Lori Holstad Peterson

I came across the MTHFR gene a few years ago through my daughter. She has suffered from chronic Lyme Disease, and had done some nutrient testing. Her report came back with a comment about a genetic mutation called MTHFR, for which she was that was homozygous on the 1298 version.

She called and asked me to research it for her. Her doctor suggested mthfr.net but said she didn’t have any other knowledge about it. I began with mthfr.net and eventually found my way to seekinghealth.org. I developed quite an interest in the underlying genetic conditions that can have an influence on health. This was the start of my journey. Since then, I have spent a great deal of time listening to, and learning from the SHEI courses. In the process, I have been working closely with my sister, who is an MD. She has recently converted her practice from Conventional to Functional Medicine. More recently, she has started to incorporate Ben Lynch’s materials and the StrateGene reports into her practice. She has commented to me that switching to Functional medicine, and taking genetics into consideration, has been most rewarding for her, as she never saw such dramatic results in the 20 years of Conventional Medicine practice as she sees now.

As for myself, I have been getting calls and requests from family and friends to help them take charge of their health. Part of this involves running the StrateGene report, and referring them to doctors who know how to utilize this information. I also have been asked to attend doctor appointments on behalf of family members, and have had the pleasure of sharing this information with several conventional MD’s. Dr. Lynch’s pathways have been quite useful when I am approaching doctors on the subject. I have found that as a rule, doctors have been very receptive to my input, especially when I pull out the pathways. One Ob-gyn was shocked when I told her that Folic Acid was not always the best option for her pregnant patients. I pulled out the folate pathway and explained why not. I suggested that she do some research and gave her the resources. She was surprised and a bit appalled that she hadn’t heard this before. Recently, I met with a vascular surgeon who listened to my input and made changes to the surgical plan in order to avoid medications that could complicate the recovery process. I have met with transplant surgeons, vascular surgeons, Osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, endocrinologists, and several MD’s. A couple of these professionals have since incorporated the pathways into their practices. My son’s endocrinologist listened as I told her that I am determined to reverse my son’s recent dx of Type 1 DM. I told her some what I was doing with food, and she said whatever I was doing, keep it up. She has never seen anyone require so little insulin.

I have been so inspired by Dr. Lynch and his work, that I am considering coming out of retirement, getting more education and getting back into healthcare to work with my sister as a health coach. Whatever I end up doing, one thing is for certain. There is no going back for me. Ben Lynch has changed my life in a very dramatic way. I live my life thinking in terms of biochemistry, and what might influence these pathways to improve on efficiency. I am happier and healthier than ever before, as is my family. Thank you Dr. Lynch’s for all that you do. It is much appreciated!!!