Last Updated on 7 March 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Why is DNA Testing important?
What is Personalised Medicine?
Personalised Medicine, also known as Precision Medicine, is a model that tailors treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. For Naturopaths, even though they do not provide “medicine” per se, it involves the customisation of their patient support, with decisions, practices and products being tailored to the individual patient based on their predicted response or risk of disease. DNA Testing allows this customisation to take place.
The approach relies on scientific breakthroughs in our understanding of how the patient’s unique molecular and genetic profile makes them susceptible to certain diseases.
The testing taken as part of Personalised Medicine also reveal how a specific patient is likely to respond to certain treatments, supplements or liquid herbs.
What are Key Aspects of Personalised Medicine?
Key aspects of Personalised Medicine include:
- Genetic Testing: Using genetic testing to identify genetic predispositions to diseases and conditions, allowing for early intervention or tailored treatment strategies.
- Pharmacogenomics: Studying how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This can help to predict the best possible supplements and liquid herbs, and dosages of each, for each individual.
- Biomarkers: Identifying and using biomarkers (biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues) as indicators of health or disease. Biomarkers can be used to guide treatment decisions.
- Data Integration: Integrating clinical data with data on an individual’s genetic makeup and other molecular or cellular analysis, providing a comprehensive picture of a patient’s health.
- Customised Treatment Plans: Developing treatment plans that are specifically designed for the individual’s health profile, including the selection of supplements, liquid herbs and therapies that are most likely to be effective for them.
Why is Personalised Medicine Important for me?
The goal of Personalised Medicine is to optimise health outcomes by making them more targeted, effective, and efficient. It moves away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment, acknowledging the diversity in the genetic makeup, environments, and lifestyles of patients.
For our Naturopaths, Personalised Medicine improves their diagnostic accuracy, increases the efficacy of their treatments, and reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions.
Why should I get DNA Testing?
- Digestion
- Energy & Methylation
- Hormones
- Stress & Cognitive Performance
- Inflammation
- Athletic Performance
- DNA Protection & Repair
- Detoxification
That said, it’s important to remember that your genes are not your destiny. They are an indicator only, and should be looked at in that light – they are not the sole predetermined path your body will take.
Understanding the Genetic Impact on Lifestyle Choices
Your genetic makeup not only influences your health but also plays a significant role in shaping your lifestyle choices. DNA Testing reveals how your genes respond to dietary patterns, exercise routines, and environmental factors. This insight allows you to align your lifestyle choices with your genetic predispositions for optimal health results.
Here are some examples examples of how insights from DNA Testing and working with your Practitioner can lead to positive outcomes through personalised adjustments:
- Adjust your Diet – If your DNA suggests a tendency to metabolise certain nutrients less efficiently, you can adjust your diet accordingly. Our Practitioners can help you with diet plans and nutritional advice.
- Tailoring Exercise Regimens – If your DNA reveals a genetic predisposition to certain muscle fiber types, you could customise your exercise routine to focus on activities that align with your genetic strengths. For instance, if you’re genetically inclined toward endurance, you might excel in long-distance running or cycling. On the other hand, if you have genes favoring power and strength, you could optimise your workouts for weightlifting or sprinting. This personalised analysis of your body’s unique requirements can help you achieve fitness goals more effectively. And it shows you how DNA Testing can help athletes optimise their performance.
- Optimising Sleep Patterns – Your genetic profile can provide insights into your circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. If your genes indicate that you are a night owl, for example, adjusting your daily schedule to accommodate later wake and sleep times can lead to improved sleep quality and benefit your overall wellbeing. Conversely, if you are genetically predisposed to be a morning person, structuring your day to prioritise morning activities could help you to enhance productivity and energy levels.
- Managing Nutritional Sensitivities – DNA testing can uncover genetic variations related to food sensitivities or intolerances. If your DNA suggests a sensitivity to certain foods, you can modify your diet to avoid or minimise these triggers. For example, if you have a genetic predisposition to lactose intolerance, you may choose lactose-free alternatives such as almond milk or limit your dairy consumption. By tailoring your diet to your genetic makeup, you can reduce the risk of digestive discomfort and maintain better digestive health.
This personalised approach, with a DNA test then advice and recommendations from your practitioners, will empower you to make informed decisions that can lead to better health outcomes.
The Role of Nutrient Deficiencies in Health
DNA Testing goes beyond identifying genetic variations. It also sheds light on potential nutrient deficiencies that may affect your well-being. By pinpointing areas where your body may struggle to absorb or utilise specific nutrients, you and your Practitioner can develop targeted strategies to address these deficiencies. This proactive approach not only helps you to improve your overall health but can also be instrumental in helping you identify current health conditions.
Whether you’re currently facing health concerns or striving to maintain your wellbeing, understanding and addressing nutrient deficiencies is a key component of personalised medicine.
Long-Term Benefits of DNA Testing
DNA Testing offers significant long-term benefits for patients by providing personalised insights into their health. This kind of testing can reveal important information about a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, how they might react to different supplements and liquid herbs, and what lifestyle changes could improve their health. Knowing this can help people make better decisions about their healthcare, leading to earlier detection of health issues, more effective treatments, and fewer side effects from medications.
Over time, DNA Testing and Personalised Medicine can lead to better health outcomes, a higher quality of life, and potentially a longer lifespan (because patients are able to take proactive steps to manage their health based on their unique genetic information).
DNA Testing also helps patients by guiding them towards the most beneficial lifestyle choices and preventive measures. For example, if a DNA test shows a higher genetic risk for a certain condition, a patient can work with their Practitioner to monitor their health more closely and take steps to reduce their risk. This might include changes in diet, exercise, or other aspects of their lifestyle that are specifically tailored to their individual needs.
The long-term benefit is a more informed, personalised healthcare experience that focuses on prevention of health issues, reducing the need for interventions later on.
Book your DNA Testing Package today
FAQ
1. Is this DNA Testing the same as DNA Testing in Family Law matters?
The DNA Testing we refer to here is a different type of testing than DNA tests performed to identify the parentage of children in custody disputes or parental matters. The purpose of this DNA testing is to identify genes and SNPs in your own genetic makeup that influence your health. Our Practitioners can then use those results to tailor a comprehensive health management plan for you to follow.
2. Can I determine my ancestors from this DNA Testing?
The genes and SNP’s that are tested with our DNA Testing do not show ancestry details. These are related to health and wellness only.
Read more about our DNA Testing process HERE
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