Genes are bits of code found in our DNA that carry and create our various unique traits. Obvious examples are our eye colour or height. But genes can also inform other things like our metabolism, how our cardiovascular system works, or if we might be predisposed to disease.

Our genes are 99.9% the same as everyone else's, but it's that .1% that make us truly unique — and from where we can gain the most insights into how our bodies function.

That .1% of our genes that isn’t like everyone else’s is important because it's where genetic variants come into play. Genetic variants are simply spelling changes in our genetic code that may impact how the gene works. People that have a specific genetic variant may find their cellular or systems functionality impacted in some way, making it different than someone else's — sometimes for the better!

What are some examples of genetic variants?

Genes can do all types of things in a person's body, and variants can influence functionality all the way down to the cellular level. For example, the ACE gene influences our potential for fitness endurance or power. The GSTM1 gene helps eliminate toxins from our body. The HFE gene affects our iron storage. The APOE gene impacts inflammation. As you can probably guess, any variation that alters a gene's functionality can contribute to everything from general bad health to chronic disease.

A common misconception is that our genes are set for life, and we can't change them. We can’t change the code, but if we know what genetic variants we have, and how these genes express themselves in various ways to influence our health, then we can make lifestyle and food choices that take those genetic variants into account. We can support our genetics with smarter choices.

For example, someone may have a genetic variant that causes them to store iron too well. That means that we can do further testing and if need be recommend treatments that will address any excess iron. Or someone may have a genetic variant that impacts their ability to metabolise caffeine. They know then that they need to cut back on that extra cup of coffee!

Genetics is the study of genes. It's the study of how traits are passed down through families, which genes affect which body processes, and how different genes express themselves, but most importantly how we respond to the world around us, the food we eat, the exercise we do, and the stress we encounter.

Genomics is the study of the complete DNA sequence, or genome. Whilst we don't look at your entire genome sequence, we use genomics to look at grouped metabolic pathways in the body.

Epigenetics studies how environmental factors can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. It's like a light switch for your genes controlled by diet, stress, and lifestyle.

We combine genomics, genetics, and epigenetics to create personalised nutrition strategies. This ensures your diet is tailored to both genetic predispositions and environmental influences, giving your genes the VIP treatment!

Nutritional genomics is the science of understanding how different genes express themselves and how they respond to the world around us through the food we eat, the exercise we do and our stress and sleep patterns.

By analysing your genetic makeup, we can uncover insights into how your body processes nutrients, manages weight, handles stress, and even influences mood and sleep patterns. This gives you background knowledge into your underlying biology, and when we take into account your current health status , we can tailor a health plan that supports you and your health goals.

It's often assumed that we can't change our genes — so why even try? The truth is that while we can't change our DNA code, our gene expression is a bit of a different story. Our genes express themselves in different ways, and not only affect how we interact with the world around us, the world around us affects how our genes express themselves.

That means that lifestyle and food choices we make can actually influence how our genes work. Our genes aren't set in stone, and there's a lot we can do to help them impact our health..

Genetic testing has gained a lot of popularity in the past decade through ancestry companies who can test your DNA and track your family's history. But genetic testing can be used for a lot more than seeing where you came from, and can be used a lot more proactively as well. Genetic testing can tell you how your body functions, right down to the cellular level, and can help you understand how your body processes nutrients, how it metabolizes caffeine, how well it handles inflammation, and much more. It can help you look forward to a healthy future as well as backwards to your ancestors.

While there may be some genes that are more popular or given more attention than others, genes can't be looked at in isolation. What matters is how genes work together to create an overall picture of a person's health and wellness. We like to say that knowing a person’s genes is like having a blueprint to how their system works. Just as you would never try to build a house with the plans for just one wall or floor, you wouldn't just look at one or two genes in isolation.

Not at all - the DNA test is simple and painless! After our initial consultation, you'll receive your testing kit by mail. It's a quick cheek swab, there are full instructions in the kit. It's best to do a swab first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything (or brushing your teeth). This has show to give the best result. We don't want the test to fail from a diluted sample as it's a lengthy process redoing the test.

It should only take a few minutes and then you send it back to the lab in the enclosed prepaid envelope. That's it! Once your results are ready (typically 4 - 6 weeks), we'll meet again via video consultation and go over your results in detail. You'll receive a digital copy of your report and your recommendations going forward.

Genetic testing can certainly screen for certain genetic variants to determine if someone might be more predisposed to a disease — and many people use genetic testing in just that way. But like we've already seen, genetic testing can be used for much more, including informing lifestyle and food choices to address root causes of illness and disease before they even start. It’s important to understand which genetic tests focus on food choices and lifestyle changes — what we call nutrigenetic tests — and medical genetic tests that look for rare genetic variants that may by themselves cause disease.

Our knowledge of all areas of science is always evolving. The study of genetics has certainly come a long way since DNA was first studied in the 1950s. Like any other science, our knowledge around genes, their expression, and how they impact health and functionality increases each day. And like with any other science, we practice with what we have, and expand our practice as our knowledge expands. We would never hold back the ability to help a patient just because someone thinks the science "isn't there yet"!

Genetic testing can be used to make patient care much more personalised, it can help determine better foods to eat, influence better lifestyle choices, lead to more targeted screening and testing, and point the way towards the best supplements, plus much more. Genetic testing isn't something to take in isolation, but can be incorporated into the portfolio of healthcare approaches. It gives us your backstory and where your strengths and weakness are.