The SIBO Doctor - Dr Denise Furness - SIBO, Genomics, Methylation

 


In this episode Dr Nirala Jacobi is in conversation with Dr
Denise Furness, molecular geneticist, registered nutritionist,
and registered exercise professional. 


Today’s discussion centres around nutrigenomics, methylation, and
digestive health.


Dr Furness completed her PhD at CSIRO Human Nutrition and a
postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Adelaide’s Research
Centre for Reproductive Health.


 


Her research focused on folate, nutrigenomics, methylation and
DNA damage in relation to pregnancy outcomes.  She has
published her work in peer-reviewed medical journals and
regularly presents at national and international conferences.


 


In 2012 Dr Furness shifted from an Academic Research position to
a consulting role at Your Genes and Nutrition, helping patients
understand the role of nutrigenomics and genetic testing in
relation to various health outcomes.


 


Dr Furness is passionate about helping couples achieve optimal
health and wellness to improve their chances for natural
conception and healthy pregnancy outcomes.  She also holds
regular educational seminars and workshops discussing the links
between our genes and our environment, and how these impact on
our health throughout all stages of the life cycle.


 


Topics discussed in this episode include:


Overview of methylation.


What to look out for with patients with ongoing digestive
symptoms, and how can we utilise some of the genomic testing
that’s available?


Methylation as being responsible for switching genes off and on -
the epigenetic component, as well as neurotransmitters,
detoxification, and many other functions.


How do we truly test methylation?


Genetic terminology suggestions.


How is methylation important in digestive issues?


How SIBO relates to methylation variations.


Nutritional cofactors implicated in the wider picture of
methylation.


Dr Furness’s most recent collaboration project with Bioceuticals.


Clinical services


Genetic Testing options


Guidance with further testing


Which genetic testing service will serve your needs the best?


FUT2 gene variants and the link to digestive disorder.


FUT2 secretors and non-secretors, and the direct influence on the
gut bacteria altering levels of Bifidobacterium and B12.


Detoxification (CYP450) systems and their prevalence in the gut
versus the liver.


CYP polymorphisms, upregulation, and the resulting impacts on the
digestive system.


Glutathione S-transferase (GST) phase 2 deletions and the
requirement for detoxification support in light of the body using
different, slower pathways.


Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) as the safe pathway to
process catechol oestrogen metabolites.


Nutrients that support COMT and methylation, such as magnesium
and b vitamins, respectively.


Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme system that helps to clear
neurotransmitters.


Why support COMT and methylation during times of stress and
anxiety.


Why to never just start with folate supplementally - The Folate
Trap.


Why the gut is the first port of call for systemic health.


Dr Furness’s dosing inclinations.


B12 deficiency in the presence of oxidative stress (due to gut
issues), the recommendation towards hydroxy B12 supplementation
over any other forms of B12, and why.


Various testing that Dr Furness recommends.


DUTCH testing


8-Hydroxyguanosine as a marker of DNA damage and oxidative stress


Endotoxicity and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and how this can
affect certain genes


Low homocysteine and what this can mean.


Gut issues and the relationship with oxidative stress.


Where to start with a client who has genetic complexities and
oxidative stress issues.


Methylation education necessities for practitioners.


Dr Furness’s plan for upcoming workshops in Melbourne, and online
offerings for clinical application.


The transsulfuration pathway and what can go wrong here.


The Cystathionine Beta Synthase (CBS) SNP as the first step in
transsulfuration pathway, which pulls homocysteine into the
pathway, and the CBS impact in detoxification.


Sensitivities with sulphur and the relationship to CBS.


How one SNP does not provide the whole picture - look at the
diet, lifestyle, symptoms, and testing, using an integrative
picture to address the issue.


How B6 works to speed up the transsulfuration pathway, pulling
homocysteine down into it.


 


 


Resources


Dr Denise Furness


Consults available at Your Genes & Nutrition, Brighton,
Melbourne


Consults available at Your Health, Brighton, Melbourne


 


Genetic Testing Services


Smart DNA


Fit Genes


DNA Life


23&Me


 


Microbiome PCR testing


Ubiome


Dr Furness’s 1000 kit free link


 


Dr Anderson


DUTCH testing


8-Hydroxyguanosine as an indicator of DNA damage and oxidative
stress


Doctor’s Data


8-Hydroxyguanosine as an indicator of DNA damage and oxidative
stress