Our genes influence the way we absorb and metabolize micronutrients. Nutrigenomics looks at the influence genetic variation has over micronutrient absorption/metabolism and the biological consequences of this dynamic relationship. Our diet also influences which of these genes are turned on or off! Emerging evidence in the field of epigenetics has demonstrated that not only can we change the expression of our own genes within our own lifetime; sometimes these changes are heritable and affect our children and grandchildren. In this talk we’ll be exploring the intersection between genetics, nutrition, and environment: how your diet, micronutrients, exercise, heat stress, and sleep can change the expression of your genes and how this has profound effects on the way your body functions and ages.

Rhonda Perciavalle Patrick, Ph.D. is an assistant scientist at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute working with Dr. Bruce Ames. She investigates the effects of micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficiencies on metabolism, inflammation, DNA damage, and aging in people. She also researches the role of vitamin D in brain function and dysfunction.

In addition to Rhonda’s active role as a researcher, she also functions as a science communicator for a broad lay audience via her web and video presence found at FoundMyFitness.com. She is passionate about disseminating health-related information in a way that the general public can easily understand. She is a frequent speaker and writer on topics ranging from general health and wellness, to diet and aging, to vitamins and their effects. It is Rhonda’s goal to challenge the status quo and encourage the wider public to think about health and longevity using a proactive, preventative approach.

Rhonda earned her Ph.D. in biomedical science from the University of Tennessee and performed her graduate research work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in biochemistry/chemistry from the University of California, San Diego. She has done extensive research on aging, cancer and nutrition, and metabolism

Did you also listen to the latest podcast with her on JRE? So interesting!

Yeah!

I also loved the whole thing about the gut bacteria. It's also great info and sets some pretty undeniable arguments against the whole 'alkaline diet' people: Healthy gut flora actually creates an acidic environment through lactate/lactic acid (hence the name lactobacilus). Also the idea that fermentation in the gut is bad, it's not, fermentable fibers are essential for a healthy gut.

I've never listened to her own podcast or videos though, thanks for linking I'll definitely check them out!

Yup! The cold shock therapy is really fascinating, along with the heat stress therapy. Nothing totally new in knowing that they would most likely benefits to certain degrees, but she broke down many of the benefits really nicely in that latest podcast.

I take cold showers often for the last 2 minutes or so. Even just after that one time of doing so, the way I felt afterwards and for the rest of the day was really great. Clarity of mind, focused, a reasonable boost in energy along with a really relaxed state of well being, and that was just one day.