Today I chat with Hormone & Fat Loss Specialist for women over 35, Tanya Pennington Miller. Tanya talks about the role DNA testing has in understanding everything from hormone health to why some people may be more predisposed to holding on to weight than others.
We also talk about the difference between a conventional practitioner and a functional practitioner and why your conventional doctor isn’t the person to help you through your hormonal shifts. This is a fascinating interview that brings a fresh and unique respective to how and why we feel the way we do, while offering practical advice as to what we can do about it.
[00:02:17] Transitioned from figure competitions to CrossFit & endurance racing; diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion & hypothyroidism; conventional medicine was unhelpful; found a functional practitioner who gave accurate diagnoses; now mountain biking & dirt biking; created a roadmap to help women in similar situations.
[00:08:10] Conventional medicine focuses on keeping people alive while functional medicine wants people to thrive. Conventional medicine uses lab ranges based on demographic areas, while functional medicine uses a smaller range for optimal health. Feeling tired and sluggish may not be considered an issue in conventional medicine, but functional medicine acknowledges it.
[00:11:17] DNA, gene variants (SNPs), and epigenetics impact our health. SNPs affect gene expression and our susceptibility to environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and diseases. Epigenetics modify genes, which can be influenced by lifestyle and environmental exposures. Medical and lifestyle genes have different impacts. The MTHFR gene mutation affects methylation, which is related to stress response and inflammation. By optimizing methylation, risks for chronic diseases can be decreased.
[00:18:56] Estrogen dominance can go undetected in blood work. Impaired phase 2 detoxification can lead to recycling of toxic estrogen, causing symptoms like breast tenderness and anemia. Improving phase 2 detoxification and regular bowel movements can help eliminate excess estrogen.
[00:23:26] CYP1A2 snip determines caffeine metabolism rate. Slow metabolizers shouldn’t have too much caffeine and should avoid consuming it before race. Medium metabolizers shouldn’t consume caffeine in the afternoon. Fast metabolizers can consume at any time.
[00:28:44] I help women who can’t lose weight through conventional methods.
[00:30:45] Enrollment closed. The DNA-based wellness program runs for 8 weeks. Includes DNA kit, blood test, and supplement protocol. Weekly live Zoom meetings for program participants. Additional 12 weeks of community support. Importance of sleep is emphasized.
[00:36:15] Focus on 2 or 3 changes at a time, take baby steps and make progress slowly.
[00:37:42] Take things one step at a time, connect with Tanya on Instagram, share podcast to help others.
