genetics – Hello Doctor

6 Blood tests that can reveal a lot about your health

October 19th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Perhaps you’re bloated, experience random headaches or are just tired all the time? You’ve tried the usual remedies, but the relief is temporary. Functional medicine may help.

Functional medicine vs Conventional medicine: What’s the difference?

Conventional medicine analyses symptoms, identifies a disease and creates a treatment plan based on those symptoms. For example, for help with eczema, the conventional approach might be to focus on symptoms and the doctor might suggest medication like antihistamines that could suppress the inflammation and reduce the symptoms.

Functional medicine, sometimes called ‘alternative’ or ‘integrative medicine’, investigates the root cause. The functional medicine doctor might look for triggers such as toxins, allergens, or food sensitivities that could be causing the symptoms, and may use a wide variety of different tests to decide the best treatment strategy.

If you’re struggling with your health, these 6 lab tests may help give you the insight you need to improve it :

1. 24-hour adrenal stress index

The adrenal glands are tiny organs above the kidneys that manufacture a variety of hormones that your body needs to thrive. Ongoing periods of stress overwork the adrenal glands and cause them to stop working as well as they should, which in turn causes adrenal fatigue. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, anxiety, depression, brain fog, weight gain, irritability, decreased sex drive, and trouble sleeping.

The 24-hour adrenal stress index is a saliva test that tracks your cortisol levels throughout the day.

2. Full thyroid panel

The thyroid is a small gland located in the lower-front part of your neck. It helps regulate many of the body’s processes, including metabolism and mood. Thyroid function tests are a series of blood tests that measure how well your thyroid gland is working. Signs of thyroid dysfunction include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and depression. Many underlying thyroid problems don’t appear on standard tests performed in conventional medicine. During functional medicine, a thyroid test is comprehensive and can help eliminate possible autoimmune thyroid problems.

3. Gut permeability tests

Gut health is the window to overall health. When your gut lining is damaged, due to lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet and medication, it can cause undigested food and bacteria to pass into the bloodstream. This, in turn, causes body-wide inflammation. Symptoms of poor gut health include bloating, fatigue, digestive issues, skin problems and food sensitivities.
Gut permeability tests check the permeability of your gut and whether there are antibodies and bacterial endotoxins in your blood that should not be there.

4. Sex hormone labs

Both men and women need balanced levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone for optimal health. Although the ratios are different for men and women, all the sex hormones are players, and when they are out of balance, can lead to symptoms like weight gain, depression, erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, infertility, acne, depression, and more. These tests help evaluate men for low testosterone and women for excess testosterone production.

5. Inflammation labs

Inflammation contributes to many diseases – heart disease, cancer, dementia, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, allergies, digestive disorders and even weight gain. Although a certain amount of inflammation is healthy to fight off infections, viruses, and other injuries, chronic inflammation can be problematic. A blood test that tests for the most complete picture of chronic inflammation can help.

6. Genetic testing

You cannot change your DNA, but you can influence how your body responds to different conditions. For example, certain genetic mutations can make you more susceptible to drug reactions, nutrient imbalances, and so on. Specialised genetic lab tests can help identify your possible genetic weaknesses, and ultimately help intervene, and balance risk factors with natural medicines and lifestyle changes.

The bottom line: Both conventional medicine and functional medicine doctors rely on laboratory test results to better understand what is going on inside the body. Functional medicine digs deeper. Talk to your doctor about testing and make sure the tests are covered by your medical aid.

References:

Could you have the anti-ageing gene?

July 30th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

A scientific study has found a genetic mutation in the Amish people of the mid-western United States that seems to keep them ticking far longer than people without it. Up to 10 years longer, in fact!

Northwestern University researchers say that the small Indiana Amish community carries a copy of a genetic mutation that holds the secret to their healthy ageing. Those with the mutation also had lower chances of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

This exciting find has seen other researchers join the cause. Scientists in the USA and Japan are testing an experimental drug in the hopes of recreating the mutation in people to help protect against age-related illnesses and boost longevity.

What’s the secret?

According to Douglas Vaughan, a medical researcher at Northwestern University and his team, of the 177 members of the Amish community, 43 were found with one mutated SERPINE1 gene copy.

What this means is that the carriers of these genes can live up to 85 years on average, while those without it in the community tend to live to 75. The Amish people with this gene mutation also showed a good metabolism and lower insulin levels after fasting, with possibly even more flexible blood vessels.

The mutation can happen on one or both copies of the gene SERPINE1. Apparently, when both gene copies are mutated, it can lead to a rare genetic bleeding disorder. The Amish community is unfortunately susceptible to it. This mutation prevents the regulation of a protein called PAI-1, which dissolves blood clots.

A medicine for anti-ageing

Researchers found that these people also had 50% lower PAI-1 levels than average. It’s not known exactly how PAI-1 contributes to ageing, but it does play a role in a process called cellular senescence. This is when cells are no longer able to replicate and they just go dormant. This contributes to the effects of ageing.

