‘€œCertain gene variations are highly efficient in detoxification and DNA repair. As a result, the body is able to not only remove harmful substances ‘€“ including toxins found in cigarettes ‘€“ more effectively but is also able to repair resulting DNA damage much faster. If you’€™re a smoker and have inherited this genetic variation, you could have a reduced risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses as the body expels the toxins far more efficiently with limited damage caused to the DNA,’€ says Dr Gys du Plessis, advisor for DNAlysis Biotechnology, practicing in integrative and functional medicine and medical director for Nimue Bioscience.

Unfortunately, not many of us have been blessed with this super-detox gene. In fact, as much as half of the world’€™s population inherited the opposite variation – known as GlutathioneS-Transferase M1 or GST-M1 ‘€“ that could render Phase II of the detox process of the liver less efficient.

‘€œThe detoxification process in the liver has two distinct phases. Phase I is the body’€™s first line of defence where a number of enzymes, governed by more than 30 genes, prepares the toxin for further detoxification by Phase II. In Phase II, the GST enzymes, as well as many others, neutralise toxic substances by adding on a chemical group, converting the toxins into substrates that can be flushed out via urine or stool,’€ du Plessis explains.

Smokers with GST-M1 at greater risk

Most toxins inhaled from smoking are expelled from the body during Phase II, presenting a distinct disadvantage to smokers who have inherited the GST-M1 gene variation. ‘€œPhase II of your detoxification process is genetically impaired by the GST-M1 variation and your body struggles, or is less able, to successfully excrete toxins as a result. This leads to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, smoking-related cancers and pulmonary disease. In addition, normal oestrogen detoxification is suppressed, increasing your risk of infertility as well as breast- and prostate cancer,’€ says du Plessis.

In a worst-case scenario, you could have inherited a second genetic variation known as CYP1A1 which speeds up the detoxification process during Phase I. A super-efficient Phase I and impaired Phase II is a very unfortunate combination and even more so for a smoker.

‘€œSmokers presenting both GST-M1 and CYP1A1 genetic variations face a double whammy effect. As Phase I processes toxins at an accelerated rate, more intermediate toxins are dumped on an already compromised Phase II, rendering it unable to cope with the flood of toxins passed down from Phase I. In essence, it’€™s a recipe for disaster and these individuals should be monitoring their intake of day-to-day environmental toxins, not significantly add to it by lighting up,’€ du Plessis explains.

Understand strengths and weaknesses

Du Plessis recommends that all smokers investigate and understand their genetic strengths and weaknesses, particularly when it comes to the all-important detoxification process.

‘€œIf you’€™re not planning on nipping the habit in the bud any time soon, a DNA test will at least enable you to identify genetic variances in your makeup and address these via a change in lifestyle, diet or exercise. Smokers with a GST-M1 genetic variation, for example, should avoid environmental toxins such as smoking altogether, follow a diet rich in antioxidants and substantially increase their intake of cruciferous and allium vegetables. While this certainly won’€™t guarantee optimal health while smoking, it will at least aid your body to better cope with toxins,’€ says du Plessis.

However, genetics is only one component of the bigger picture and even those with super-detox genes are not guaranteed continued good health. A myriad of other key lifestyle factors including diet, environmental toxin exposure, exercise, how you manage stress levels and whether you take supplements play an equally important role in determining your overall wellbeing and disease risk.

Source: Bespoke Communication on behalf of DNALYSIS Biotechnology