FOR NATURAL HEALTH | Chorley, Lancashire
DNA, Genetic Testing & Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics
How can DNA testing help you achieve your health goals?
You are born with a set of genes that you cannot change during your lifetime. What you can do is influence the manner in which these genes are expressed. There is a strong relationship between the genes that we carry, and the nutritional, and medicinal and lifestyle choices we make.
Why don’t you find out what type of illness you are predisposed too, what your biochemical weakness's are, and what you can do about it to change the way your genes express themselves, this is a once in a life time test, once we know how your are working genetically then we can help you achieve your highest health goals, and you can understand why the way you feel and why you experience the health problems you have.
Our DNA Health Genetic Testing is our flagship programme and is concerned with optimising your health, energy and wellbeing, while preventing disease by making better lifestyle and dietary choices. We offer solutions based upon your genetic code.
A DNA testing kit will be sent out to you. The kit contains all instructions to provide a finger prick blood sample, along with instructions and paper work for returning the sample to the laboratory for analysis.
You will be asked to complete a full health questionnaire, which provides us with a background to your overall health including exercise, medications, supplements and current dietary patterns.
The laboratory analysis can take up to 4 weeks to process. In the meantime we will work on your background notes and we may be in contact to ask you to provide further information if necessary.
You will receive your 30 page DNA Health report. The report will include summary highlights in each key biological area. We may also include additional actions such as further testing, nutrient supplementation and lifestyle factors.
Biological areas explained
DNA Health tests for 60 gene variations involved in key biological processes, governing health disease:
Lipid metabolism: Atherosclerotic and thrombotic diseases of the cardiovascular system are major causes of death. Among dietary factors, total dietary fat and the different types of fat have been studied which are thought to affect the heart. Lipid Metabolism looks at a number of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and how these variants are playing out in your body.
Methylation: Simply put, Methylation helps repair DNA, support gene regulation, helps in the processing of chemicals and toxins, the production and protection of the coating of nerves, building the neurotransmitters and immune cells, helps in the processing of hormones and much more. If you have poor methylation then you will be affecting your overall health. We test a number of SNPs involved in the process of methylation.
Detoxification: The Detoxification process in the body is key and has two phases. The enzymes involved in phase one detoxification are known as ‘activators’; they activate the substance that needs to be removed, allowing the next phase to proceed. Phase one enzymes must exhibit just the right amount of activity for the detoxification process to be effective. The enzymes involved with Phase 2 are called ’excretors’ because they catalyze reactions leading to the excretion of toxins from the body. Any problems in phase one or two have been associated with liver, stomach, gall bladder problems, cancer and other diseases. Not being able to detoxify is of prime importance to health and identifying any variations in gene expression will help you understand how detoxification is working in your body.
Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. When your body is producing too many free radicals and your body has an inability to neutralise them then ill health proceeds and can cause: fatigue, memory loss/brain fog, muscle/joint pain, decreased eye sight and poor immune response.
Inflammation: The inflammatory process inevitably causes tissue damage anywhere in the body (arthritis - any type, osteoporosis, heart disease, muscle and joint problems to name of few) and is accompanied by simultaneous attempts at healing and repair. We are well aware of certain foods that can cause inflammation, polymorphisms (SNP’s) have been identified in several genes that results in higher basal gene expression levels of pro inflammatory agents. Identifying these anomalies gives us the answers and what we can do about them by using nutritional and lifestyle factors.
Bone health: Osteoporosis is a complex disease characterised by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue and increased risk of fractures. Family and twin studies have established a strong genetic contribution to the aetiology of osteoporosis. Many contributing genes have been identified: calcium homeostasis, hormonal dysfunction, osteoblast and osteoclast development and regulation, cartilage matrix metabolism and lipoprotein metabolism. Gene variations can detect any anomalies in the test.
Insulin Sensitivity: Clustering of type 2 diabetes in certain families points to a strong genetic background for the disease, however environmental factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle maybe contributing factors. Gene variants in this panel will convey moderate to high impacts.
Food Responsiveness: Particular nutrients and certain food components in different foodstuffs can affect individuals in different ways. With new research coming to light in this area, specific genes can be tested to give more insight into how you might respond to a particular food component. The areas of food responsiveness covered include: Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, bitter taste, alcohol metabolism, polyunsaturated fat (PUFA’s) ,caffeine sensitivity, salt sensitivity and iron overload.
