Why I Moved Beyond Pathways to Physiology
The story behind The Systems Physiology Method™
My journey into methylation began in 2012, studying genetic variants, enzymes, nutrients, and the biochemical pathways that influence human health. Over the years, I developed an interactive methylation map to illustrate how these pathways connect.
But the deeper I explored biochemistry, the more I recognized an important distinction: understanding how a pathway is supposed to function doesn't necessarily tell us how it's functioning inside a particular person.
Biochemistry gives us the map. Physiology reveals the territory.
That realization changed how I approached health. Rather than focusing primarily on individual genes and pathways, I began investigating the cellular conditions that determine how effectively those pathways can function.
This shift in perspective eventually led to the development of The Systems Physiology Method™.
Three Principles. One Different Perspective.
The Cell Comes Before the Gene™
A genetic variant cannot be understood in isolation from the cellular environment in which it operates.
ATP Before SNPs™
Before focusing on genetic potential, we must consider the energy and resources available to support cellular function.
Physiology Determines Strategy™
Clinical decisions should be guided by physiological evidence, not genetic findings or isolated markers alone.
Where It All Began
My early studies focused on the methionine cycle, folate cycle, and transsulfuration pathway, along with the enzymes and nutrients that support them. Like many in functional medicine, I became particularly interested in genetic variants, commonly called SNPs, and their potential impact on enzyme activity.
During that time, the approach seemed logical: identify a genetic variant, understand the enzyme involved, and determine if additional nutrients could support its function. Methylfolate, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and magnesium were typically key supplements in this perspective.
But as I explored these pathways more deeply, I began to recognize the limitations of this approach. Knowing what an enzyme requires doesn't necessarily tell us whether it's struggling, or why. And identifying a genetic variant doesn't automatically establish a physiological problem that needs correcting.
That realization led to a bigger question: Are the conditions around these pathways just as important as the pathways themselves?
I also began questioning the assumption that supplying additional nutrients automatically improves a biochemical pathway. Without understanding the individual's physiological conditions, how could we determine whether those nutrients were needed, or whether the intervention was producing the intended effect?
How I Work Today
My work today begins with understanding the person, not just interpreting individual lab results or genetic variants. I examine health history, symptoms, lab trends, medications, lifestyle, and the relationships between physiological systems.
For example, someone experiencing fatigue can have contributing factors involving iron regulation, thyroid function, cellular energy production, sleep, or several interconnected processes. Instead of looking at each finding as a separate issue, I focus on finding patterns and connections. This helps me identify potential root causes and their effects.
The Systems Physiology Method™ follows three practical rules:
1. Investigate before intervening.
2. Understand the relationships involved before deciding what causes certain outcomes.
3. Establish physiological priorities before developing a strategy.
An abnormal lab result doesn't automatically explain someone's symptoms, and not every abnormality needs treatment. Some findings are supported by strong evidence, others remain possibilities, and sometimes the available information isn't enough to justify an intervention.
My goal isn't to chase every abnormal marker or recommend more supplements and testing. It's to help people understand what their physiological evidence reveals, identify priorities, and make informed decisions about what to investigate or address next.
Cells first. Protocols later.