Issue #100

Genetics and Blood Testing: Part 1 of a Series by: DrJMW

Genetics is a very important aspect of health and fitness. It determines how one will look, how one will perform, and how one will respond to psycho-social, environmental, dietary and pharmaceutical stimuli. One simple way to identify genetically-differing body types is by observation. The endomorph, the mesomorph, and the ectomorph have distinct genetic and physical differences. The endomorph is characterized by “softer” bodies and a “round” shape. He stores fat easily and has difficulty losing his fat stores. The mesomorph is known for his muscular and athletic build. He stores fat evenly and he could easily gain or lose fat. The ectomorph typically has a thin, delicate build. He has a young appearance with low fat storage capacity and usually has trouble gaining weight.

Another way to identify genetic variation is to do blood testing. There is a reason for such large variations of “normal ranges.” It is to accommodate the various body types. All healthy endo’s, meso’s and ecto’s will fall within the “normal ranges” of blood testing. Blood testing will help acknowledge the body type as well as show us if there are any abnormalities present. One of the most important goals of health and fitness is to ensure “normal” blood test results. Blood testing gives us a close look into one’s genetic make-up and will allow us to identify problem areas and areas to be enhanced.

Science is currently working on gene therapy. Gene therapy is actual manipulation/alteration of the gene to improve or eliminate its expression. If scientists can shut off cancer cell proliferation at the DNA level, then that is effective gene therapy. A great deal of work is being done to “rejuvenate” pancreatic cells to produce insulin, thereby eliminating the patient’s need to inject insulin to survive. It will be years before these scientists manipulate the obesity gene or the gene that triggers high metabolic rates. Currently, genetic enhancement revolves around enhancement procedures (hormone replacement therapy [HRT], anti obesity drugs, plastic surgery, etc.).

Blood testing will allow us to see baseline levels, levels influenced by changes in psycho-social, environmental, dietary, and pharmaceutical stimuli, and levels upon completion of the enhancements or detriments. Baseline testing is important, for it gives us a starting point to addressing abnormalities. It is imperative to correct any abnormalities (cholesterol problems, liver problems, kidney problems, hormonal problems, blood problems, etc.) before embarking on an elective, enhancement program. If one does not correct these baseline problems first, then it is probable that any enhancement program will make the problems worse. For an enhancement program to work, one needs every system operating normally. Responsible people that begin an enhancement program get blood testing performed. Otherwise, the enhancement program becomes a high-risk activity.

Blood testing during an enhancement program is a chance to see how one’s body responds to the changes. It gives one a chance to make adjustments to the program. We can adjust the diet, change the work-out, and alter the pharmaceutical plan to try to achieve optimal blood test results as well as ensure safety and efficacy of the program.

Blood testing at the end of the recovery cycle or during a maintenance cycle (for those with nothing to recover) is also very telling. It will show how one has responded to recovery, how effective one’s adjustments during the enhancement were, and it will show any residual problems or new problems that arise. NOTE: If baseline blood testing is done, one will know if he has anything to recover--this is important and I can’t emphasize this enough.

Part II--Problems associated with the body types and how training, diet, and pharmaceuticals affect each type and their blood test results.