225: Dirty Genes

Dirty Genes 

Dirty genes is a significant factor why we do not reach an optimal level of health. Our body needs healthy genes to function properly. But unfortunately, many people are still unaware of this vital aspect of health.  That's why we're so lucky to have Dr. Ben Lynch here with us today to explain everything you need to know about dirty genes. 

Childhood Interest  

Dr. Ben Lynch was 16 years old when he was first introduced to biochemistry in high school. He thought it was the best class he ever had because it taught him about how the body works.   

Because Dr. Ben Lynch became fascinated with how our body was wired, he went on to pursue a medical degree in college. But it was not long before he realized that standard medicine and the conventional route was not for him.  

The turning point in his career path was when Dr. Ben Lynch got sick during a trip to India. Finding a cure for his illness, he was introduced to a peculiar form of medicine. Dr. Ben Lynch recalls that the one treating him checked his tongue, pulse, and gave a weird prescription. Surprisingly, he felt better after 40 minutes!   

That experience eventually led Dr. Ben Lynch to pursue a career as a Naturopathic Doctor by getting his degree at Bastyr University. But Dr. Ben Lynch still felt it wasn't enough until he developed an interest in Environmental Medicine. This led him to discover epigenetics.  

Focus On Epigenetics  

Dr. Ben Lynch was very much concerned about how a poor environment can make people very ill and develop dirty genes.  When he learned that genes were a significant factor in the entire process, he started to dive deeper into genetic research.  

“Our genes require tools. Most of the tools come from the food that we eat. If we are providing our body with healthful, wholesome foods, our genes get the tools they can use to function. Such as protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, air, and sunlight,” said Dr. Ben Lynch.

He adds, “We give genes those tools through nutrition, breathing properly, hydration and avoid doing stuff that makes them do excessive work like chemicals in the environment, wi-fi signals, and polluted air.”  

And that's so true! I first heard about epigenetics from Dr. Joe Wallach. He wrote the book, Epigenetics: The Death of the Genetic Theory of Disease Transmission. The book explains how nutrition supports the genes to be healthy. It's a very informative book, and I recommend all you listeners to include this in your reading list.   

Air Purifiers  

Pollutants in the environment are unavoidable. But because they cause dirty genes, Dr. Ben Lynch says one way to clear the air is using air purifiers. Air purifiers can clear the air of chemicals and elements like smoke, pollen, and dust.    

Good brands of air purifiers include IQAir and Alen Air. But Dr. Ben Lynch puts in a word of caution if and when you decide to get one.  

“Air purifiers have an engine.  I recommend plugging it in and turn on outside to let it off the gas,” advises Dr. Ben Lynch. “Because nowadays, everything is wrapped in plastic. When you turn it on, there are so many volatile organic compounds that are being emitted.”  

Dr. Ben Lynch also advises avoiding having carpets if you want to avoid having dirty genes. Because apparently, carpets are sponges that hold dirt. There are also a lot of other odd compounds in carpets. It traps dust and humidity, attracts molds and dust mites.   

Gas And Cooking  

We also know that gas is a toxic substance.  That's why Dr. Ben Lynch strictly advises that gas is something that needs to be outside. So, if you're cooking, you need to be using your exhaust fan.   

“Smoke from oils have formaldehyde, destroy genes and burdens the body. Then a lot of people are taking antacids, which are inhibiting their primary detoxification system,” said Dr. Ben Lynch. “People are also loading up with Tylenol. This depletes primary antioxidants. So be wary of what you buy over the counter.”  

Dr. Ben Lynch says it is also bad to inhale smoke from cars. The carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin. And when carbon monoxide seeps into our tissues, it can eventually kill us.   

“You increase cardiovascular disease risk from inhaling smoke. People who are exercising in more polluted areas are also increasing cardiovascular risk,” Dr. Ben Lynch said. “That has to do with a gene called NOS 3, which is an important gene to keep clean.”   

Dirty Genes Course  

To those who would like to know more about the causes of dirty genes, do sign up for Dr. Ben Lynch's course. The course provides a lot of insights on how to optimize your eating habits, and to have a better experience without supplements.   

“The course guides people through the fundamentals of life. It also educates people why we need folate to make our body function right,” said Dr. Ben Lynch.  

According to Dr. Ben Lynch, folate is essential in things like:  

• regulating white blood cells 
• fighting infection 
• regulating red blood cells so we can breathe 
• regulate our platelets 
• nourish our neurotransmitters so we can think 
• helps repair DNA when chemicals invade into our system 
• essential in kids' growth 
• makes skin healthy since our skin creates skin cells all the time 

Importance Of Folic Acid  

Folic acid is a form of folate and is one of the B vitamins that we need. The U.S. recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 400 micrograms. These may be gained through food or dietary supplements.  

“Folic acid binds preferentially to the folate receptors and folate transporters in the body. It goes through the DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) gene.  This gene can handle 200 micrograms of folic acid before it gets saturated,” said Dr. Ben Lynch.  

