Genetic Testing - The Future is Here

You may have heard the phrase, "genes load the gun, environment pulls the trigger," but what does this actually mean? Epigenetics is an exciting new field that explains how changes in gene activity can occur without changing our actual DNA.

One way we can influence gene activity is through the foods we eat. Yes, food! Food can be used as a genetic on and off switch to alter our weight, blood pressure, cancer growth and even how we age. The impact of nutrition on our genes is often called nutrigenomics. This is an area of nutritional therapy I am particularly interested in.

Nutrigenomics has been heralded as having the potential to be “the next big thing in our fight against lifestyle-linked diseases." There are a wealth of tests available now including DNA Skin, DNA Active, DNA Pain, DNA Smile and DNA health and DNA Oestrogen. But I want to talk a little but here about one of the latest tests called DNACore.

DNACore® brings together information provided from DNAHealth, DNADiet and DNASport into one comprehensive and easy to understand test report. The test covers 4 key areas which are biological processes that impact health and risk for disease including lipid metabolism, methylation, detoxification, inflammation and oxidative stress, insulin sensitivity, and bone health.

• Macro and micro-nutrient requirements based on genetic responsiveness, as well as risks for food sensitivities (caffeine and salt) and intolerances (gluten and lactose)

• Weight management insights such as genetic obesity risk, snacking and eating behaviour, and circadian rhythms
• Exercise responsiveness including exercise requirements for mobilisation of fat stores, power and endurance potential, cramping and injury risk, and recovery time

DNACore is useful for anyone where understanding the genetic foundations of their health challenges will enable a more personalised intervention. The test provides specific tailor-made recommendations for the core components of any health strategy: weight management, exercise strategies, targeted diet and lifestyle interventions and appropriate nutraceuticals required to support and optimise your everyday functioning. Implementing these core components allows for improved longevity and decreased risk of chronic disease.

2,400 years ago when Hippocrates wrote, "Let food be thy medicine," he would not have known what a visionary he was. Food is not just about calories and energy, food is information. Eat the right food and our body has the amazing ability to heal. Eat the "wrong" food like highly processed food and we are on a one way journey to inflammation and chronic disease.

The DNA Core test is included in my Thrive After 40 Programme, sign up for the latest information.