an increased risk of cancer. Consequently, it makes more sense to provide natural stimulation to the endocrine glands responsible, in this case the pituitary gland.

Hormones: Part 3

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a so-called precursor hormone. It can be converted to testosterone, but equally to estrogen. It all depends on what the body requires. Like testosterone, it boosts memory performance, builds muscle and – to some degree – melts away the fat. DHEA is often called the “fountain of youth hormone”. Studies have shown that a correction of the DHEA level can promote wellbeing and increase performance. From the age of 30 onwards, the concentration of DHEA steadily decreases. Indicators of a low DHEA level may be: loss of libido, poor concentration frequent infections While you can purchase DHEA over the counter in the USA, it is less freely available in Europe.

The problem is that, while many people can benefit considerably from a DHEA regimen, supplementation for men with a certain genetic predisposition would significantly increase their risk of prostate cancer. As always, it comes down to the genetic makeup of the individual. Especially with the hormones that are so important for health and vitality. As we age, we need to know whether our bodies can make use of hormones and how this can best be achieved.

Hormones: Part 2

Whether hormones should be taken – and if so which ones – is determined by our genetic predisposition. There are two approaches to achieving hormonal balance.

Firstly, we are able to supplement the missing hormone, and there are various ways of doing this. We can take hormones in tablet form, by means of patches or by injection. This approach has the major drawback that the body’s own hormone production becomes even more sluggish, meaning that further supplementation has to take place.

The second and more preferable option is to reactivate hormone production by means of stimulants and by training the endocrine glands to achieve greater sustainability.

This is also true for women who have reached the menopause. The route of supplementation – which is indeed prescribed by many gynecologists – is pointless without having first conducted a gene check; we would effectively be working in the dark. It may also entail other dangers, such as a significant increase in the risk of breast cancer, all depending on genetic predisposition. The second approach is therefore preferable.

Hormones: Part 1

Just as the genetic nutritional profile, and also the movement profile, differs for each person individually, so does the health profile. This means that our own genetic predisposition will always determine:

which diet is good for us

what causes us to gain or lose weight

which sporting activity will help us lose weight and stay healthy

The genetic health profile indicates the diseases to which an individual has a high resistance as well as those against which preventive measures should be taken.

Genetic predisposition also determines whether hormones should be prescribed and, if so, which ones. As we age, of course, we produce fewer and fewer hormones. Our genes indicate whether hormones such as DHEA and the growth hormone can be taken without risk or, in the case of menopausal women, whether hormone replacement therapy is safe. Many people have a genetic predisposition whereby hormone supplementation significantly increases their exposure to cancer, while others can safely proceed with such therapy. For this latter group, supplements can protect against vascular diseases or osteoporosis. They feel more vital and younger. As has been said so many times before, it’s your genes that decide.

What other ways are there of balancing out hormonal deficiencies?

In our institutes, it is only in rare cases that we recommend making up for deficiencies directly with hormone supplements. We prefer the approach of using certain techniques to get the body’s own hormone production back on track and to thereby consolidate and enhance vitality and enjoyment of life in the long term.

Sleep

Sleep is influenced by a number of environmental factors: lifestyle, diet and exercise. But it is also determined to some extent by our genes.

Research in recent years has more or less discovered everything there is to know about genetic predisposition and sleep. For example, we now think we know why it is that some people suffer from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during sleep; in Germany, it is at least 10% of the population.

We understand more and more about the reasons for sleep problems, for example, hyposomnia (too short) and hypersomnia (too long), deep and light sleepers, as well as the absence of dreams. We have the answers to these problems and can thus derive remedies and therapies to treat sleep problems.

In articles that will appear during the coming weeks, we will return to this issue several times, addressing specific individual sleep problems and telling you how they can be treated.

Genetic research is an important step towards clarifying sleep disorders at the molecular level. It will also make a major contribution to treating problems more efficiently and in ways that are better adapted to the personal genetic profile.

Potency problems

Such a fascinating topic! We men have always behaved as if this does not concern us. Preventive medicine is something for women to worry about. And yet men’s health is a very complex issue. Not just hormonally. Obviously we do not talk about our “menopause”, despite the fact that we have one. We call it our “anthropological years”. And it affects us in our own way, e.g. potency problems. A topic that somehow doesn’t get discussed much in polite company. The medical term for this is “erectile dysfunction”, i.e. when we men are no longer able to perform in bed as we did when we were younger. In most cases, it is due to the arteries, i.e. the flow of blood to the penis is restricted. This is because of deposits in the blood vessels – atherosclerosis, which is genetically determined.

We men first become aware of atherosclerosis when it manifests itself as erectile dysfunction. Why? Because the blood vessels in the genitals are much narrower than other arteries such as those in the region of the heart. Consequently, if we develop atherosclerosis, the blood vessels in the genitals become clogged up many years before their coronary counterparts. A colleague of mine, Professor Summer at the University of Hamburg once summed this up neatly when he described the male “divining rod” as an indicator of the state of the heart. In other words, once we develop difficulties in that region, we can expect complications with our heart at some point in the future, so it makes sense to see a cardiologist right away and find out if there are early signs of problems ahead.

Multiple sclerosis

Knowing where our health may be at risk, it makes sense to check out the relevant genes. Multiple sclerosis is actually quite a rare complaint. This autoimmune disease can be countered with preventive medicine to ensure that it does not arise in the first place. But such measures makes sense only if you know that you have a genetic predisposition for it.

Step 1 is, as usual, to undergo a genetic test. Step 2 (if you find that you really are at risk) is to take preventive action. The best way of stopping multiple sclerosis is with vitamin D3.

A major research project was carried out involving more than seven million members of the U.S. armed forces. The results were conclusive: where individuals have a predisposition to multiple sclerosis but maintain good or very good vitamin D3 levels, the disease is almost completely held at bay. In 80% of all participants who had very low vitamin D3 levels and a predisposition for multiple sclerosis, the disease set in. Consequently, the first thing to do is find out if you have a predisposition for the disease. If so, you will then need to monitor and adjust your vitamin D3 level on a regular basis. If the level is found to be low, there are ways of stimulating the body’s own production of vitamin D3 and of compensating in an emergency by means of a vitamin supplement.

Osteoporosis

Each of us has our own genetic health profile showing which diseases we are most immune to and those areas in which preventive measures should be taken. Osteoporosis is a good example. We do not know precisely whether and to what extent genetic susceptibility exists, or how we can successfully ward it off. Any other course of action is just guesswork. The most common remedy of taking calcium tablets is effective only in the rarest of cases, since the trigger for the disease varies from individual to individual.

On the subject of calcium, a gene check will tell us which sort of calcium is absorbed and which is not. In most cases, artificial calcium supplementation is not the answer. Based on the gene check, we can ascertain the best source of calcium, for example from milk, from bottled water or from coral calcium. In addition, we activate vitamin D3 metabolism. Depending on the gene variant, we recommend certain sports which maintain bone density. In this way, we can reliably defy genetic susceptibility and prevent the onset of the disease.