Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing FAQ’s

• I hear the word epigenetic a lot but not quite sure what it means.

  "Epi-" means above in Greek and "epigenetic" describes factors beyond the genetic code that impact how our genes behave.  DNA is only part of the story of our genetics.  DNA in our body is wrapped around proteins called histones.  DNA and histones are covered with special “chemical tags” or receptors.  This structure is called the epigenome.  DNA code remains fixed for life but the epigenome is flexible.  The above-mentioned epigenetic tags react to signals from the outside world such as stress and diet. This allows some of our genes to express or become active while others turn off to become inactive.  In this way, the epigenome adjusts specific genes in our genomic landscape in response to our rapidly changing environment.  Epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can change our genetic expression. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and under our control and with proper guidance, can improve our chances of staying healthy and living longer and more vibrant lives. https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/intro/

• Aren’t my genes set in stone? If I can’t change anything, why get tested?

  While it is true that it’s theoretically impossible to change our DNA code, there is a way to alter the way our genes express themselves. Our environment and lifestyle- what we eat and how we sleep, are our genes’ powerful influencers and allow some genes to express themselves while others may stay dormant.  This is why we say, “Our genetics is the loaded gun but our lifestyle is what pulls the trigger”. This means that with a focused and informed direction in our daily choices, we can actually have a positive impact on our genes and more specifically, their expression. Our genes aren't set in stone, and there's a lot we can do to help them optimize our health. For details, see video  https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/twins/

• Isn’t genetic testing just used to determine my ancestry?

  Genetic testing can be used for a lot more than just our ancestry and interesting body traits.  Much more importantly, it can determine what diseases we are predisposed to and what we can do to minimize our chances of being afflicted by them.  Our genetics can shed some light on how our metabolism works and what we can do to “hack” it, how we can exercise to achieve the best results, and whether we need to pay special attention to our bones and hormone health. It can reveal whether our genetics are a cause of our mood imbalance and what we can do to balance our mental health. We can learn how our body handles inflammation and how to mitigate it, what kind of exercise will give us the best chance to lose weight, and even how much and when we should consume caffeine. We will glimpse at how our body processes nutrients to guide us in prioritizing the limitless options of nutraceuticals that are on the market today.  To sum it all up, it can help us prevent disease and achieve our healthiest and most vibrant selves.  

• Can’t my genetic test be shared? What if my employer finds out about my results?

  With identity fraud and personal bias becoming even more and more common issues, it’s completely understandable to have concerns about how your most personal information can be shared. Thankfully, this is not an issue with genetic testing because of HIPAA laws and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). These Federally-backed decrees prevent practitioners from sharing patient information and discrimination from current or future employers. So there is no reason to worry about the leakage of your information, having coverage restricted by health insurance, or potential loss of employment.

• Is the science even advanced enough around genetic testing to make it applicable?

  Since the 1950s, the study of our DNA has come a very long way, but the most beautiful and inquisitive part about science is that it is ever-evolving. As with any other area of science, our knowledge about genes, how they express themselves, and how it impacts our health and functionality, is consistently evolving. No doubt that in 100 years we will know much more about this endless field of genetics and how it can benefit us in all kinds of unthinkable ways. But we at Absoulute Vitality believe that even matching a few pieces of the puzzle that we have available today, can bring an immense benefit to your overall health and vitality and is worth exploring.

• Isn’t genetic testing only really looking at one or two genes?

  Certain genetic tests may focus on particular genes that may be considered more “popular” or “necessary” than others, but the truth is, we cannot isolate one gene from another. Our genes work together to create a blueprint of overall functionality and health. In the same way, we can’t have a car without wheels or a house without walls, every gene plays a specific role in how our system works.

• Isn’t genetic testing just for genetic testing’s sake? Will I be able to use any of that information practically?

  There is a whole slew of useful, even vital health information that can be extracted from the genetic tests that are available on the market today! Genetic testing allows our patients to have more personalized care with a better understanding of the best foods to eat, the most needed supplements to take, help make better lifestyle choices, more targeted screening and testing for the diseases at risk, and so much more. While genetic testing shouldn’t be used as the “end-all, be-all”, it can provide a much more focused and targeted approach to our patient's health and well-being.

• Isn’t genetic testing just used to predict the possibility that I have a specific disease?

  Even though genetic testing has a well-established role in determining people’s predisposition to certain genetic diseases, and this has become a standard of care in traditional medicine, for example as part of prenatal care; genetic tests available today may have other practical utilities.  For example, the genetic test that we utilize at Absoulute Vitality may answer some health-concerning questions that you have been looking for and hoping to find answers to for a long time. Such as, is the workout that you are doing daily the best for you and if not, then what is? Or does your body need the supplements that you are taking since you read or heard the doctor on TV discuss their multiple benefits?  Are you eating the foods that are best for YOU- a field called nutrigenetics? What is the best, the absolute approach to YOUR health? At Absoulte Vitality, we can help you find those answers with the help of a genetic test.