December 30, 2017
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
If you've ever tested your genes (or wanted to) and had a completely head-scratching experience when it comes to interpreting your results or translating your genetic testing results into actionable information, then today's podcast is right up your alley, as I interview Dr. Ben Lynch, one of the world's leading authorities in interpreting and “fixing” your genes.
Dr. Lynch, ND received his Cell and Molecular Biology, BS from the University of Washington and his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from Bastyr University. His passion for identifying the cause of disease directed him towards nutrigenomics and methylation dysfunction. Currently, he researches, writes and presents worldwide on the topic of MTHFR, methylation defects and genetic control.
Dr. Lynch is the President of www.DrBenLynch.com, a supplement company oriented towards disease prevention and health promotion. He also founded and directs www.DrBenLynch.com, an educational institute providing specialized training for both health professionals and consumers. He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife, Nadia, and three boys, Tasman, Mathew and Theodor.
He first discovered the power of epigenetics in 2008. At the time, he was a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, graduate of Bastyr University, with a special interest in environmental medicine—helping people recover from the assaults of industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins. When he discovered what a big role genes played in this whole process, he began eagerly reading every scientific paper he could get is hands on.
Dr. Lynch quickly realized that there was a huge gap between what the geneticists published in their research papers and what the medical providers practiced in their offices. The scientists were ridiculously far ahead of doctors and nurses, who often had no idea how to help their patients respond to genetic abnormalities or even to follow the basics of good gene health. Nor did practitioners have any idea how to create a targeted program geared to specific genetic issues.
So he made it his mission to bring that cutting-edge science right into the doctor’s office. He threw himself into genetic research, chasing down any article or paper that could shed any light on what we regular folks could do to improve health. He began working with individuals whose health-care providers just weren’t giving them the help they needed. And he started to give seminars, webinars, workshops, and talks so that practitioners could learn how to help their patients.
In a remarkably short time, he had established himself as the go-to guy for treating genetic abnormalities through diet, supplements, and lifestyle. In 2011, he founded Seeking Health, a research-based company producing high-quality supplements targeted to particular health issues. In 2015, he was named Number 37 in Inc.’s list of 500 Entrepreneur Superstars from America’s fastest-growing private companies and Number 1 in Washington state. In 2016, he made the list again.
He also established Seeking Health Educational Institute (SHEI), a website for both health professionals and lay people who want to learn more about nutrigenomics and methylation. SHEI quickly became one of the most trusted resources on genetics for health professionals and laypersons worldwide.
In 2015, he developed StrateGene, a unique approach to helping people develop natural strategies for overcoming genetic abnormalities. People who were getting their genetic challenges from websites like 23andMe or Genos Research were receiving massively confusing documents with wildly contradictory information. His system zeroes in on the genetic abnormalities that pose the greatest challenges in people’s health and then provides comprehensive plans for overcoming those challenges through diet, environment and lifestyle.
During our discussion, you'll discover:
-How Dr. Lynch first become interested in genetic and genes, despite this being uncommon in naturopathic medicine…[8:30]
-Why most genetic analysis programs give you a ton of clinically irrelevant info, when most of it is not what you actually need…[11:30 & 26:00]
-How to upload your raw 23andme data into a website like StrateGene to get very relevant information about your genes…[29:30 & 31:20]
-How the “warrior” vs. “worrier” gene works, and what you can do if you are a worrier…[34:50]
-Examples of very common SNP “issues”, and what the impact of those is, along with potential associated symptoms and conditions and what you can do about it…[44:15]
-Why you should consume bifidobacteria probiotics, SAM-e and molybdenum, when you drink wine or other alcohol…[60:55]
-How to know what your own “dirty genes” are…[65:30]
-And much more…
Resources from this episode:
-Ben Lynch's website, and StrateGene
–My own personal StrateGene results
Show Sponsors:
-eHarmony – Come see how eHarmony can change your life. Go to eHarmony.com and get started. Enter my code GREEN at checkout to get a FREE month with every 3-month subscription.
-Organifi – Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/Organifi and use discount code BEN for 20% off your order.
-Human Charger – Go to HumanCharger.com/Ben and use the code BEN20 for 20% off.
-Bob's Red Mill – Head to BobsRedMill.com to get 25% off with promo code GREENFIELD.
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Lynch or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
So I’ve got my 23AndMe raw data, is it the “Pathway Planners – Strategene Version” that I want to be downloading for $45? The Strategene Analysis Kit is $295 and involves a DNA collection/test kit…
Thanks.
