Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is what makes up your genetic code. It is the blueprint for what makes you who you are; your traits, characteristics and physical appearance. Most of the DNA in our bodies we share, 99% of our DNA is the same as everyone else’s. But that 1% can tell us so much. It is a gold mine of information about our health; diseases we may be susceptible to, or be carrying as well as other information that can be used to help safeguard our wellbeing.

‘Why Would I Want to Know if my Genes are Going to Make Me Sick?’

The answer comes down to this; do you want to be the proverbial ostrich with your head in the sand? Or do you want to unlock the information that can help you to understand and, more importantly, manage your health traits giving you the edge over your (and potentially your children’s and their children’s) future health and wellbeing? Instead of being scared of finding out these results or worried about getting a positive result for a disease marker; remember that forewarned is forearmed. You can risk assess your health with the maximum amount of information available and take steps to minimize those risks.

It’s Not Just Your Own Health You Can Safeguard with DNA Testing

DNA testing for health can also show you if you are a carrier for inherited diseases such as celiac, BRCA, sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis among others. If your DNA test shows this it could mean that, if your partner is also a carrier, that your children could develop these diseases, or even your children’s children. It is important to know this information so that you can begin to look into and understand the options you then have when it comes to starting a family. There are many options available to you such as prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and mitochondrial donation. The sooner you know if these options are going to be something you need to think about, the longer you have to learn about them.

Nutrigenomics

When it comes to certain diseases such as some cancers, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, heart diseases and macular degeneration. If you know you are at risk, genetically speaking, from specific diseases, you are able to be more alert. It gives you the opportunity to discuss your options with your doctor and/or nutritionist/dietician, get regular screenings, and adjust your lifestyle choices in other ways to better avoid triggering said diseases. Progress is being made all the time in the area of nutrigenomics. This looks at nutrition as a way of actually preventing the expression of genes that predispose us to particular diseases, like turning them off. By looking at the best DNA kits for health and wellness at https://www.dnaweekly.com/ you can access this extraordinary science to better your wellbeing for the future.

Nutrigenetics

There are subtle genetic differences that can affect the way our bodies react to, or process, nutrients and chemicals such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These differences also affect the way we metabolize salts, caffeine, vitamins such as B12 and vitamin D. This can lead to larger health implications such as obesity, high blood pressure and anemia. The way we react to exercise, stress, and our sleep patterns can also be determined by our genes. This relatively new area of research; nutrigenetics, suggests that by studying our genetic makeup we could plan lifestyle adaptions for optimal health – working with the likelihoods of deficiencies in certain nutrients. Imagine a complete health plan for diet, exercise, skincare, energy levels, sleep, elevating mood and stress management all based on our individual genetic codes. It almost sounds like something from science fiction or the future, but this science isn’t fiction and the future is now. DNA kits specifically tailored to aid you make these plans can be found at www.dnaweekly.com/best/diet-and-nutrition.

How It Works

Simply by providing a sample, usually either by spitting into the test tube provided by your chosen company or taking a sample of the cells by scraping inside of your cheek. DNA testing looks at your chromosomes; their characteristics, number and arrangement and analyses this information. This analysis identifies the individual nature of your DNA including abnormalities, mutations and markers which may indicate potential health issues. It is important that you know which test is going to answer the questions you have about your genetics in the best way for you. There are many companies out there who provide a huge array of different options with regards to DNA services for a range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. In fact, there are so many choices that it can be confusing. That is where www.dnaweekly.com comes in; with a range of options set out for you simply you just have to decide which option is the best fit for you. It couldn’t be easier.

Kayleigh Jefferson is a freelance journalist and content writer from New York and currently living in Cyprus. I hold a BA in Journalism and an MA in Creative Writing. When I’m not working, you can find me at the gym. A dedicated writer at DNA weekly. Kayleigh prioritizes not only honest accuracy, but also providing an informative and interesting perspective on whatever he puts his name to.