The What, Why and How of DNA Testing
DNA Testing is an investigative tool that looks at specific variations on genes and proteins – called single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPs for short). These variations can provide information to help better our understanding of individual health needs or help determine individual health outcomes.
Have you ever heard the saying “genetics loads the gun but the environment pulls the trigger”? This comes from the study of epigenetics. Epigenetics demonstrates heritable changes to genetic expression without involving changes to DNA, affecting how cells read genes. So to put very simply, this means that while we may have a certain genetic predisposition to a health condition, we have the ability to alter the expression of these genes. We are able to “turn off” or down-regulate genes that have the potential for negative health outcomes and “turn on” or up-regulate genes that support health and prevent disease. And we can influence the “on-off” switch with nutrition (or specific nutrients), herbs, and lifestyle.
A DNA sample is obtained via a simple buccal swap, and following analysis the lab provides an in-depth, evidence-based report. Having an insight into your unique genetic profile allows us to determine how your current diet and lifestyle might be influencing your genes, and we can therefore personalise your diet and lifestyle based on your genetic profile. We can use this information to co-create a treatment plan knowing exactly what nutrients, foods, supplements and lifestyle tweaks will work for you based on your DNA.
Gaining a deeper understanding of your unique genetic profile is very powerful and may assist in…
- A greater understanding of your body and how it works.
- Improving overall health.
- Improving nutritional status.
- Targeted treatment of existing health conditions using nutrition, herbs and lifestyle.
- Targeted supplementation based on your DNA profile.
- A greater understanding of your genetic predispositions and what health conditions you may be at risk of, and how to manage this.
- Targeted support for certain mental health conditions, fertility concerns, hormone imbalances, immune dysfunction, fatigue and/or poor energy, migraines and headaches, cognitive dysfunction and inflammatory conditions.
Profiles Available
Mood and Cognition
Gaining an insight into how your genetics influence neurotransmitter production and metabolism, nutrient metabolism as well as methylation can assist in the determination of contributing factors to depression and anxiety.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic attacks, poor concentration, memory and cognition, stress, headaches and migraines.
Hormone and Fertility Profile
Hormone imbalances can contribute to a myriad of health conditions from thyroid function and mental health conditions to reproductive dysfunction and fertility. Having an understanding of some of the underlying causes of hormone dysfunction can assist with PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disease, and menopause.
It is currently understood that genetics plays a role in 10% of couples experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage. This profile can assist in the development of holistic preconception care plans to optimise pregnancy, birth and post-natal health.
Helpful for optimal preconception and pregnancy care, couples having difficulties conceiving, multiple miscarriage, menstrual cycle irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis, PMS, thyroid disease, depression, post-natal depression.
Detoxification
The body has an innate ability process and eliminate toxins very efficiently. However, given our modern lifestyle and environment this process can become overwhelmed leading to impaired detoxification pathways and increased toxin overload. This profile helps to gain a better understanding of your ability to detoxify and eliminate certain toxins, allowing us to support and enhance this process.
Helpful for fatigue, hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, headaches and migraines, immune dysfunction, those with chemical sensitivities, those with a history of drug and alcohol abuse, multiple drug therapies, or industry exposure to chemicals and pollutants.
Methylation
Healthy methylation is essential for a host of functions within the body. This profile can help determine genetic predisposition to altered metabolism of folate, B12, B6 and certain amino acids; as well as identify risk factors for depression, reproductive and fertility concerns, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive dysfunction.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, preconception and pregnancy care, fatigue, migraines, persistent nutritional deficiencies, cardiovascular health.
Nutrigenomic
This profile provides an insight into how nutrients are metabolised, absorbed and utilised within the body and how this influences genetic expression. This knowledge allows us to take the guess work out of nutritional recommendations, support general health and wellbeing, as well as addressing specific health concerns. The nutrigenomics profile looks at vitamins D, C, D, E, B12 and folate, as well as glutathione and CoQ10 metabolism and utilisation.
Helpful for a general health and wellbeing, fatigue and/or poor energy, persistent nutritional deficiencies despite a healthy diet or supplementation, poor immune function or recurrent infection.
Wellbeing
This profile is a combination of all of the above and provides a comprehensive overview of health and wellbeing while highlighting the interrelatedness of all systems within the body
Prices and Packages
Individual profiles $150
Wellbeing bundle $300
Wellbeing package $499 (valued at $585)
- An initial appointment to discuss your health history, current goals and concerns.
- Wellbeing bundle.
- Follow up consultation where together we will go through your results and co-create your unique treatment plan.
- 10% off supplements.
Individual profile package $399 (valued at $435)
- An initial appointment to discuss your health history, current goals and concerns.
- Individual profile of your choice.
- Follow up consultation where together we will go through your results and co-create your unique treatment plan.
- 10% off supplements.
If you would like to take advantage of these package options please click here to make an appointment, or feel free to contact me here to find out more.
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