I got strategene in 2017. Now I would like the results interpreted. I am unable to share strategene with a professional …. I guess because it’s so old…. and I can’t even sign in…
23andyou.com doesn’t seem to be a valid link. Help?
is Dr. Lynch’s Strategene site still available? The website keeps saying that its in maintenance mode.
Here is a good article that describes how to read the Promethease report: https://www.xcode.life/23andme-raw-data/promethease-report-health-alternative-read
Is there a listeners discount code for the strategene???
No there is not…but if you purchase, you should attend the Dirty Genes online summit (happening now!) for free… BenGreenfieldFitness.com/dirty-genes
Hi Ben
What is the difference between the research that Ben Lynch and Amy Jasko conducts. Do they represent just two different facets in the nutrigenomics field?
From Dr. Lynch: There is a big difference: I believe that genetic testing reports should never offer supplement recommendations. It is not possible to identify what one needs based on their genetic report only. A full history is needed before such recommendations are made. Our approaches are very different and one needs to explore the differences on their own.
Hello Ben,
I found this podcast very interesting, thanks. It reminded me of a TED talk by Dr. Eran Segal about “the best diet for humans”. His studies had shown dramatically different blood sugar responses between subjects for carbs, sugars, and fats in their diets. The talk mentioned future availability of DNA tests to map an individual’s response to various food types. Can this also be learned from Dr. Lynch’s Stratagene reports? If not, do you know of a service that does such analysis? I’m a bit confused by the carbs versus fat debate and would like to understand what mix is best for me.
Thanks again, I found this fascinating.
Simon
From Dr. Lynch: "There are a few SNPs which look into these fuel metabolizing pathways. StrateGene does not currently look into them. The best way to evaluate whether one better burns fat, carbs or protein and in what ratio is to monitor HRV. Using the OURA ring is what I recommend – and also base it on your performance and mental clarity." If you're interested in an OURA, go to https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/newoura!
Hi Simon. If you look at Fitgenes (Australian i think) they do a genetic test called Carb Choice which looks at how many copies of the AMY1 gene you have which speaks to your ability or inability to process starches plus alot of other information. Google Fitgenes for more info. Cheers
Thank you Ben for the diversity of specialists featured. Dr Lynch did a great overview ( and your side note explanations) of what can be done to tailor individual needs with methyl genetic based nutrition. I have 23andMe raw data which I have submitted to Bob Miller, CTN ( Tree of Life). I have worked with Bob and Emily( nutritionist) to help me through a bout with Lyme and detox issues (MTHFR gene variants) . I was ( hope to be back!) very active and loved the outdoors…from hiking in the Himalayas to safari in Africa while doing medical mission work throughout the world. I became so incapacitated that I could not tie my own shoe. Other gene mutations identified include those that process gluten,metabolize histamine, SOD and glutathione. I was given a personalized list of supplements. Its been an arduous path where most of the medical community fails. I am so grateful that I am recovering. Emily actually suggested Vit D 8K units daily sublingual ( w K) months ago… makes a grest difference. I like how you live off the grid ( natural as possible). Thank you Ben for presenting and researching alternatives. You have introduced me to Qigong, energybits, Infrared sauna ( I want to eventually have one for my home), and also wanting to start using kettlebells. I look forwatd to your show. YOU have made a difference in my life!
Interesting podcast. You did a podcast awhile back with the owner of viomme (could be misspelled) in the podcast he stated at the time that 23 and me and of DNA assessments are a waste of time. Because the host of live organisms in our stomachs with their own DNA which in turn facilitate which of our DNA is actually active? At the time I remember you being amazed. Did you ever look further into this?
I am very curious to know this as well!
He is correct that for a GUT analysis you want a full microbiome analysis, but for the DNA, a 23andme test exported to Strategene is pretty good!
Great podcast! Dr. Lynch alluded to a connection between MTHFR and hypothyroid. I was wondering how that works?
Is 23AndMe the service Dr. Lynch currently recommends for getting our SNPs? Around the 30min point he talks about some disappointments with them. Is there alternate provider that gives better (more thorough) results?
Only 23andMe – they provide the most clinically relevant snps than others.
“Genos Research were receiving massively confusing documents with wildly contradictory information”
I thought at one time Stategene was supposed to support Genos raw files? If not anyone know who does?
Hey Ben,
Can you upload your DNAFIT report to StrataGene?
Thanks,
Jon
Great podcast. I loved so much how he interrogated you. :D
Got sweaty palms, huh?
BTW, the websites says it’s $45, no BEN10 today?
Ditto, what Mark said, no discount code?
Great podcast. Was also looking for the code as website says its $45, not $30. Thanks.
I just said around 30 bucks I believe. I guess I was a little off. Still a great bargain for what you're getting!