PATIENT CASE STUDY

JB is a 52-year-old man, who had not been feeling well for several months. He was experiencing some fatigue and a change in his eyesight. JB was eating a very good diet, and had a physically demanding job. Genomics was used to get to the root cause of his symptoms, and found that his body had genomic variant, ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C, that impacted his body’s ability to get rid of pesticides, heavy metals and molds. Inability to rid the body of these substances can increase the risk of brain toxicity and cognitive issues. Blood work revealed a blood mercury level nearly seven times the normal limit. JB often ate sushi for lunch and frequently ate salmon and swordfish for dinner. Both salmon and swordfish can contain heavy metals, like mercury. An herbal supplement was used for a month to gently help his body eliminate the mercury. Fish was initially removed from JB’s diet as well. Six months later, he had no detectable mercury in his system, and his symptoms had resolved.

Inability to identify the cause of disease and hyper-focus on symptom management are primary complaints people express about conventional medicine as currently practiced in the U.S. Genomic testing is a clinical decision-making tool that helps to get to the root cause of illness and takes a more preventive rather than symptomatic approach. Understanding an individual’s genomic profile provides a detailed guide for a holistic health practitioner to optimize care for a specific body and mind by looking at the very foundation of that body’s systems. The information provided through the genomic testing gives a window into an individual’s entire being at a molecular level. That data, combined with an integrative approach including lifestyle, diet, social and environmental factors, stress and other life aspects, allows a holistic practitioner an opportunity to address existing chronic condi- tions and proactively prevent the development of potentially more serious disease.

Genomic evaluations lead to personalized health plans and evidence-based intervention strategies based on the specific patient concerns. Intervention can now be tailored and specifically address an individual’s unique set of challenges, no matter their age, race or gender. The result can be a more direct path to wellness and improved quality of life, with less guesswork and symptom management needed along the way. There may be layers of dysfunction to be addressed, so complete resolution of issues can take time, but noticeable improvement can be expected.

The genomic testing process is simple and convenient, as anyone who has done their genealogy test can validate. A single saliva sample is used for the test, from a test kit sent to a patient’s home or provided by the practitioner. The swab from the kit is used on the inside of the mouth to get the DNA sample and the specimen is then sent to the company lab doing the genetic sequencing. When the reports arrive, the clinician analyzes the results and discusses with the individual the newly revealed health risks and benefits.

The reports become the backbone for planning the personalized approach to health, wellness and better quality of life. The report data will not make conclusions or healthcare decisions for anyone. They simply examine the complex relationship between the various SNPs in the person’s system. The goal of using the data is to support the unique body through individualized nutrition, vitamins and supplements, as well as