The Amish community who have the gene seems to have a desirable form of longevity. They are generally protected from age-related changes from birth. This results in a longer lifespan. Not only do they live longer, but they also live healthier.

Based on the research, the scientists have now developed a drug for humans that involves PAI-1 inhibition (an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical reaction), which is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. If the trials are successful, they could result in the development of a drug that can be used to slow some of the effects of ageing.

References

https://www.sciencealert.com/amish-community-rare-genetic-mutation-protects-against-ageing-serpine1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4748967/
https://futurism.com/scientists-found-first-anti-aging-genetic-mutation/
http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/11/eaao1617.full

What South Africans need to know about GMO foods

October 31st, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

There are a lot of buzzwords in the field of nutrition at the moment, but the one that gets most of the limelight is “GMOs”. Genetically modified food, believe it or not, is everywhere. In theory, the idea of a drought resistant plant, or a fruit that won’t turn brown is great, but what’s going on behind the scenes to create these results, and could they be harmful to your health?

What are GMOs and where did they come from?

A GMO is any type of organism, plant, or animal, whose genetic material has been manipulated through genetic engineering. Although the concept of genetic engineering seems like a modern phenomenon, it has been around for thousands of years. Gregor Mendel, a scientist back in the 1800’s is credited with being the first to modify plants (a pea plant to be exact!), and is often referred to as “the father of genetics”. In the early 1970’s, scientists created a technique that allowed them to cut pieces of DNA in certain places, and then attach the pieces to the DNA of other organisms, the beginning of modern day engineering. They would use this technique to snip off the good genes of one plant, virus or bacteria and plug them into another to create a “better” or more desirable version. Since then, with the advancement of technology, scientists have been able to engineer bacteria that produce medication-grade drugs, organisms to break down oil, and beagles that glow in the dark (seriously).

But the real debate about GMO’s is their use in food production. Since the 1980’s, GMOs have been used to improve the look, feel and taste of foods. They have been used to extend shelf-life, make crops resistant to certain pests and ensure high yields, despite drought or floods. Essentially, GMO food is made to look better, last longer and always be available.

The pros and cons of GMOs

There are benefits to the use of GM crops. Most obvious are a drop in the price of food, an increase in the amount of food available for the growing population and the sustainability of the farming industry. Yet since whatever we put in our mouths can either help or hinder our health, the use of GMO in food creates an extremely heated debate at most dinner tables.

The research around the safety of GMOs is, to date, inconclusive. There aren’t any clear

Despite this there is no shortage of websites and blogs either fully supporting the use of GMOs, or campaigning for their complete ban. While there have been several health issues raised, the 4 main concerns related to GMOs are:

GMOs in South Africa. Are you affected?

South Africa first approved the release of genetically modified, insect-resistant cotton and maize in 1997, and is one of the only countries in Africa to approve this method of farming. Today, South Africa is the world’s eighth largest producer of GMO crops. Even though you may not realize it, you’re probably eating GMOs. More than 70% of local corn crops are genetically modified.

Limiting your exposure to GMOs

Buy organic

Certified organic products are not allowed to contain any GMOs. When you purchase products labelled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients,” all ingredients in these products are not allowed to be produced from GM ingredients. For example, products labelled as “made with organic ingredients” only require 70% of the ingredients to be organic, but 100% must be non-GM.

Look for labels

In South Africa, labelling laws require that any product containing at least 5% of any GM goods or ingredients must be labelled. Read all labels carefully. Some labels state “non-GMO” while others spell out “Made Without Genetically Modified Ingredients.” Some products limit their claim to only one particular “At-Risk” ingredient such as soy lecithin, listing it as “non-GMO.”

Avoid “at risk” ingredients

Some of the most common genetically engineered ingredients include:

Corn: Corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrup. Sweeteners such as fructose, dextrose, and glucose; modified food starch

Sweeteners: Sugar not specified as 100% cane sugar is likely GM.

Soy: Soy flour, lecithin, protein, isolate, and isoflavone, vegetable oil and vegetable protein

Canola: Canola oil (also called rapeseed oil)

Cotton: Cottonseed oil

Eat clean

Most of the foods in which you will find GM ingredients are processed. To avoid these ingredients, as well as all the other nasties that thy contain, simply eat fresh, raw food. Making your own meals from scratch ensures that you can eliminate anything you don’t want to be eating, whether that is genetically modified or not!

References

http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/from-corgis-to-corn-a-brief-look-at-the-long-history-of-gmo-technology/
http://www.medicaldaily.com/brief-history-genetically-modified-organisms-prehistoric-breeding-modern-344076
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-truth-about-genetically-modified-food/
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/south-africa.php
https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/311/ge-foods/ge-food-and-your-health#
https://phys.org/news/2016-09-largest-ever-reveals-environmental-impact-genetically.html

The main causes of colon cancer

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Cancer truly is “the great equalizer” and it affects people of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Cancer colon is no exception, and because it doesn’t usually have symptoms until it’s at a late stage it’s considered to be one of the most dangerous cancers a person can get.
Colon cancer develops over a long period of time, and it can’t be detected unless a person goes for regular colonoscopies. So, if you have a family history of this type of cancer, or your lifestyle contributes to the development of it, then it’s very important that you speak to your doctor about getting regular tests for it.

