DNA testing has grown in popularity over the past few years with many social media posts and celebrities posting about their experiences. But what exactly is DNA testing and how useful is it?
DNA (or deoxyribonucleic acid to use the full name) is the chemical instruction that is present in every body cell that determines who we are and how we function. It isn’t just the characteristics that we are familiar with such as gender, height and eye colour that DNA controls.
DNA tells the body how to do absolutely everything! This includes how well you absorb the nutrients in your food, how you produce hormones, how you repair and grow body cells, how efficiently you produce energy from your food and even how you store excess energy as fat!
As we all have different and unique DNA, we all function slightly differently – hence, something may work for some people but not for all. The slight differences in our DNA code, called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) together with increasing numbers of research studies allow us to take a peek into how effective we are at particular functions.
But if it is our DNA, surely we can’t do anything about it? Well, the answer is both true and false.
The SNPs in our individual genetic code are only part of the picture. The environment in which our genes are surrounded also plays an important role in how our genes work. However, it is right to point out that unfortunately there are some genes where the environment makes no difference and the impact of differences in these genes is not something we can influence. Modern medicines are more frequently being based upon correcting these differences before they have chance to express themselves, for example gene therapy for Sickle Cell disease.
Nutrigenomics looks at how nutrition and lifestyle factors can impact the gene environment and therefore impact the way our genes work. So, although we can’t change our genes, we do have some control over the environment we surround them in and ultimately, we can influence the way they function.
Why I looked at my genes
I have a family history of autoimmune disease, losing my father aged 57 to SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and cancer, and losing my mother aged 67 to breast cancer. I wanted to explore if there were any gene variations which I could influence which could reduce my chances of developing these conditions either at all, or at such an early age. I know that something will get me in the end, but I don’t want it to be earlier than expected.
Six things I found out about myself:
I am hugely sensitive to caffeine – this explains why I have to run to the toilet after having any coffee
I have to eat seriously huge amounts of green leafy veg to get enough folate (vitamin B9) – this stops me feeling very tired and washed out. Popeye really knew what was good to give him energy!
My vitamin D function is quite hopeless – I keep telling my husband I need to go on frequent sunny holidays…
It takes a lot of food for me to feel satisfied – honestly, I do have a huge appetite, but I now know that I have to stop eating before I feel full otherwise I take on far too many calories causing my body weight to increase
I overreact to inflammation – this could explain the massive reactions I experience with insect bites, but it also has made me respect my immune system so that it isn’t pushed so far it starts to misbehave, increasing my risk of autoimmunity. It’s a good job I like oily fish as I need lots of it in my diet.
The more stressed I am, the less ability I have to feel happy and sleep well – especially during the winter months, so I now prioritise time out to read, relax and do some yoga rather than treat these as luxuries.
It is hard to stop at six, as there I have learned so much useful information, but of course, you can’t change everything to optimize every gene and there is a balance to be reached between living a full, happy life and being conscious of every action and mouthful of food you take. That’s why it is important to undertake Nutrigenomics testing with a registered qualified practitioner, such as myself, who can guide you through the results and prioritise actions based upon your symptoms and health goals. I use a fabulous company called Lifecode GX who support all their findings with research and only report on genes which studies have found to be influenced at some level by the environment.
Why might you be interested in getting your DNA tested?
Here are some of the reasons my clients have taken the tests:
I have athletic clients that want to look at the way their bodies uses glucose and fat as a fuel to optimise their performance
Some clients who experience frequent injuries are interested in how efficiently their body repairs muscle damage post exercise
Many clients want to see how their bodies store fat to better understand how to achieve weight loss
Some clients are interested in how their sex hormones are regulated - this can be particularly beneficial in perimenopause
Some clients want to better understand why they may experience low mood and poor sleep especially around wintertime
Summary & Contact
Whatever your reason, be it curiosity or to personalise a plan to address current symptoms, it is incredibly empowering to gain valuable insights into your body and take full control of your health journey.
Contact me on fiona@nourishfromwithin.co.uk or call on 07734111347 if you would like to test your DNA or find out more.
Comments