Gene Research and Nutrition

This past week, I was talking with my massage therapist Liz and we were discussing gene research and gene expression; and how they relate to one’s overall outlook on health. I imagine this is a topic that we will begin to hear more and more about in the future. I would like to go on the record and say that the scientific research in this field will not disprove but rather will validate the principles of Metabolic Typing® that Bill Wolcott and HealthExcel have been touting for the last 30 years. From a reactive standpoint, gene research will probably be able to (it better!) identify what foods are adverse for one’s metabolism and which ones are okay. However, there are many things that we Metabolic Typing® advisors believe genetic research won’t be able to do that Metabolic Typing® can:

* ID the Dominant energy-producing system (Dominance Factor) in one’s metabolism relative to effects of foods and nutrients (Autonomic or Oxidative)
* Determine – and explain -- how foods and nutrients will behave in the body – stimulating or inhibiting
* Determine – and explain -- how foods and nutrients will behave in the body – acidifying or alkalizing
* Indicate the proper kinds of proteins for the MT
* Indicate the proper kinds of fats for the MT
* Indicate the proper kinds of carbohydrates for the MT
* Indicate the proper macro nutrient ratios for each meal and snack (based upon MT, extent of MT imbalance, and circadian rhythm requirements)
* Distinguish between Genetic Type vs. Functional Type requirements for foods
* Distinguish between Genetic Type vs. Functional Type requirements for nutrients
* Recommend which nutrients are needed to address Fundamental Homeostatic Control (FHC) Functional Type Imbalances
* Recommend which forms (acid vs. alkaline) of nutrients are needed to address FHC Functional Type Imbalances
* Recognize, evaluate and (successfully) address the FHC Imbalances in each individual:
- Autonomic
- Oxidative
- Prostaglandin Balance
- Constitutional Type
- Catabolic(Aerobic)/Anabolic(Anaerobic) Balance
- Endocrine Type
- Electrolyte Stress/Insufficiency
- 6 Acid/Alkaline Imbalances
- Blood Type
- Steroidal Hormone Balance
- Neurotransmitter Balance
* Recognize, evaluate and (successfully) address the Blocking Factors/Stressors
* Recognize, evaluate and (successfully) address the significance of Heavy Metals in metabolism
* Recognize, evaluate and (successfully) address the need for optimal Digestion, Hydration, Elimination and Detoxification
* Recognize, evaluate and (successfully) address the fact that the body is structured via a hierarchical organization where:
- Nutrients behave differently on different levels
- Any nutrient can have opposite effects (in different Metabolic Types)
- Any disease can arise from opposite biochemical imbalances (in different Metabolic Types)
- Nutrient levels necessarily need to be understood in terms of being a:

1. Quantitative Excess

2. Qualitative Insufficiency

3. Qualitative Excessive Utilization

4. Quantitative Deficiency

5. Problem vs. Defense (against a problem)

We in the Metabolic Typing® community believe that Metabolic Typing® will always be able to take anyone from wherever they are on the disease-health spectrum and systematically and certifiably optimize genetic potential and develop vibrant health. Gene research may be able to play a supporting role in developing vibrant health, but I will go on record and say that alone it will not be able to do what Metabolic Typing® can do. ;) Let’s see if this proves to be true…

Can Metabolic Typing® Really Do All That?

Can Metabolic Typing® Really Do All That?

Over the past several months, I have had interaction with my chiropractor, dermatologist, and of course my massage therapist Liz. When I went to Susan (the chiro) I was experiencing a lot of numbness in the left side of my upper body that stemmed from squatting in a suit. The first step she did was order a series of x-rays to see what might be going on structurally. Come to find out my thoracic area was tracking left. So, she put a plan in place and now several months later I am holding my adjustment and things are back where they should be. Susan sees x-rays of the spine numerous times a day, most of the days of her life. However, it is interesting to note that she commented to me that with the exception of the slight thoracic curve that my spine is one of the healthiest she has ever seen in terms of no spurs, disc spacing, etc. Now, keep in mind that I have been beating my body up for most of my adolescent and adult life with athletics, the military and intense powerlifting. In her professional opinion, this is the result of my Metabolic Typing® lifestyle.

When I went in for my annual check-up to the dermatologist, he was really amazed at how my skin continues to be so soft, supple, etc. Now guys-I know what you are thinking. Put your egos down for a minute and look at what is actually happening. My cellular turnover must be so efficient and so “focused” that my skin-at age 35-continues to regenerate and rebuild like someone that is much, much younger. In fact, he told me that if he had no idea he would guess my “skin age” to be about half of that of my actual age. Furthermore, he is amazed that the scars that he has come to know as unique to me are fading every time that I see him. Of course, we have discussed my Metabolic Typing® lifestyle, and now that he understands it he is convinced that is the reason.

Finally there is Liz. I have been receiving massages and body work from her for almost 3 years now. She has seen me through all sorts of training (high/low volume, high/low intensity, and everything in-between) and several injuries; but the one thing that she continues to comment on is my ability to recover. It seems to happen at an amazing rate; and certainly much faster than she is accustomed to seeing in her practice. Liz is a very holistic person, and she and I discuss Metabolic Typing® all the time. Just like the others, she is convinced that my Metabolic Typing® lifestyle is what allows me to recover at such an accelerated rate.

So, can Metabolic Typing® really do all of that? I am living proof that it can. It is amazing to see the human body in action when it is given the right fuel. I will say without hesitation that I totally believe the human body’s capacity for vibrant health is limitless. It very well may not be the only way, but unquestionably Metabolic Typing® is one of the ways; as me and my clients can certainly attest to 

More Testosterone DOES NOT Automatically Equal More Muscle and Strength

How often have we heard that the higher a man's (or woman's, for that matter) testosterone level, the stronger and more muscular he will be?

Well, I am here to tell you that this is not the case. How do I know? From the BioHealth 205 adrenal profiles (which test one's levels at the cellular level-where all metabolic activity originates-and not the blood level, like a blood draw would) that I have run on me and my clients. Believe me; I was very surprised to see that one's hormone levels do not guarantee additional strength and lean muscle mass.

In April of 2008 I posted a 1390 raw total at a body weight of 170 pounds in the sport of powerlifting. It is the highest one I have done to date, and it was done while I was in Stage 1 adrenal fatigue. My testosterone level was actually on the high range of "normal", and my estradiol and estriol levels were low. As I noted previously, my Cortisol pattern showed me to be in Stage 1 adrenal fatigue; but for a strength athlete that is not too bad-all hard training considered.

Fast forward to June 2009. I had my adrenals re-checked and the BioHealth 205 results showed that not only was I no longer in Stage 1 adrenal fatigue; but my hormone levels were very high. My testosterone and progesterone were so high that the lab had to check twice for accuracy. It is interesting to note that during this time when I was supplementing for my adrenal fatigue and removing blocking factors and toxic load that I did not hit a personal record on any of my individual lifts or total, and I did not gain any lean muscle mass.

I have observed the exact same thing in several clients now, and that has lead me to conclude that although having a favorable hormone profile is of course always in our best interest; it does not automatically mean that we will get stronger or gain lean muscle. There is obviously so much more that goes into both of these things, such as training, discipline, believing in yourself, recovering from training, etc.

I will say that more than a few clients who improved their adrenal profiles did in fact add lean muscle and did gain strength. However, my point of this post is to tell you that just because you already have high testosterone levels or have improved your hormonal profile that you are going to get bigger and stronger in the gym.

You still have to get in there regularly, figure out what works for you, stay consistent, remain determined, and bust your ass.