All cancers are caused when the cells mutate or divide too quickly, and then clump together to form a tumour. In the colon, when cells in the inner lining of the bowels clump together, they can form polyps, although these don’t necessarily develop into colon cancer.
We sat down with Hello Doctor’s Dr. Albert and spoke to him about what increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. He reminded us that as with most cancers, doctors don’t know exactly what causes colon cancer, but it’s thought that a number of high risk factors contribute to it, namely:

1. Genetics

Genetics is perhaps the number one contributing risk factor for the development of colon cancer, and it’s estimated that around 20% of people who are diagnosed with colon cancer have immediate family members or secondary (cousins, aunts, uncles) family member who have or had colon cancer. So, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with this type of cancer, if you have a history of it in your family then it’s very important that you go for regular screenings. The earlier colon cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better. It’s also important to remember that negative diet and lifestyle factors also increase your risk of developing colon cancer, so if you are at risk there are a number of steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

2. Certain health conditions

Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Although both of these diseases are incurable, there are numerous treatments available to help control symptoms.

3. Diet and lifestyle

The link between diet and lifestyle related diseases has been recognised for some time, and although doctors aren’t exactly certain which foods influence the risk of cancer, they have found carcinogens in charred meat (meat that’s been burned). A carcinogen is any substance that’s directly involved in causing cancer, so for this reason we strongly recommend that you reduce the amount of meat you eat, especially red meat. To help maintain a healthy colon and digestive system, stick to a diet that’s high in fibre and low in saturated fats, as this can help lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Smoking

Smoking isn’t just a risk factor for colon cancer, it’s a major risk factor for all types of cancers and diseases. Whether you’re a chain smoker or “just a social smoker”, the sooner you can kick your smoking habit the better. Smokers have a 25% higher risk of developing cancer than non-smokers!

5. Being overweight

Obesity is also a risk factor for colon cancer, and obese men are 50% more likely to develop colon cancer, compared to men who have a healthy BMI (body mass index.) Overweight women are also at risk, however they have a slightly lower risk than men. A (read: inactive!) sedentary lifestyle is also linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, but the good news is you don’t have to become a fanatical gym bunny to reduce your risk. All it takes is 30 minutes of exercise a day to improve your overall health. Walking, running, swimming, cycling – they’re all great options!

If you’re looking for more information, or have a specific question about colon cancer, then remember you can talk to one of our doctors right now. Simply download the FREE Hello Doctor mobile app, and register for our services.

Our doctors are available 24/7, 365 days a year!

Sources:

You already have cancer(cells)

July 25th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Did you know that there are cancer cells in your body right now? Don’t panic, though! Everyone has them. You see, your cells normally grow and renew every second of the day.

Continue reading “You already have cancer(cells)”

Surprising causes of body odour

May 27th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Does something smell fishy, literally? It may be you! Yup, it’s true. Your BO may not just be a result of you forgetting to use your deodorant. Get a whiff of these lesser-known reasons for your unpleasant scent.

Continue reading “Surprising causes of body odour”

A new breed of South African athlete

September 1st, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Does the name Wayde van Niekerk ring a bell? It should! He’s one of the new generation of South African athletes that are tearing up the track at the IAAF World Championships, currently being held in Beijing. But who is this guy? Let’s find out. Continue reading “A new breed of South African athlete”

Down syndrome “it’s all in the genes”

October 19th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

In South Africa, 1 in 500 children are born with Down Syndrome every year – Let’s take a closer look at the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and leading cause of intellectual disability in children.

Continue reading “Down syndrome “it’s all in the genes””

Four ageing myths for men

August 16th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

In a world that praises youth and beauty, it’s not uncommon to find people who fear ageing. People aren’t always scared of the wrinkles and grey hair, but are scared of losing their body, their sexual desires and developing various conditions and diseases. But the truth is, many of these conditions can affect young men too. Here are just a few misconceptions that men have when it comes to ageing. Continue reading “Four ageing myths for men”

A gene which makes tumours grow?

December 10th, 2013 by The Hello Doctor Team

That’s right, British scientists have found a gene that’s responsible for making tumours grow. |

Scientists found the gene, called CUX1, in patients with breast cancer and a certain type of leukaemia that is currently very hard to treat. The rogue DNA isn’t exclusive to a particular cancer, and it can fuel almost all forms of the disease, which kills more than 150 000 Britons every year. The discovery of this gene could lead to thousands of cancer patients receiving more effective treatments.

Continue reading “A gene which makes tumours grow?”