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Family at a Beach

Is Genetics The Missing Puzzle Piece To Your Health Goals?

As an integrative healthcare practitioner, I strive to understand the complete picture of an individual's health in order to provide effective and targeted treatment plans. Just like a puzzle, each piece of information is crucial, and genetics plays a vital role.

“I’ve worked with Dr. Kate for over ten years. She brings a unique, data-based approach to her integrative medicine practice. This, combined with her caring demeanor, makes Dr. Kate a rare find.
She is my fountain of youth!”

- Michele D.

Family

What is DNA?

DNA, the building blocks of our genetic material, holds the key to who we are. Stored within our cells, DNA is tightly packed into chromosomes, carrying our unique genetic code that determines traits such as eye color, hair color, height, and even personality traits.

 

Through DNA analysis, we can identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) – small variations in the genetic code that can influence your genes. These SNPs provide valuable insights into your health, including potential predispositions to certain disorders or conditions that may run in your family.

How Does DNA Influence Your Health?

As we know, heart disease is one of the leading killers in the western world today. Both hereditary and lifestyle factors can put you at risk for developing heart disease, let’s explore how your genes can predispose you.

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As an example, one gene, called PON1 (paraoxonase 1), is an enzyme that aids in clearing fat and detoxifying your bloodstream. Two SNPs (rs662 and rs854560) can influence the risk of fat build up in your arteries and your overall cardiovascular health outcomes. Knowing that one has such a variation from an ideal genotype is empowering! Proactive steps can be taken to mitigate the expression of such a genotype, hopefully preventing the clinical expression of heart disease.

 

Understanding your genetic code and how it influences your health is a self-discovery process. Genes are the general roadmap to your health, but that does not mean that they are absolute - lifestyle interplays with genetics to determine your overall wellness. It is well documented that despite ones genetic makeup, if one adheres to a lifestyle, diet and physical activity template, health conditions associated with that genetic profile can remain at bay.

Smile Stretch
Scientist using microscope

How is my DNA Sample Collected?

Collecting your DNA sample is a simple and hassle-free process. All that is required is a small saliva sample, simply obtained by a swab of one’s cheek. Once the sample is received at a specialty lab, DNA purification is undertaken to isolate relevant genetic material. Subsequently, DNA analysis is conducted to identify SNPs, thereby providing actionable insights.

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Many people have already obtained genetic testing by other labs, often with extensive analysis, yielding reports that are overwhelming. Since genes do not change in your lifetime, results can be re-interpreted in light of new methodology. Genetic testing is not to be taken lightly. Privacy and ethical practice is a priority in all cases.

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