If you’re looking to optimize your health, prevent disease, and potentially extend your lifespan, you probably have heard of the genetic test offered by Gary Brecka’s 10X Health.
In this post, we will take a deep dive into what Brecka’s test entails, how it works, and what benefits it may offer for those seeking to fine-tune their wellness routine based on their unique DNA.
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What is the Gary Brecka 10X Health Genetic Test?
The 10X Health genetic test, created by biologist and human performance coach Gary Brecka, is a comprehensive analysis that looks at five key genes involved in the body’s methylation cycle.
While only a small number of genes are analyzed, the goal is to identify potential mutations that could impact how well your body processes certain nutrients and functions on a cellular level.
By understanding your genetic strengths and weaknesses, you can then make more informed choices about your diet, supplements, and lifestyle to optimize methylation and support overall health.
How Does Methylation Impact Health and Longevity?
Methylation is a crucial biochemical process that affects nearly every system in the body.
It involves the transfer of methyl groups (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) to various compounds, which helps to regulate gene expression, produce neurotransmitters, build and repair DNA, and carry out detoxification.
“The methylation cycle has far-reaching effects in the body…Genetic mutations in this pathway are linked to numerous health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.” [2]
When methylation is impaired due to genetic mutations or nutrient deficiencies, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health issues over time.
These may include anxiety, depression, fatigue, hormone imbalances, poor detoxification, cardiovascular problems, and even increased risk of certain cancers.
On the other hand, supporting healthy methylation through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle is thought to be an important factor in preventing disease, slowing the aging process, and promoting longevity.
Gary Brecka shares:
“MTHFR is very early in the methylation cycle so when you have this gene mutation it can cause other symptoms down the line that don’t necessarily come from this Gene but they come from the inability of this Gene to supply the raw material to other genes further down the methylation cycle…you could be two or three minor supplements with B complex, a B12 multivitamin, and methylfolate – you could be that far away from fixing those gut issues.”
By optimizing this foundational cellular process, you may be able to improve energy levels, brain function, and detoxification and decrease the chronic inflammation that underlies many age-related illnesses.
- Aids in converting food into energy
- Essential for neurotransmitter synthesis
- Can help regulate mood
What Genes Does the 10X Test Analyze?
The 10X genetic test focuses on five key genes involved in the methylation cycle: MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MTRR, and AHCY.
According to Gary Brecka:
“MTHFR – it’s commonly referred to as one of the worst to have but the easiest to fix because it’s very early in the methylation cycle…if you just Google MTHFR…you’ll find yourself on some really colorful websites…so if you if you go MTHFR and put the word ‘and’ and then put anxiety, gut health, brain fog, chronic fatigue…and look at the hordes of published clinical research peer-reviewed human studied published clinical research linking a lot of these these common ailments in society to a genetic mutation where you have a deficiency in raw material.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of each.
- MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase): This gene produces an enzyme essential for processing folate, which is crucial for DNA synthesis, detoxification, and production of neurotransmitters and red blood cells. MTHFR mutations can impair folate metabolism and are linked to issues like depression, fertility problems, and elevated homocysteine (a risk factor for heart disease).
- COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase): COMT helps break down neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Genetic variations can affect stress response, cognitive function, and pain sensitivity.
- MTR (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase): The MTR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine to methionine. This helps recycle folate and is important for healthy cell division.
- MTRR (Methionine Synthase Reductase): MTRR helps regulate the function of methionine synthase (MTR). Mutations in MTRR can lead to elevated homocysteine levels.
- AHCY (S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase): This gene is involved in the conversion of S-adenosylhomocysteine to homocysteine. AHCY defects have been associated with hypermethioninemia and liver problems.
For each gene, the 10X test will determine if you have zero, one, or two mutations.
Having one mutation means that one parent passed it on (heterozygous), while having two means you inherited a mutation from both parents (homozygous).
The more mutations you have, the greater the potential impact on methylation function.
Understanding Your 10X Health Test Results
When you receive your 10X test results, you’ll get a report that uses a red-yellow-green stoplight system to indicate your mutation status for each gene.
Green means no mutations, yellow means one mutation (heterozygous), and red means two mutations (homozygous).
The report also provides an explanation for what each gene mutation may mean symptom-wise.
For example, an MTHFR mutation is linked to issues like anxiety, depression, and elevated homocysteine, while a COMT mutation may contribute to poor stress resilience and sleep issues.
By seeing which genes you have mutations in, you can connect that with your health history and current symptoms to determine where you might need extra support.
The 10X report aims to give you a roadmap for optimizing your unique genetic pathways through targeted diet, supplement, and lifestyle changes.
Diet and Supplement Recommendations Based on Results
One of the key pieces of information you’ll gain from the 10X test is a better understanding of your body’s specific nutrient needs.
The report provides dietary and supplement recommendations tailored to your genetic profile.
For example, if you have an MTHFR mutation that impairs your ability to process folic acid, you may be advised to avoid fortified foods and instead focus on natural folate sources like leafy greens, legumes, and organ meats.
