By Jeff Louderback
Everyone has a unique genome, which is composed of the DNA in each person’s genes. This complex testing can help identify genetic variants that may relate to your health. Genetic testing involves examining your DNA, the chemical database that carries instructions for your body’s functions. Genetic testing can reveal changes (mutations) in your genes that may cause illness or disease.
Genetic testing has potential benefits, whether the results are positive or negative for a gene mutation. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about managing their health care. For example, a negative result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests in some cases. A positive result can direct a person toward available prevention, monitoring and treatment options.
Embracing a gene-based personalized diet and lifestyle can enhance your health and wellness objectives.
“The impact of diet, lifestyle, exercise and environment on an individual’s genetic makeup is important to determine and understand,” explained Jeff Hogrefe, R.Ph., AFAARM, and cofounder of IHC (Integrated Hormone Center) for Men. “Knowledge of how genes are influenced by external factors enables the development of personalized health programs, not only in supporting the chronically ill patient to improve health, but also for someone at peak fitness levels, to gain the most from their training programs.”
IHC for Men has partnered with DNA Life (www.dnalife.healthcare) to provide genetic testing that helps chart a course for patients’ wellness plans.
The tests include a consultation with Jeff to determine which test is best suited for each client. They also include a one-hour consultation with IHC for Men medical personnel after the results return, to review the findings and implement actionable strategies.
The four tests include:
DNA Health
The DNA Health test helps establish optimal nutrition necessary for good health, longevity and disease risk mitigation.
DNA Health tests for 36 gene variants involved in the following biological processes that have been linked to risk for diseases of lifestyle:
- Cholesterol metabolism
- Bone health and risk for osteoporosis
- Methylation and risk for cancer
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
- Detoxification
- Insulin sensitivity and risk for diabetes
- Food responsiveness, including lactose intolerance, caffeine processing, salt sensitivity, and blood pressure and iron overload disorders
DNA Sport
The effectiveness of training and sporting performance is affected by key biological areas. DNA Sport helps personalize a training strategy that maximizes a client’s genetic potential, and identify the right lifestyle, nutrition and environmental interactions to achieve that potential.
The DNA Sport test can distinguish every aspect of a person’s athletic potential. These insights can then be used to personalize a training program and identify appropriate training and nutrition choices.
Ultimately DNA Sport can determine the best way to improve sporting potential, prevent injury and optimize recovery, to reach peak levels of conditioning.
DNA Diet
Your DNA is unique to you, which is why it makes sense that your diet should be customized for you too.
DNA Diet is designed to help create a personalized healthy eating plan, based on individual genetic differences. DNA Diet also provides additional insight into how each individual reacts to carbohydrates, saturated fats and exercise.
This helps design an eating plan that is scientifically driven to work.
DNA Diet tests several gene variations that impact metabolism and absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, as well as eating behavior, to understand how an individual’s genetic profile will impact their response to the most effective healthy eating plans.
DNA Estrogen
DNA Estrogen tests for gene variants that have been shown to have an impact on how estrogen is processed in the body and if the processing of estrogen and related compounds is efficient and healthy.
The DNA Oestrogen test guides the personalization of diet, hormone and nutritional supplement recommendations, to improve estrogen metabolism. DNA Oestrogen benefits men and women who suffer from numerous estrogen-dominant conditions.
While its importance is normally attributed to women, estrogen in men plays an important role. As teenagers, men have high levels of testosterone and low levels of estrogen. As they age, their testosterone levels decrease, while estrogen levels increase. High estrogen levels in men contribute to prostate cancer and heart disease; they also raise body fat and can contribute to diabetes and high lipids. Loss of muscle mass, low libido and erectile dysfunction are also symptoms that can result from high estrogen levels.