Why I took a DNA health profile test and what I learned

OK, so if you have been around my community for any length of time you know I love to be my own "guinea pig". I love trying out new health gadgets and protocols to optimize my own health. 

I have looked at some of the health DNA panels in the past couple of years but was never "sold" on the accuracy of the test and the security of my information. Then I started hearing about The DNA Company. I listened to multiple interviews with the founder and after hearing that they destroy your DNA(unlike other companies) after they compile the results I thought I would give it a shot.

Anyone in the Functional Medicine space has probably heard the phrase: "Genetics load the gun, but environment and lifestyle pull the trigger".

A very small percentage of diseases are actually entirely genetic in nature. You can be dealt a certain genetic hand but those genes don't necessarily have to be expressed(epigenetics).

I went into this test with curiosity. I was curious if I had any genetic issues related to detoxification. methylation, and nutrition but most of all I wanted to see if there were any genetic components to my post covid hair loss.

The results were super fascinating. I will outline some of the most interesting findings below. Again, this is just one more piece of my health puzzle, however, it helps explain a lot.  

Here goes:

• Your cellular response to inflammation via the methylation cycle is considered SUBOPTIMAL. You are more likely to experience an increased severity in length and symptoms of viral or bacterial infections, such as cytokine storms. This explains why I was the most heavily impacted by covid and long covid vs. the rest of my family

• The way your body uses glutathionization to remove toxins such as free radicals, heavy metals, estrogen metabolites, mold, pollution, smoke, chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental agents from itself is considered SUBOPTIMAL. You are more likely to experience a severe response to a bacterial or viral infection, and are also more likely to take longer to recover from an infection.

• Your Vitamin D Profile is considered SUBOPTIMAL. Your body does not efficiently activate, transport, and/or bind Vitamin D to its receptor

• Your Zinc Profile is considered SUBOPTIMAL. You are more likely to have higher fasting and postprandial glucose levels. You do not efficiently bind and transport zinc in the beta cells of your pancreas, which may result in reduced insulin crystallization and activation. This one was SUPER fascinating to me. I had no idea that zinc was involved in blood sugar and insulin regulation. It also is needed to produce stomach acid which I have had to supplement for years in order to digest my food.

• You carry a SUBOPTIMAL PROFILE when it comes to the genes that influence your circadian rhythms.

  You are more likely to have IRREGULAR or DISRUPTED circadian rhythms when it comes to your sleep.

  You carry a suboptimal version of the BDNF gene. You are more likely to produce lower levels of BDNF.

  As it relates to sleep, studies have shown that individuals with lower levels of BDNF are more likely to struggle with achieving rested sleep, even after longer periods (7-8 hours). They are also more likely to display insomnia symptoms and are more likely to struggle with changes in time zones and jet lag. I have to be SUPER strict with my bedtime routine!

• You are missing both copies of the GSTM1 gene and as a result, you do not carry this gene in your DNA. Your ability to remove toxins and other harmful substances is significantly reduced.

  You are more likely to recover slowly and experience greater symptoms of fatigue, being overly tired, or lacking energy. AGAIN.... dead on! My detox pathways are not as strong as someone that DOES have this gene pair so I struggle to recover if I push too hard.

•  You are more likely to have a strong response to the presence of scents like perfumes, cigarette smoke, air fresheners, or paints. 110%! I REALLY struggle with these scents. My office building at work waxed the floors last weekend, and upon entering the building last week I immediately got a headache, sore throat and tight chest. My husband likes scented laundry detergent but I can't tolerate it so he does his laundry separately. When his laundry is in the wash, I can smell it immediately. He doesn't understand why these things bother me, but now I have an explanation!

• You are more likely to be non-celiac gluten sensitive and will respond strongly to the presence of gluten in your diet. You are more likely to be lactose intolerant and will respond poorly to lactose in your diet. Totally accurate! 

• You are more likely to have an increased predisposition towards insulin resistance, which can contribute to an increased risk of Type II Diabetes

• You are more likely to have a weakened and susceptible microbiome profile. Gut health has been a focus of mine for 2-3 years now!

• You are more likely to be a candidate for a diet that integrates reduced levels of dietary fats. Keto is not for me!

• You are more Likely to be easily distracted when completing a task and require a lot more effort to focus on the task at hand without distractions. You are more likely to have wider mood swings, become easily irritated, and make others conscious about their interactions - sometimes described as having to “walk on eggshells” around you. True, and true!

And those are just the "highlights"!  So much more information in this DNA report, so fascinating!

I can only imagine what kind of shape I would be in if I had not been so diligent and invested in my health for the last several years. Genetics is just a piece of the puzzle, it's your lifestyle choices that can modulate the expression of these genes.

But rest assured.... it's not "all in your head".... maybe it's in your genes!

If you are interested in this test, I am happy to share more, just reach out! No, I have no affiliation with this company;)