Genetics vs Epigenetics

We always hear the phrase "It's in my genes!" While this is true to a point, it's really important to note that it is very possible to alter the way in which our genes express themselves through diet and lifestyle. This is known as 'epigenetics'. 

Epigenetics is the study of how we can learn to ‘talk’ to our unique genes through the ‘language’ of diet, nutrition and exercise.

Genetic wellness testing is a tool that provides you with your DNA Blueprint and can guide you on how to optimise your nutrition and modify your lifestyle to unlock the full potential of your current and future wellness.

A simple once only saliva test provides you with your genetic profile and we can
teach you how to optimise your diet and lifestyle to 'turn off' or down regulate genes that have the potential to cause harm and 'turn on' or 'up regulate' the genes that help to prevent disease.

In a study by Dr Dean Ornish, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, he found that over 500 genes were affected by lifestyle changes! In fact, certain disease preventing genes were up-regulated, or turned on, and certain disease promoting genes, including oncogenes involved in cancer, were down-regulated, or turned off.

How do our genes switch on and off?

Our unique genetic make up is like our own personal hard drive. It represents our health potential for life. Our genes represent our uniqueness and influence
everything from the colour of our eyes and height to also our predisposition to
chronic disease.

The expression of our DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell known as epigenomes. Epigenomes interact with the environment - factors such as diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures – which can cause our genes to be ‘triggered’ – otherwise known as epigenetics.

It is really important to remember that just because you have a genetic
tendency to something it does not mean that those genes will be
switched on! Empowered with the knowledge, you can actually manage your individual genetic make-up - this is preventative wellness at it’s best!

There is so much information in a genetic wellness report that can assist you with not only healing your gut but also optimising your lifestyle and general wellness.

Here’s a few of the areas we can focus on:

Detoxification Capacity

The liver is the second largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to take any substance that is harmful if it is accumulated in your body and transform it into a less harmful form so that it can then be excreted safely. It also filters the blood coming from the digestive tract before it passes to the rest of the body. 

Genomic Wellness testing will provide you with a better understanding around
your liver detoxification capacity. Your DNA profile tells you how effective your body is in dealing with toxins and substances such as caffeine, medications, heavy metals, and hormones.

This is extremely important because, if your liver is overloaded and you have a
genetic predisposition to have a detoxification impairment, toxins have no way to be transformed and removed and, as such, they will remain within the body. 

Pathogens and candida also affect our liver and that’s why we need to support them during times of detox. In addition, if you have a gene variant that impacts your body’s ability to effectively detox, we may also need to work with you to provide extra love for your liver ongoing.

Inflammation Profile

The term 'cytokine' is derived from a combination of two Greek words - 'cyto'
meaning cell and 'kinos' meaning movement.

Cytokines are cell signalling molecules that aid cell to cell communication in
immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of
inflammation, infection and trauma.

Our genomic wellness testing measures inflammatory cytokines and also our
anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) which act to inhibit
inflammation causing cytokines. This tells us if our genes make us more
susceptible to chronic inflammation and increased risk of inflammation that
may be associated with obesity, infection, trauma, stress, cardiovascular
disease, autoimmune diseases and periodontal disease.

Food Response

Can you believe, your gene report can also tell you if you are sensitive to
sodium, are likely to be lactose intolerant or develop coeliac disease and also
measures your caffeine metabolism!

Different genotypes can have different metabolism levels and this enables us
to ensure you have preventative measures in place to aid your digestion,
support your nervous system and adrenals.

Vitamins and Minerals

Some gene variants put you at an increased risk of vitamin or mineral
deficiencies and knowing this allows you to be more mindful of monitoring
levels to ensure your nutrition is focused around your specific needs.

Iron Levels

Your genes can determine how well your body regulates iron balance. Certain
polymorphism are associated with lower serum iron and hemoglobin levels,
consistent with their associations to increased iron deficiency and anemia
risk.

HISTAMINE Metabolism

Histamine can exert many responses within the body. It can directly stimulate
the heart, causing contraction or relaxation of extravascular smooth muscle,
stimulate both motor and sensorial neurons, and control gastric secretion. It
also mediates primary and immediate symptoms in allergic responses.

Potentially elevated levels of histamines in the digestive tract can be due to
variants in APB1 gene that encodes for the DAO enzyme. If you have genetic
tendency to lower enzyme activity, you may be more sensitive to gut dysbiosis
and fluctuating estrogen levels for females.

What will this analysis do for me?

Our goal is to help you reach your health potential and live the healthiest life
possible! Everything in the report you can do something about! Armed with this
information, you will know where your potential genetic weaknesses are and advise you on specific preventative health strategies to improve your long term health alongside your gut health program.

Click here to order your DNA Genetic Testing.

View the video from Dr Margie Smith, Co Founder of Smart DNA, on the
comprehensive list of genes tested here:

https://www.smartdna.com.au/public/

About SmartDNA

The SmartDNA test covers over 160 genetic variations – in fact, it’s 51 pages of
information! It is the most affordable, scientifically up to date and
comprehensive analysis which includes action steps to assist with a personalised optimal wellness program.

Armed with this information, it enables us to tailor your consults and often join
the dots on the root cause of your symptoms.

About our SmartDNA Practitioner

Many of you will already know Ange Gore in the Kultured Wellness Community. Ange is a qualified SmartDNA practitioner, nutritional consultant and health coach. Ange has also completed the Kultured Wellness program herself so is a great support in knowing how the results relate back to the healing work you are undertaking with Kultured Wellness and uncovering any potential missing pieces of the puzzle.