Why Test Your DNA?

 

DNA or Gene Testing is an individual approach in order to improve weight loss by means of following the right diet according to your gene-set, improving your health by means of supporting bodily systems that may be weak and needs lifestyle support. In this way preventing disease in the long term and also being aware of your potential disease risks.

 

We can’t control our genes themselves, WE CAN CONTROL HOW OUR GENES ARE EXPRESSED – whether they’re likely to get “switched on” or off.

 

Genetic expression is strongly shaped by our environment, over which we DO have some power. So, if we know more about our genetic defects (called genetic variants), we might be able to adjust our lifestyle or environment in order to be healthier and prevent some illnesses.

 

Understanding your genes provides clarity as to why your body responds the way it does to certain foods and environments, and how to help your body’s systems work optimally.

 

If we know more about our own unique risk factors, we might be more likely to make healthier choices – choices that could impact our genetic expression

 

 

 

How Genetic Testing Works.

 

 

It is as simple as 1-2-3-4!

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1. Order a test kit - Send an email to anel@paarldts.co.za for more information on the DNA test or to place your order. The easy to use test will then be delivered to your door.

 

2. Do the test - DNA testing is easy and painless, by taking a cheek swap sample (like they do in Crime Scene Investigations on TV) or by obtaining a small blood sample by means of a quick finger prick. The test can be performed at the practice in Paarl, should you prefer or in the comfort of your own home.

 

Courier collection of the DNA test will take place, sending the sample back to the laboratory for analysis. Here they use modern technology to analyse a person’s sample in order to identify genetic variants and study the relationship between individual genes and diet - thereby gaining intimate knowledge about physiological processes that may not function optimally.

 

3. Unlock your results - DNA reports are generated that allows an individual to understand how their genes affect the way he or she respond to the environment e.g. the foods they consume or toxins they are exposed to.

 

Your genetic test results can take anything from 3 – 4 weeks to return from the laboratory, at which time your practitioner will make an appointment with you for a full and in-depth discussion of your results, developing your personalised diet, lifestyle and medical recommendations.

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4. Optimise your diet, supplement and training plan - DNA reports are used to refine your nutrition and exercise plan to manage your weight and health. Providing you with a diet plan tailored to your genes and insight into optimal exercise intensity for weight loss and optimal performance. Certain genetic variants can shape possible behaviour traits such as impulsive tendencies and addictions. Knowing, for instance, that you’re probably constantly looking for a reward can help you understand why you might be more drawn to an exciting sport or tasty snack.

 

Understanding your genes can help you to narrow down which supplements might have the biggest impact on your body’s functionality and health, which can save you having to go through trial and error. These information further gives insights into areas that might need more testing and screening, which can help mitigate health risks.

 

 

INSIGHT INTO THE INFORMATION DNA TESTS PROVIDE:

 

1. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

 

People respond very differently to calories, exercise, fasting, fatigue etc. Hunger is also experienced very personally and with great variability. Knowing how you are hard-wired to handle fat, food, fitness can save you a lot of frustration. These insights can be a powerful tool that enables you to work with your body, not against it, to finally reach your health goals.

 

The test look at a number of well-researched gene variations that impact metabolism, absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, as well as eating behaviour. It provides insight into how our bodies respond to different types of foods, it may also have a powerful influence on what we like to eat (bitter vegetables or sweets) as well as why some people get fat and others stay thin. Some gene variants affect appetite and satiety. Others appear to influence how efficiently people burn fat for energy. The DNA report provides additional insight into how each individual reacts to carbohydrates, saturated fats and intensity of exercise, allowing a trained Nutrigenomic practitioner to further personalise your eating plan to suit your needs. A DNA test includes some of the following genes involved in key metabolic processes:

 

• Obesity risk and weight loss resistance

• Eating behaviour e.g. binge eating and food choices

• Carbohydrates and sugar metabolism

• Fat absorption

 

 

 

2. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

 

Majority of chronic diseases are preventable through the early adoption of suitable nutrition and lifestyle habits. The DNA test is designed to optimise wellbeing and health by personalising lifestyle and diet choices and, where necessary, using supplements tailored to offset any particular nutritional deficit based on specific gene variants. Since we are all individuals with different nutritional requirements for attaining optimal health, this approach assists the healthcare practitioner in establishing the optimal nutrition necessary for good health, longevity and disease risk mitigation.

