I recently completed some genetic testing as part of my ongoing nutrition training.
What took me by surprise was to learn that I have genes that could predispose me to obesity, depression and type 2 diabetes…
I don’t have any of these issues but still, it was a bit of a wake-up call…
Why?
Whilst we may carry the genes that put us at greater risk of certain health conditions, it is our environment (our diets, lifestyle, mindset and exposure to toxins) that have the ability to turn these genes on or off.
As a nutritionist, the vast majority of the time I walk my talk.
I eat well, exercise, get morning light, walk in nature, meditate, prioritise sleep and take a few supplements.
However, over the past few months, I have experienced what it could be like to not have my health at its best… after having Covid in October last year, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid condition (underactive) and I have been working hard to balance this.
Like many women I speak to, I have also put my body under stress from working too hard, taking care of other people’s needs and not prioritising my own.
Another recent wake-up call was when I passed out at an event…This was my ‘something has to change‘ moment!
To me my health is everything and I want to grow older with a quality of life.
As I get older I appreciate my health more and I try not to take it for granted.
So I am now taking the time to support my health in any way that I can. I have made adjustments to my work life and my personal life and am prioritising my health. Genetic testing is part of that.
I now have the information I need to choose to target my specific needs through diet, lifestyle and select supplements.
Here are 5 other things I learnt about my own genetics;
- I process alcohol quickly – this explains my terrible hangovers… the reason I stopped drinking alcohol (except for the odd occasion) a long time ago
- I process caffeine slowly – this means that having caffeine in the afternoon can affect my sleep and too much caffeine could make me anxious
- Because of the way I process oestrogen, I could benefit from low-dose HRT
- I need to support my liver and my body’s detoxification processes
- I have an extra need for vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D
I completed the following test profiles – All Lifecode GX
Nutrient DNA test
This test examines your genes relating to gluten lactose and caffeine tolerance, vitamin absorption, sugar and fat response, metabolism and appetite, blood pressure, inflammation and circadian rhythm
Hormones DNA test
This test could help to explain and address hormone imbalances including fertility issues, PCOS, endometriosis, acne, low libido, PMS, PMDD, substance misuse, weight gain, poor memory and hormone-sensitive cancers
Detoxification DNA test
Compromised detoxification can lead to symptoms of; headaches, muscle pain, allergies, skin disorders, weight gain, bloating, low-stress tolerance, fertility issues, acid reflux/heartburn, and reduced mental function.
Nervous System DNA test
This test can help to identify neurotransmitter imbalances that can lead to anxiety, depression, migraines, addictive behaviours, sleep disturbances, lethargy, poor memory, OCD, ADHD, and mania.
Methylation DNA test
The Methylation profile examines genes relating to the risk of heart disease, circulatory issues, mood disturbances including depression, anxiety and anger, memory loss, allergy and food/chemical sensitivities, autoimmunity, fatigue and fertility.
Histamine Intolerance DNA test
This test can help to explain reactions to alcohol, medications, pollen and mould exposure, and foods.
The NEW Metabolics DNA test
This panel includes information on
- Appetite dysregulation – under or overeating, emotional eating, obesity
- Blood sugar imbalance – insulin resistance, diabetes
- Optimising & personalising diet – is a ketogenic or paleo diet right for me
- Digestive and liver detox issues – bile production, NAFLD
- Mitochondrial damage – oxidative stress and inflammation
- Low energy/ fatigue – CFS, long COVID, sports performance
- Cardiovascular disease – raised triglycerides, cholesterol imbalance
- Optimising cognitive function – brain fog, neurodegenerative conditions
Source: Lifecode GX
Your choice of test would usually depend on an analysis of your symptoms and is unlikely to cover all of the above.
Gene expression can often be positively or negatively affected by nutrition and lifestyle.
Genetic testing appointments will be available from April 23. For further information email me at gail@gailbradynutrition.com
Prices start from £395.
