The truth about epigenetics (and root causes!)
Posted by Andrea Nakayama
Last week I introduced the Non-Negotiable Trifecta — sleep, poop, and blood sugar balance.
I also shared the new Sleep Assessment that we use in my clinic.
These 3 factors (sleep, poop and blood sugar balance) are so critical to resolving any health issue that in our clinic they are assessed immediately, either before or during other recommendations or interventions, dependent on the case.
I know it’s seductive to rush ahead — to think about genetic mutations or bacterial infections or hormone imbalances or mold exposures — but the truth is, trying to bypass the Trifecta is like building a house on quicksand. The house just doesn’t stand tall and strong, at least not for very long.
I also know it seems somewhat boring or even trivial to spend time bringing remedy to these core basics. You likely want to position yourself as someone who goes deeper, someone who can address that more seductive “one root cause.”
Many Roots
Yet the truth is, there is rarely one root cause.
In fact, all the social media hype about “the root cause”, is causing me to lose a little sleep!
It has patients back to searching for the one pill, protocol, probe or practitioner that’s going to unearth that one root cause and address it to resolve issues that are instead more widely rooted in the full body systems. (Have you noticed this too? The trend in health-conscious circles is no longer about the one pharmaceutical or nutraceutical. Instead, it’s about the one root!)
Soil Matters Too
Beyond the deceit of this trend, I’m concerned about you. I’m concerned that you’re looking for one root when you should be focusing your attention on not just finding the roots (notice the plural), but also on the soil in which those roots grew!
That soil includes the terrain created by imbalances manifesting in problems with sleep, poop and blood sugar balance. That soil contains the epigenetic factors we all know to pay attention to. (“Genetics load the gun, environment pulls the trigger.” We all know this, right?!) And without changing the soil, the root (singular or plural) will just grow back. Or a new root will manifest.
This leads you and your clients on a quest for the next root, and the next one. But without a lot of sustainable resolution.
So I’m on a soapbox about the reality we have to face in healthcare — about the need for more practitioners to get out of the Quick Fix, to better understand multifactorial conditions. and to accept the TRUTH ABOUT EPIGENETICS.
And over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be looking into how to do this with sleep. How do we use the Sleep Assessment to lead us to individualized recommendations and treatment plans that work?! Stay tuned for more on this important reframe on “root cause resolution.”
Related Blog Posts
Functional Nutrition Tool: Sleep Assessment
Setting-up Success for Sleep Support
case study: insomnia through a Functional lens, part 1
case study: insomnia through a Functional Lens, part 2
EXPERIENCE A FREE TRAINING SERIES WITH ANDREA NAKAYAMA TO HELP YOU
Begin practicing functionally today!
MORE TO EXPLORE
You Might Also Like
Paleo Banana Snickerdoodles
If you’ve been following the Paleo diet trend, you’ve probably come across recipes that incorporate bananas into various baked goods. Recently, I decided to conduct a little experiment and research to determine whether bananas, which are often viewed skeptically due to their perceived high sugar content, are worth the hype. First, let’s look at their […]
Read MoreThe Functional Nutrition Guide to Fats and Oils
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to fats and oils! This guide aims to provide you with valuable insights into the different types of fats and oils available, their sources, and how to make informed decisions about incorporating them into your diet. Fats and oils are more than just macronutrients; they are essential for overall health […]
Read MoreProtein: The Functional Nutrition Benefits of Nature’s Building Blocks
Protein: A fundamental element in Functional Nutrition As a key part of the Functional Nutrition Alliance’s Fat, Fiber, Protein principle for health and healing, protein deserves our attention and investigation. Protein is one of the essential macronutrients required by the human body to function properly. It’s composed of smaller units called amino acids, which are […]
Read MoreFiber: The Health & Healing Benefits of Complex Carbohydrates
Fiber fundamentals in Functional Nutrition Let’s talk about fiber! While fiber is not a macronutrient like Fat or Protein (the other two components of our core Fat/Fiber/Protein principle for health and healing), it is critical for full body systems health and balance. In fact, it’s a key factor supporting our Non-Negotiable Trifecta of Sleep, Poop, […]
Read More