But Dr. Ben Lynch says some people have a genetic problem with this particular gene. Apparently, the folic acid can't get through the DHFR gene. It has to go somewhere, so it ends up staying in the blood. Researchers call it unmetabolized folic acid.  

“What unmetabolized folic acid does, is that it will get to your folate transport protein. Folic acid blocks transportation of the folate and getting inside the cell,” explains Dr. Ben Lynch.   

Dr. Ben Lynch also reveals that people can be functionally folate-deficient. This is because they are functionally depriving their cells of the number one type of folate in their body which is methylfolate. Common side effects include experiencing brain fog, moodiness, and an unexplainable toxic feeling.  

StrateGene  

Ready to dive deeper into how genes work? Dr. Ben Lynch developed a genetic report called StrateGene. It uses 23andMe instead of ancestry because according to Dr. Ben Lynch, ancestry mainly has ancestral DNA. In order words, he says you don't have clinically relevant genes on www.ancestry.com to run through a genetic report.   

StrateGene also provides you a map so you can see what dirties up the genes. It also provides a quick glance at how vitamins, minerals, medication, and chemicals interfere with certain things.  

“If you see any condition run in your family, there is most likely a genetic component there. And if you lead a lifestyle that is healthy, the chances of you struggling with that condition is lower,” said Dr. Ben Lynch.  

But Dr. Ben Lynch says the more important factor is finding out what genes you inherited that is probably causing your illness. Knowing which genes are born dirty can give you an insight on where you should be spending more time and caution. And the cool thing is that you can support yourself through very targeted actions that will help the weaker genes.   

What are Dirty Genes?  

Now many of you may be wondering what dirty genes are. Dr. Ben Lynch explains that dirty genes are genes that are not functioning at it's best. One can inherit dirty genes from your parents. And it usually does not function as well as it should be in your particular environment.   

“You can inherit it. Genes also get dirty by sitting in the garage after turning on your car or turning on your gas stove and not turning the hood on. Dirty genes are also from eating unhealthy or from chronic stress,” said Dr. Ben Lynch. 

Juicing, Raw Foods And Cooking  

Dr. Ben Lynch advises that if you cook your leafy green vegetables, steam them for a short period. That's where you'll get your folate. Apparently, the longer you cook, the more your folate will be destroyed.   

“Leafy greens are great. But if you have a weak constitution and digestion, eating raw, cold vegetables can be hard on you. So you might want to steam them,” Dr. Ben Lynch advises. ” If you have a frail palate, steam veggies and have soup. Keep in mind your body temperature, the power of your digestion and how you feel after. Listen to your body.”  

Dr. Ben Lynch claims to love juicing as well. He says he prefers using a Blendtec over Vitamix because it is not as noisy. I like Blendtec, too. But I have heard feedback from friends that it breaks down.   

Incidentally, I had the Vitamix expert Lenny Gale on my show a couple of times.  His website Life is No Yoke is packed with info on the different Vitamix models as well as yummy recipes using Vitamix. So I invite everyone to check out his website.  

Histamine Intolerance  

Dr. Ben Lynch also recommends a good brand of probiotics to keep our microbiome healthy. Some health conditions like headaches, runny nose, asthma and leaky gut is a sign that one may have histamine intolerance.  

Histamine in the stomach and small intestines is good because it stimulates the stomach acid, movement of stool and immune response. But it is not good to have too much histamine in our gut because it could lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, and acid reflux.  

Link Between Vaccines And Genes  

Dr. Ben Lynch shares that vaccines have a role in specific environments for certain people. But he believes vaccines are hurting our kids and pregnant women. The same goes for flu shots.   

Ideally, Dr. Ben Lynch recommends that parents should wait until their child is at least 12 years old before getting them vaccinated instead of when they are newborns. This is because any heavy metal will interfere with a plethora of genes.   

“You can take all the supplements you want, but if you have metals, genes won't work well. Avoid metals like aluminum because they interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain,” said Dr. Ben Lynch.  

He adds, “I am not pro-vaccine, but I don't think they are all bad. I just think if we do use them, they should be used selectively.”  

I recently had a great interview with Dr. Paul Thomas on vaccines, and the need to have a vaccine-friendly plan. We talked extensively about choosing when and which vaccines are safe so do check out that episode as well.  

Dr. Benjamin 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, Dr. Benjamin Lynch researches, writes and presents worldwide on the topic of MTHFR, methylation defects and genetic control. He is the President of www.SeekingHealth.com, a supplement company oriented towards disease prevention and health promotion. He also founded and directed www.seekinghealth.org, an educational institution 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.  

Get Connected With Dr. Ben Lynch!

Official Website  

Seeking Health  

Seeking Health.org  

StrateGene  

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Book by Dr. Ben Lynch

Dirty Genes

Recommended Reading by Dr. Ben Lynch

The One Thing by Gary Keller

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