 

The DNA test includes various gene variants that are known to have a significant effect on health and susceptibility to chronic diseases. The test reports on genes involved in the following areas:

 

• Cholesterol metabolism and risk for heart disease

• Bone Health and risk for osteoporosis

• Vitamin B Metabolism and risk for cancer

• Inflammation and oxidative Stress

• Detoxification

• Insulin sensitivity/resistance and risk for diabetes

• Food Responsiveness, including caffeine processing, salt sensitivity and blood pressure

• Iron overload disorders

• Gluten intolerance

 

 

 

3. SPORT AND EXERCISE

 

These tests examine genetic variants that influence injury risk, recovery, as well as power and endurance performance. Results provide insight into various biological areas that impact training responsiveness and sporting performance, optimal exercise selection, and injury and recovery strategies. The test is suitable for the elite performance athlete as well as the recreational athlete looking to maximize their fitness potential and reach peak levels of conditioning. It reports on the following areas:

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• Structural integrity of soft tissues

• Inflammation and oxidative stress

• Blood flow and respiration

• Energy during exercise

• Caffeine metabolism

• Muscle and bone composition

• Power/Strength potential

 

 

 

4. HORMONE BALANCE

 

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by our glands. They instruct organs and systems in the body on how to function. The main female hormones include oestrogen and progesterone. These are necessary throughout the life cycle for the regulation of most major female-related bodily processes including puberty, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Androgens are also present in women but to a lesser degree. The main male hormones are known as androgens which include the powerful male hormone testosterone. Androgens are necessary throughout the life cycle for the regulation of most major male-related bodily processes including puberty, fertility, and andropause. Oestrogen is also present in men but to a lesser degree. Ineffective hormone metabolism can contribute to certain conditions. Genes, as well as diet and lifestyle factors, regulate the activation and breakdown of these hormones.

 

80% of breast cancer occurs in women with no family history. Oestrogen gene testing may help you lessen your risk. Research has shown that an increased lifetime exposure to oestrogen is a strong risk factor in the development of breast cancer.

 

The DNA tests looks for gene variants that have been shown to have an impact on how oestrogen is processed in your body and if the processing of oestrogen and related compounds is efficient and healthy.

 

It reports on the following areas:

 

• Variations in key genes involved in metabolising hormones and related compounds

• Impact of high-risk gene variations

• Intervention strategies for carriers of high-risk genetic variations

• Personal risk factors associated with HRT, Oral contraceptives, blood clotting

 

 

5. BONE, COLLAGEN, SKIN HEALTH  

 

All our cells are continuously being renewed by being broken down and replaced by new ones. Bones offer important structural support and protective roles within our body. Bone is made up of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which is also used elsewhere in the body. The turnover of these minerals in the breakdown or build-up of new bone cells is important for bone health.

 

Collagen is the major structural protein and the foundation of all our soft-tissue (skin, hair, nails, joints, and organs). Variations in collagen genes might affect the structure and function of these areas. Causing excessive breakdown of cells without a comparable formation of new cells will result in degeneration.

 

Genes play a large part in the process of bone and collagen formation as well as breakdown, as does lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

 

 

6. BRAIN HEALTH

 

Genetic variations contribute toward the risk of developing mental health disorders and the DNA test gives insights to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

 

The test looks at genes which have been shown to have significant associations with key mental health disorders. Taking this test may help you understand how to avoid the onset of a range of neurological disorders in the following areas:

 

• Neurodegenerative disorders e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, cognitive decline

• Addictive behaviour: a risk for alcohol, nicotine, cannabis & opioid dependence, psychosis response from cannabis use, eating disorders

• Adrenaline-seeking and risk-taking behaviour

• Mood regulation: depression, bipolar, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder

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You are not the same as everybody else, so why follow everybody else’s diet?

 

When we know more about our genetic variations and own unique risk factors, we might be more likely to make healthier choices – choices that can help manage our weight and prevent disease in the long run.

 

Make an appointment today, have your DNA tested and determine which may be the best diet for your genetic makeup.