You will have a 60 - 90 minute consultation via Zoom or at our Clinic. During the consultation with your practitioner, they will discuss in detail your DNA test results and offer any help you need to understand your DNA Genes and how it is impacting your health and offer solutions to improve your health and wellbeing.
Biological areas explained
DNA Health tests for 60 gene variations involved in key biological processes, governing health disease:
Lipid metabolism: Atherosclerotic and thrombotic diseases of the cardiovascular system are major causes of death. Among dietary factors, total dietary fat and the different types of fat have been studied which are thought to affect the heart. Lipid Metabolism looks at a number of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and how these variants are playing out in your body.
Methylation: Simply put, Methylation helps repair DNA, support gene regulation, helps in the processing of chemicals and toxins, the production and protection of the coating of nerves, building the neurotransmitters and immune cells, helps in the processing of hormones and much more. If you have poor methylation then you will be affecting your overall health. We test a number of SNPs involved in the process of methylation.
Detoxification: The Detoxification process in the body is key and has two phases. The enzymes involved in phase one detoxification are known as ‘activators’; they activate the substance that needs to be removed, allowing the next phase to proceed. Phase one enzymes must exhibit just the right amount of activity for the detoxification process to be effective. The enzymes involved with Phase 2 are called ’excretors’ because they catalyze reactions leading to the excretion of toxins from the body. Any problems in phase one or two have been associated with liver, stomach, gall bladder problems, cancer and other diseases. Not being able to detoxify is of prime importance to health and identifying any variations in gene expression will help you understand how detoxification is working in your body.
Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. When your body is producing too many free radicals and your body has an inability to neutralise them then ill health proceeds and can cause: fatigue, memory loss/brain fog, muscle/joint pain, decreased eye sight and poor immune response.
Inflammation: The inflammatory process inevitably causes tissue damage anywhere in the body (arthritis - any type, osteoporosis, heart disease, muscle and joint problems to name of few) and is accompanied by simultaneous attempts at healing and repair. We are well aware of certain foods that can cause inflammation, polymorphisms (SNP’s) have been identified in several genes that results in higher basal gene expression levels of pro inflammatory agents. Identifying these anomalies gives us the answers and what we can do about them by using nutritional and lifestyle factors.
Bone health: Osteoporosis is a complex disease characterised by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue and increased risk of fractures. Family and twin studies have established a strong genetic contribution to the aetiology of osteoporosis. Many contributing genes have been identified: calcium homeostasis, hormonal dysfunction, osteoblast and osteoclast development and regulation, cartilage matrix metabolism and lipoprotein metabolism. Gene variations can detect any anomalies in the test.
Insulin Sensitivity: Clustering of type 2 diabetes in certain families points to a strong genetic background for the disease, however environmental factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle maybe contributing factors. Gene variants in this panel will convey moderate to high impacts.
Food Responsiveness: Particular nutrients and certain food components in different foodstuffs can affect individuals in different ways. With new research coming to light in this area, specific genes can be tested to give more insight into how you might respond to a particular food component. The areas of food responsiveness covered include: Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, bitter taste, alcohol metabolism, polyunsaturated fat (PUFA’s) ,caffeine sensitivity, salt sensitivity and iron overload.
Our DNA health test is £365. Book now using the link below.
What is Nutrigenetics?
Genetic variations can affect the expression of a gene, thereby affecting metabolic processes that are important for maintaining cellular health and how we respond to environmental interventions such as diet, lifestyle, supplements and exercise.
Knowledge of these genetic variations offers insight into your biological systems, allowing us to recommended precise interventions aimed at helping you reach your goals and achieve optimal health.
Giving you the knowledge of your genetic code, DNA testing can help you make smarter choices and discover more effective solutions to achieve optimal health.
GENETIC TESTS
DNA Health is concerned with optimising health, energy and well-being, while preventing disease by making better lifestyle and diet choices, and using supplements tailored to offset any particular nutritional deficit or genetic shortcoming. The DNA Health approach establishes the optimal nutrition necessary for good health, energy, and longevity.
