Have you ever wondered why doctors always ask about the health history of your family? Which of your parents had a stroke or is currently suffering from diabetes? Or perhaps thought why it is crucial to inform healthcare providers about any family history of cardiovascular diseases, cancer or allergy to specific food or drug components? Well, your genes are the culprit behind it. Genes inherited from your parents are embedded with information about your risks of having these diseases.
Lifestyle Programs Tailored to Your Unique Genetic Profile
Optimizing Your Health For Your Genes
Genes serve as a key to limitless amount of information distinctive to each one of us that once unlocked, can provide a comprehensive guide to improve health. The discoveries of the Human Genome Project have provided the world with an overwhelming amount of data prompting current studies on the relationship of human genome, health and diseases. The result of this research is revolutionizing medicine. As a result, the cost of obtaining your genetic profile from companies like 23andme.com is as little as $199. Once you have your genetic profile, the raw data can be interpreted and provide you with the answers to the questions your doctors were asking and the information for a detailed roadmap to achieving optimal health.
How do your genes provide critical information for your health needs?
The human body is comprised of billions of cells. Each of these cells contains information encoded on a group of molecules known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). All information necessary for a specific cell to reproduce or function is encoded in DNA’s four chemical building blocks or nucleotides named adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). All humans have the same genes the only thing that differs is the sequence of these nucleotides called base pairs. These differences in the sequence make each human unique. The genomes of all mammals are similar. Mice and humans share virtually the same set of genes and as a result the mouse is the most studied in genetic research.
Knowledge of the human genome is enabling scientists to understand gene functioning and how genes are activated or turned-off. Results of these studies are helping provide us with the information necessary to know how specific nutrients and genes interact and their effects on one’s health. For instance, research has established that certain foods and supplements, environmental factors and toxins act on our genes turning their expression on or off. Your genetic profile can also provide you with knowledge on whether you have an increased risk for specific diseases and it can identify dietary plans to prevent risk of some diseases.
Getting an analysis of your genes through genetic testing will provide important information about your unique food and supplement needs, metabolic conditions, aging and exercise needs. The wealth of information encoded on your genes will provide specific direction on your: responses to monounsaturated fats, carbohydrates and saturated fats; need for different vitamins (e.g. B6, B12, D, iron, potassium); taste perception; alcohol/caffeine/lactose metabolism; body’s ability to detoxify itself; risk of addiction; muscle structure and exercise needs and biological aging status.
How does the information from your genes optimize your health?
Genetic evaluation helps you understand and know your body and how it is functioning. Having access to this knowledge and your unique needs will enable you to obtain an individualized program for each of these health factors to achieve optimal health. It will help you find an appropriate way to preserve your vitality, youthfulness and optimal body weight. You will be able to supply your body with nutrients and dietary supplements that it really needs and receive its benefits. You may now adjust your nutritional intake for better health and vigor and perform exercises based on your muscle structure and recovery capabilities. All of this, will enable you delay aging and maintain your youthfulness through knowing the appropriate nutrition and physical activities you need.