Why you need your genetics interpreted by a live human, not an automated report

Many people are using services to test and interpret their DNA, but many of these services are just providing canned-responses generated on a gene-by-gene basis. Often, the automated response (information and recommendations for support) for one gene directly contradicts the automated response for a different gene within the same report! These genetic interpretations aren't comprehensive enough to give specific plans of action, which can cause “analysis paralysis" that leaves the consumer feeling even more frustrated and confused.

This is where having a live human that is certified in functional genomics can provide you with interpretations that are easy-for-the-layperson-to-understand as well as providing definitive action steps that can be taken right away.

Just because you have a genetic variant does not mean that it is expressing!

I combine each client's genetic testing results with a Health History & Symptom Intake Form that details their lifestyle, diet, and level of exposure to toxins and stress, along with any lab testing the client may want or have already gotten. This gives a much fuller picture to what is going on within the body and therefore gives me a better indication of which genes may have actually become expressed.

I analyze genetic results with software that analyzes over 200,000 genetic variants (as of writing this). These variants are associated with aspects of health like inflammation, neurotransmitter and hormonal balance, fatty acid metabolism, methylation ability, detoxification ability, and even gut health function.

Despite all humans being 99.9% identical in their genetic makeup (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2014), we are all vastly individual beings!

Let's do a quick Genetics 101 review/overview:

DNA, genes, and chromosomes are like a blueprint of life. They are the plans that tell the body how to make things.

Your DNA controls virtually everything about you - your height, eye color, etc. However, your DNA also controls how you make nutrients that are critical for healthy functioning. It also controls how effectively you make antioxidants needed to neutralize damaging free radicals and clear toxic substances from the body.

What Is DNA?

Put simply, DNA is the blueprint for making proteins. These proteins can be enzymes, structural building blocks, neurotransmitters, hormones, etc. 

If you want a little more detail, DNA contains the instructions an organism needs to live, develop and reproduce. DNA is a double-stranded molecule composed of sugar, phosphate, and 4 different nitrogenous bases – adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. These bases are assembled in pairs (called “base pairs”, where adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine) and spell out the language known as genetic code. The number and the order of these bases determine what makes you unique.

What are Genes, Alleles, and Chromosomes?

Strands of DNA code are what make genes. Genes are recipes for making specific proteins, which are passed down to offspring. These proteins make enzymes, antibodies and other things that contribute to bodily structure and functioning.

Different regions of DNA control specific traits. These long strands of DNA containing our genes are organized into pieces called chromosomes. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of every cell. 

In other words, imagine the chromosome is the bookshelf, the DNA are the books, and the genes are the pages of words (which are letters arranged in a way to create meaning).

We are born with our particular sequence of DNA, but the way it is expressed can change. This is called epigenetics. It means that just because you "have the breast cancer gene" (which actually means that you have the variant that is correlated with an increased risk), doesn't mean you are doomed to get it. Actually, 80-90% of genetic expression is determined by your diet and lifestyle. No kidding.

The key is getting a useful, easy-to-understand interpretation of what your genetic blueprint can reveal. Learning how to optimize your genetic blueprint to get your genes to work for you only requires one test that provides lifelong information. Click on the link below to get started by ordering a genetic test kit!