Freedom Day is almost upon us. While many are au fait with its significance from a struggle perspective, have you ever thought of exploring it from a health perspective?
In this world, where keeping fit and clean living is of paramount importance for most people, there is another important factor that doesn’t immediately cross one's mind - DNA testing... as a preemptive measure.
And that’s where Geneway comes in with their signature statement: “Unlock the best version of YOU by decoding your unique genetic make-up.”
Think of it like fingerprints, no two are the same. Your genetic make-up is just as unique. Aside from contributing external factors such as poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, stress and more, Geneway takes a closer look at your genetic code.
As flattering as it is to be complimented on having inherited good genes from an aesthetic point of view, it’s the converse when it comes to illnesses. And that’s why you are always asked to fill out those medical forms with questions asking if there is a history of a particular illness in the family.
Given the advances in technology, Geneway is now able to provide invaluable information where your health is concerned. The tests pick up a possible predisposition to cancer, diabetes, heart problems and more.
In fact, many of the conditions listed below have been addressed in numerous commercials for over-the- counter treatment medication.
The Geneway approach, which should be done via a healthcare practitioner or doctor, identifies the triggers that could lead to a health problem and, in so doing, instigates a preventative course of action, which could save lives.
What you can test for:
- Exercise responsiveness: If you have been working out frequently while also sticking to a diet plan but you are still not anywhere near your weight loss goal, it might be linked to slow metabolism.
- Hypertension (or high blood pressure): This can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure or kidney disease. Genes such as ACE, AGT and ADD1 are involved in blood pressure regulation. Once the deficient gene is identified, your salt intake can be regulated.
- Inflammation: There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation starts quickly and generally disappears in a few days, chronic inflammation can last for months or years as a result of failure to eliminate the cause and minor, repeated exposure to the agent. With chronic inflammation, your body is on high alert all the time. This prolonged state of emergency can cause lasting damage to your heart, brain and other organs. If you know you are at risk, you will be able to adopt a proactive approach to your lifestyle.
- Oxidative Stress: Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in your body. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. When functioning properly, antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protecting the body against cellular damage, the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases.
- Overweight and obesity risk: 40-70% of obesity is hereditary. Key genes have been identified which have a strong genetic link to obesity, these genes put you at an increased risk of developing obesity, due to physiological dysfunctions these genes may cause. Other contributing factors to obesity, is the way your body stores and breaks down fats and carbohydrates. Knowing your dietary fat and carbohydrate sensitivity and metabolism is important, when determining which diet should be followed. During exercise, does your body use fat stores for energy or not? Knowing these factors can prevent overweight and obesity, and help in weight loss and weight management.
- Circadian rhythms (sleep disorders): When your circadian rhythms are properly regulated, you sleep well and your energy is constant throughout the day… and it reduces your risk of chronic disease. Sleep is the most important aspect of the daily circadian cycle. Circadian rhythm allows your body to assign functions based on the time of day. In order to have healthy circadian rhythms, your circadian clock needs to be set to the right time.
- Vitamin B metabolism: Your metabolism helps your body to process nutrients and turn calories into energy, rather than fat. B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, play an important role in the body's metabolic processes, such as DNA repair and methylation, but are excreted regularly and thus must be replaced regularly as well. Depending on your genes, you could suffer from a natural Vitamin B deficiency, in which event you will require additional vitamin B either through your diet or through supplementation.
- Cholesterol - and lipid metabolism: Cholesterol metabolism in humans is complex. Cholesterol is either supplied from the diet or synthesized by the body. The major factors in the diet that may increase the blood cholesterol level are high intakes of cholesterol itself, or of saturated fats and excessive calories. The liver is one of the major sites of cholesterol synthesis.The concentration of cholesterol in the blood in fasting normal humans is the result of the metabolism of cholesterol from exogenous and endogenous sources. Environmental factors such as dietary fatty acids, and metabolic perturbations such as diabetes and obesity as well as genetic factors also influence the level of cholesterol in blood.
The list also includes dementia, detoxification, sport potential, response to certain medications, bone health, dietary fat sensitivity, heart disease and homocysteine metabolism.
Knowledge in this instance is not just empowering, it promotes a longer, healthier and happy life. That kind of wellness liberation is priceless in the long run.
* For more information, or to find a healthcare practitioner that can assist, visit www.geneway.co.za