March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Genetics and Nutrition at Ananda Integrative Medicine

A Westside health center that tailors diets to patients’ DNA. 

By Staff Writer 

From pressed juices to plant-based diets, Westsiders are known for leading the way in healthy eating trends, and a health center located in the heart of Brentwood takes healthy eating to a whole new level based on an individual’s genes. 

For the health savvy Westside resident, nutrition genomics can help guide personal diet, nutrition, and exercise that can not only optimize your health, but the health of future generations. 

“Epigenetic factors including diet, environment and lifestyle habits have the power to regulate our DNA by switching genes on and off, which can influence the health of up to four generations,” said Reshma Patel, PA-C, MMS, CEO & Founder of Ananda Integrative Medicine. 

Ananda Integrative Medicine’s Brentwood offices.

Before opening Ananda Integrative Medicine, located at 11950 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 110, Patel spent 14 years practicing family medicine, urgent care and occupational medicine in the Los Angeles area. Ananda Integrative Medicine helps patients not only be healthy but address the root cause of issues. 

According to Patel, one diet cannot suit everybody and at her practice, patients can develop a nutrition plan tailored specifically to their DNA. 

“Nutrition has an ‘epigenetic’ effect on our DNA. In other words, nutrition is one of the major ways we can change the destiny of our genetic healthy history and reverse disease statistics,” Patel said. “Genetics and biochemistry help us discover how we are different, and what we can do to potentially overcome disease susceptibilities through the understanding of epigenetics by applying it to our diet, lifestyle and your environment.” 

A specific example of how Ananda Integrative Medicine can use genetics to overcome disease susceptibilities is with patients who have a change in the amino acid sequence of the MTHFR enzyme, which adds a methyl group to folic acid so that the body is able to use it.  MTHFR variants are linked with miscarriages, depression, fibromyalgia, autism, coronary artery disease, infertility and autism. At Ananda Integrative Medicine, however, nutritional genomics can be used to develop a diet with foods like dark leafy greens and supplements like methylfolate that can support any variants in this gene.  

“Carrying the MTHFR gene is a potential risk; it doesn’t mean that the enzyme won’t function well,” Patel said. “Genes are not your destiny.  They are a blueprint for diseases and conditions you may be at risk for.  We can use this information to mitigate the risk by using nutrition and lifestyle changes.” 

Other examples of gene variants nutritional genomics can help address include the BCOL gene which can be supplemented with Vitamin A, FUT2 gene and Vitamin B12 and PPAR-ALPHA GENE. Variants in this gene have a poor response to fasting due to low ketone bodies, and according to Patel, this may explain diverse reactions to a ketogenic diet. 

According to Patel, 15 years ago such personalized care was not available to patients, but rapid advances in science have made nutritional genomics something anybody can utilize to lead a healthier life. The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003 at the cost of $2.3 billion.  This opened the world to understanding what makes us unique.  In 2006 it cost $300,000 to sequence one human genome.  By 2016 the cost was under $5,000. Today you can get your whole genome sequenced for $1,000. 

“The hope is to have it down to $200 in the near future. The genome is the complete set of DNA, and where you find the instructions to build health. The DNA remains fixed for life, but the epigenome remains flexible,” Patel said. “Understanding your genes leads to personalized medicine that is made for you.” 

And nutritional genomics is just one of many ways Ananda Integrative Medicine help patients develop personalized health plans, including infrared sauna treatments and vitamin injections, both of which provide patients a wide range of health benefits.

“Infrared saunas are an effective tool for natural healing and prevention. Benefits include: relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, blood pressure reduction, improved circulation, skin purification, anti-aging, wound healing, cell health muscle recovery and immunity,” Patel said. “Vitamin injections are great for boosting energy, metabolism, promoting better mood, immune support and thyroid support.”

For more information about Ananda Integrative Medicine’s services, visit AnandaIntegrativeMedicine.com/Services, call (424) 259-2089 or follow on Facebook @AnandaIntegrativeMedicine and Instagram @integrative_Pa. To book an appointment, click HERE.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...