For years, we've been told that our genetics are set in stone; unchangeable codes determining our fate in terms of health, longevity, chronic disease risk and even body weight. However, recent advancements in functional medicine and epigenetics have revealed a new perspective: while you can't rewrite your DNA, you can significantly influence how your genes express themselves. So, can you change your genetics? Let’s explore the science behind it.
What Are Genes and Epigenetics?
Genes are segments of DNA that act as blueprints for everything from your eye colour to how your body processes fat i.e. how your body functions and looks. But there’s more to it - this is where epigenetics comes in, which looks at how external factors like diet, stress and environment can turn genes on or off without changing your DNA itself.
In other words, your genes are not your destiny. The choices you make every day can impact how your genetic code expresses, influencing your risk of disease, energy levels, physical and mental performance, weight management and so much more.
How Lifestyle Affects Your Genes
You may have a predisposition to certain conditions, like obesity, diabetes, poor sleep or anxiety, but epigenetic research shows that lifestyle factors play a critical role in how these genetic predispositions are expressed. Here are some key areas that can influence gene expression:
● Diet - eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods can actively shape how your genes express, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, supporting healthy metabolism and more. On the flip side, diets high in sugar, saturated fats and inflammatory ingredients can trigger harmful gene expression and exacerbate your genetic risk, potentially increasing your susceptibility to health issues. By choosing the right foods, you have the power to influence your genetic expression and support your long-term wellness.
● Exercise - regular physical activity can activate genes that enhance metabolism and fat
burning, and suppress those linked to fat storage. By staying active, you’re encouraging your body to optimise metabolism and maintain a healthier balance, directly influencing your genetic expression for better overall health.
● Stress Management - chronic stress can lead to epigenetic changes that heighten the risk of conditions like heart disease and depression. By effectively managing stress, you can help prevent these harmful gene expressions and promote better overall health.
● Sleep - poor sleep quality can interfere with the genes responsible for regulating metabolism and hunger, which may contribute to weight gain, decreased energy levels, mood imbalances and more. Prioritising restful sleep helps maintain these genetic functions, supporting a healthier weight, more vitality and more consistent energy levels.
The Role of Functional Medicine in Genetic Expression
Functional medicine focuses on understanding the root causes of disease and optimising wellness by addressing genetic predispositions. By using advanced testing methods like methylation tests, hormone panels and gut microbiome analysis, functional medicine can give you a clearer picture of how your genes are currently behaving and how they can be influenced. Imagine having the power to improve your energy, manage weight better and reduce oxidative stress (cell damage) all by understanding and influencing your unique genetic blueprint.
Epigenetic Tests: Empowering You to Take Control
Epigenetic tests, like our ULTIMATE Methylation Test, analyse key markers to show how your current lifestyle may be influencing your genetic expression. When paired with other functional tests, these insights offer a thorough overview of various health aspects, such as your body’s detoxification efficiency, hormone balance, stress resilience and metabolic performance. This detailed information enables the creation of personalised recommendations for dietary and lifestyle changes or supplements, helping you optimise your wellness. These tests do more than just inform - they empower you to make proactive and well-informed decisions about your health.
Can You Really Change Your Genetics?
While you can't change the DNA sequence you're born with, you can influence how those genes behave through epigenetic modifications. Your diet, stress levels, exercise routine and sleep patterns can switch certain genes on or off, reducing disease risk and steering you towards better health.
With the right knowledge and tools, like personalised health plans and epigenetic testing, you have the ability to improve your overall well being, enhance your energy levels, physical and cognitive performance, and achieve lasting weight management. The key lies in understanding that your genetics are not your fate, they’re simply a starting point.
The Power Is In Your Hands
Your genes may provide a framework, but you hold the reins when it comes to how they express themselves. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy levels, manage your weight or reduce oxidative stress, making small but significant changes to your lifestyle can reshape the way your body responds, giving you control over your genetic potential.
Curious about how your genetics might be shaping your health? Discover your unique genetic blueprint with our ULTIMATE Methylation Test and take charge of your wellness journey today!
Genetic Tests We Offer:
● ULTIMATE Methylation Test - Ideal for those wanting to optimise their health through
personalised supplements and nutrients, providing a comprehensive starting point for your wellness journey.
● Mental Wellness - The Nervous System Report is perfect for those concerned about emotional health, this test analyses genetic factors affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to address mood, sleep and stress issues.
● Detoxification - Useful for those with symptoms of poor detoxification, such as headaches or fatigue, this test analyses genetic variations that impact how effectively your body clears toxins.
● Nutrient Report - Ideal for helping you understand how your genetics affect food tolerance, appetite and nutrient needs, helping you optimise your diet and identify areas for further testing.
● Diet & Weight Management - This test is perfect for those looking to understand their
metabolic profile. It examines genes that affect appetite regulation, nutrient processing andenergy production for better weight management and overall health.
● Athlete Report - Designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this test analyses genetic
factors affecting performance, recovery and training, providing personalised insights to
enhance your athletic capabilities.
● Alzheimer’s Risk - This test examines the Apolipoprotein E gene, including the E4 form linked to higher risks of Alzheimer’s and heart disease, useful for those with a family history seeking to understand their genetic risk and adjust lifestyle accordingly.
● Methylation - This test focuses on 31 genes involved in key metabolic processes, helping individuals optimise their health by revealing how efficiently they process essential nutrients and manage metabolic pathways.
● Hormones - this test analyses genes related to hormone regulation and metabolism, ideal for those experiencing symptoms of imbalance like infertility, acne or mood swings.
● Oestrogen Balance - this test examines genes related to oestrogen production and
metabolism and is useful for addressing symptoms of oestrogen imbalance such as
gynaecological issues or hormone-sensitive conditions.
● Thyroid Balance - this test analyses genes involved in thyroid hormone function, helping
those with symptoms like fatigue, weight changes or autoimmune conditions understand
thyroid health and potential imbalances.
● Histamine Intolerance - this test evaluates how your genes affect histamine processing, ideal for those with symptoms like skin irritation or digestive issues, to identify genetic factors affecting histamine breakdown.
Confused about which test to take?
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing to help you identify the right tests or supplements based on your symptoms.
