Gene Genius

by Margaret E. Smith, Sue Williams

Gene Understand your DNA and create your own genetic roadmap to health and happiness Ever wondered why someone on exactly the same diet loses weight much faster than you? Puzzled about why you crave a sugar fix more than other people seem to? Can’t understand why your best friend stresses less than you? Can’t work out why some people love taking risks, when you don’t?The answers are all in our genes. Today, we sit on the threshold of the most far-reaching health revolution of our times — now we can identify some of the key genes that make a huge difference to our individual make-up.Gene Genius explains the science of DNA and genetic inheritance. This book takes you on a journey through the human genome, shedding light on how your genes influence your mental and physical health and showing how you can plot a clear path to a healthier you.Leading genetic scientist Dr Margaret Smith along with health writer Sue Williams offer suggestions for how to deal with any problematic genetic inheritance, such as a predisposition to weight gain, mental illness, stress, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, drug or alcohol dependencies and much more.Their sensible, informed advice reveals how you can transform your health and well-being by working in harmony with your genes and accomplish life-changing results.

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Carly Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, no-nonsense layperson's guide to epigenetics and nutrigenomics (the study of the effects of foods and food constituents on gene expression). This book is all the encouragement I need to find out my own genetic predisposition to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease, and to introduce some serious lifestyle changes accordingly. Highly recommended.

[Paul Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem with most diets is that they're designed to fit as many people as possible

40% of people have FTO gene SNP- "Fatso" gene - low satiety

MC4R gene - the snack gene

Metabolic rate genes - people with lower metabolic rate need less energy to power basic bodily processes, therefor having more excess energy that will be stored as fat
The "Fat buster" gene - AdpoQ - adiponectin

The "Tubby tummy" gene - UCP2

PPAR gamma receptor - the "Fat generator" gene

ADR BETA 1 & 2

The sweet tooth gene - SLC2A2

Sleep genes - "clock"

"66% of athletic ability can be attributed to genetics"

Performance enhancing polymorphisms - PEPs

ACE insertions or deletions - "tortoise" and "hare" genes

APOE4 Gene leads to people needing to control their intake of specific fats

Omega 3s are class - reduce the risk of heart disease

PPAR - fat burning gene

Lactose intolerance and celiac

The problem with table salt is that it's too high in Na and not high enough in Ca, Mg and K

COMT gene - "warrior or worrier" gene - 3 variants

Vitamins
B vitamins
Folate and Homocysteine

MTHFR gene leaves carriers with high Homocysteine levels in the blood

BPA and phthalates

Estrogens can cause cancer - come from plastics
Phytoestrogens

The novelty gene

[Simon Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst the messages contained in this book are sound and supported by research . The terminology is at times overly clinical and these key messages take some teasing out of the book. It may be easier for medically trained practitioners to connect with.
I especially aligned with the suggestions for improved connections between distinct medical specialisms, genetics and the social/ dietary aspects of a persons life.
For those listening to audio versions of this book. Avoid the end acknowledgments, they go on and on making the listener feel they are hearing a complete list of employees and referencing school teachers was the icing on this cake, even those who didn’t manage to inspire the author.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great concept but I found the style a bit repetitive and the solutions nothing new.

[Zakgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are fascinated by how the human body functions and why you crave (or not) things that can be bad for you then this will be an interesting read. This book is not the novel of almost the same name, the Genius Gene, which I think could also be a must read but for a whole other entertainment. This book, Gene Genius, was written by Doctors and is more like a handbook or text book style read. All about DNA and your genes. What I really liked about this book is that it imparts a hell of a lot of knowledge to the reader in a very easy manner.

All new research and theories backed by scientific experimentation and explanation. I had thoughts of THEY told us that eggs were bad for our cholesterol levels, and salt bad for heart health, and we should cut or avoid fatty foods, etc, etc, etc and I'm like so why would I believe all this latest research? And, simply we should question everything, always. There's nothing wrong with being sceptical. This book does deal with a lot of new data. We shall see in the future how much of it is correct and not, and that's just a good thing.

This book is also helpful with looking at our own health: mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and through analysing our DNA.

If you are a medical student or work in the medical field then this book is a must read.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful if detailed list and lay explanation of how our genes work. The take-home message: our genes affect all aspects of our lives from our mood and resilience, our response to different diets and exercise regimes, to our vulnerability to diseases and cancers. That doesn't mean life is a fait accompli. If we test our genes, we can avoid the traps by working with the genes we have. Probably much too much to absorb in a single reading, I found myself glazing over at times, but a great resource for that problem area in your life!