You may also benefit from taking a methylated form of folate (5-MTHF) rather than regular folic acid.
Other common recommendations based on methylation mutations include:
- Increasing intake of nutrient-dense foods like eggs, leafy greens, and liver
- Supplementing with methylated B vitamins, riboflavin, choline, and trimethylglycine
- Avoiding processed foods and artificial additives that can impair methylation
- Eating an antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory diet to reduce oxidative stress
It’s important to remember that while genes play a role in nutrient needs, they are only one piece of the puzzle.
Other factors like digestion, absorption, stress, sleep, and environmental toxins also impact methylation.
An integrative approach that addresses diet, lifestyle, and genetics together is likely to be most effective.
Lifestyle Factors to Optimize Methylation and Health
In addition to diet and supplements, the 10X report emphasizes the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle to support methylation and general wellness. Some key factors include:
- Getting enough sleep: Insufficient or disrupted sleep interferes with methylation and can worsen the effects of genetic mutations. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Managing stress: Chronic stress depletes methylation nutrients like folate and B12. Engaging in daily stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, or time in nature can help.
- Optimizing light exposure: Getting sunlight during the day and avoiding blue light at night supports the circadian rhythm, which influences methylation. Aim to get outside for 15-30 minutes of sun exposure daily.
- Exercising regularly: Physical activity supports methylation by reducing inflammation, improving detoxification, and boosting immunity. Find a type of movement you enjoy and aim for at least 150 minutes per week.
By combining customized genetic recommendations with a foundation of healthy daily habits, you can create a powerful synergistic effect to optimize your methylation pathways and support long-term vitality.
The 10X approach emphasizes finding the unique diet and lifestyle that works best for your individual biochemistry.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of the 10X Test
So, is the 10X test right for you?
Let’s consider some of the potential benefits and drawbacks.
On the positive side, getting targeted genetic information can be extremely valuable for fine-tuning your approach to diet and supplementation.
By understanding your unique needs and predispositions, you may be able to resolve stubborn symptoms, boost your energy and mental health, and take proactive steps to lower disease risk.
In this sense, the test can provide a great deal of insight and empowerment.
However, the 10X test is one of the pricier options out there at $599 for only five genes analyzed.
In comparison, other genetic health tests like 23andMe deliver raw data on hundreds of thousands of SNPs.
If budget is a concern, you may be able to get similar methylation insights for less by running your 23andMe raw data through a third-party analysis tool.
It’s also crucial to keep genetic information in perspective as just one part of your health story.
Genes are not destiny, and having a mutation does not guarantee you will develop a particular symptom or disease.
Your environment, diet, lifestyle, and mindset all play a role in how your genes get expressed.
FAQ
What is the Gary Brecka test?
The Gary Brecka test, also known as the 10X Health genetic test, is a DNA methylation analysis that looks at five key genes (MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MTRR, and AHCY) involved in the body’s methylation cycle. The goal is to identify potential genetic mutations that could impact nutrient processing and overall health.
How much is Gary Brecka genetic testing cost?
The Gary Brecka 10X Health genetic test currently costs $599, which includes analysis of the five key methylation genes and a personalized report with diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on your results.
Is a DNA methylation test worth it?
Whether a DNA methylation test is worth it depends on your personal health goals, budget, and desire for targeted genetic information. It can provide valuable insights for optimizing diet and supplements.
What does Gary Brecka recommend?
Based on your genetic results, Gary Brecka and the 10X Health team may recommend specific dietary changes (like avoiding folic acid-fortified foods or increasing leafy greens), targeted supplements (like methylated B vitamins or choline), and lifestyle modifications (like prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and getting enough sunlight) to optimize methylation and support overall health.
What is the Gary Brecka diet?
The Gary Brecka diet is a personalized nutrition plan based on your unique genetic blueprint as revealed by the 10X Health test. While recommendations vary depending on your specific results, common suggestions include eating whole, unprocessed foods, avoiding artificial additives, and focusing on nutrient-dense sources of natural folate, B vitamins, and antioxidants to support healthy methylation.
Is Gary Brecka a doctor?
No, Gary Brecka is not a medical doctor. He is a biologist and human performance coach who has developed the 10X Health genetic test based on his expertise in genetics, epigenetics, and functional health. He works alongside a team of healthcare professionals to help clients interpret their results and implement personalized diet and lifestyle protocols.
How much does the Brecka 10X cost?
The Brecka 10X Health genetic test costs $599, which includes genetic analysis of five key methylation genes (MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MTRR, and AHCY) and a personalized report with diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your unique results.
What are the 5 genes to test for Gary Brecka?
The five genes tested in the Gary Brecka 10X Health panel are:
- MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase)
- COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)
- MTR (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase)
- MTRR (Methionine Synthase Reductase)
- AHCY (S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase)
These genes play crucial roles in the methylation cycle and can impact everything from neurotransmitter production to detoxification to cardiovascular health. By analyzing your unique genetic variations, the 10X test aims to provide a roadmap for optimizing your health through personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