DNA Health tests 60 gene variations involved in key biological processes, governing health disease:
- Lipid metabolism - LPL/CETP/APOC3/APOE/PON1
- Methylation - MTHFD1/MTHFR/MTR/MTRR/CBS/COMT
- Detoxification - CYP1A1/GSTM1/GSTP1/GSTT1/NQ01
- Oxidative stress - eNOS/MnSOD/SOD2/CAT/GPX1
- Inflammation IL- 6/TNFA/IL-1A/IL-1B/IL-1RN
- Insulin resistance - PPARG/TCF7L2/SLC2A2/FTO
- Bone health - VDR/COL1A1
- Food responsiveness
- Gluten Intolerance
- Vitamin Metabolism
Many diseases are preventable through the correct diet and lifestyle choices. DNA Health is designed to help healthcare practitioners support their patients to make the best diet and lifestyle choices based on their patients' unique DNA.
DNA DIET is a weight management test that includes well-researched and clinically useful gene variations that impact obesity risk and weight management. The 20 SNPs included in the test have been analysed in order to understand how an individual’s genetic profile will impact their response to what we believe to be the three most cutting-edge, scientifically proven, and effective weight loss plans i.e. Low fat, Mediterranean, and Low Carbohydrate.
Research suggests that individuals do respond differently to different diets and no ONE diet plan is right for everyone. By analysing an individual’s DNA DIET results we are able to recommend the BEST DIET POSSIBLE for that individual. Of course, the choice of which diet to follow will be based on the clients’ diagnosis, personal preferences, diet history, and eating attitudes, as discussed with an accredited practitioner.
DNA DIET will also provide additional insight into the role of carbohydrate, saturated fat and exercise on the ability of an individual to lose weight.
The DNA Mind test analyses 37 gene variations, which have been shown, in numerous studies, to have significant associations with mental health disorders. DNA mind reports on associations in the following areas:
- Neurodegenerative disorders – mild cognitive decline & late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD).
- Mood regulation – Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder & post- traumatic stress disorder.
- Addictive behaviour – Risk for alcohol, nicotine, cannabis & opioid dependence, psychosis response from cannabis use, eating disorders (binge eating), ‘adrenaline seeking’/risk-taking behaviour.
Genes included in the test are involved in key biological areas related to mental health. These areas include:
- Lipid metabolism - APOE.
- Inflammation - CRP/IL-1-A/IL1-B/IL1-RN/1L-6/TNFA.
- Methylation -MTHFR/MTR.
- Stress response -FKBP5/OXTR.
- Wnt & cell signaling GSK38/AKT1/ANK3/CACNA1/CHRNA3/CHRNA5.
- Endo-cannabinoid pathway -CNR1/FAAH.
- Neurotrophic, dopaminergic, GABAergic & serotonergic pathways- genes tested = COMT/DRD1/DRD2/DRD3/DRD4/OPRM1/GABRA2/BDNF/1A HTRA1/SLC6A4.
Knowledge of an individual’s genotype will provide biochemical insight, as well as direction for interventions for treatment strategies.
The DNA Sport test is divided into three categories relating to sport performance:
- Injury Susceptibility: examines genes involved in the structural integrity and remodelling of soft tissues. Certain polymorphisms are implicated in increased risk for tendon and ligament injuries. Genes tested = COL1A1/COL5A1/GDF5.
- Recovery: includes genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress which may impact the need for focussed nutritional support as well as extended recovery times between training sessions and exercise repetitions. Genes tested =IL-6/IL6R/CRP/TNFA/SOD2/eNOS.
- Power and Endurance Performance: this section examines genes involved in various physiological process that impact sporting potential such as blood flow and respiration, energy mobilisation and fuel metabolism, as well as looking at musculoskeletal properties. Each of the genes tested impact an athlete’s response to a training modality. Genes tested = AGT/ACE/BDKRB2/VEGF/NRF2/PPARG/PPARA/ADRB2/TRHR/ACTN3/VDR.
This pharmacogenomics test analyses gene variants that affect drug response and determine how you are likely to respond to certain medications (both therapeutic benefit and risk for side effects) allowing your doctor to make personalised prescriptions where necessary.
Medcheck reports on over 200 prescription medications.
WHAT ARE GENES?
Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions your body needs to make thousands of proteins required for life. Each gene is compressed of thousands of combinations of “letters” (called nucleotides) which make up your genetic code. The code gives you the proper instructions to make everything required for proper cellular, organ and bodily function.
What are gene variations?
With the exception of identical twins, all people have small differences (variations) in their genetic code. These differences make us unique. In the same way as a single letter variation can profoundly change the meaning of a word, so single nucleotide changes can profoundly affect the function of our genes.