Five reasons to get a genetic test
5 Reasons to Get a Genetic Test
Everywhere you look these days, there are all types of personalization, from how you like your coffee to the features you want in your car to customized shopping experiences. We're all unique, so why shouldn’t your healthcare be the same way?
Personalization may be the future of retail and customer service, and we at Elemental Wellness believe it's also the future of healthcare. Each individual is unique, yet for too long, healthcare has provided a one-size-fits-all approach that actually doesn't fit anyone. It fails to provide the long-term wellness and lifestyle choices that each individual needs specifically for them. Functional Medicine is different.
We know that our patients are more than just names on a chart. We also know that the path to truly personalized healthcare comes through knowing a person's genetic makeup — their individualized code that forms the blueprint for how their systems function best, right down to the cells. Since having that blueprint is the key to optimal health and wellness, here are five reasons to get a genetic test today.
1. Clarity into Who You Are
Knowing your genetic code, and specifically what genetic variations you have, can help us better understand how your body responds to the world around you, to certain foods you eat, certain activities you do, and more. It can give us better clarity into things like how your body handles inflammation, or if weight loss will be a challenge for you. Better clarity into how your cells and systems work, how your body processes nutrients, and how it burns energy is the start of personalized health.
I saw this firsthand with myself (I, of course, had to test myself and wow, was it insightful!)
2. A Focus on Root Causes
Having clarity into how your body uniquely functions is the first step, and with that clarity we can create a more focused approach to your healthcare. For example, if your genes tell us that your cells have a hard time getting rid of toxins, then we can look at making food and lifestyle choices to minimize the introduction of toxins into your body and how best to support your natural detox pathways. By having the blueprint of your genetic makeup, we can start building the right foundation. We can also treat illness and disease at the root of the issue instead of just treating downstream symptoms.
I saw this in myself when I learned I am slow a ‘slow methylator’. Now I know what food, supplements, and lifestyle choices are necessary for me to feel my best. The puzzle pieces really fell into place.
3. Better Food Choices
One of the most impactful changes a person can make on their health is changing what they eat and the way they eat. But the age-old question has been, What diet is best for me? The best diet is the one that aligns with your genetics. Insights into your genetics can determine if you need more of certain vitamins, or if you need to cut out foods that cause you inflammation, or if your body holds fat easily, or if you need to cut down on your caffeine intake.
Because of my genetics, I was able to make better food choices too. I’ve learned that eating at least a serving of dark green leafy vegetables daily helps support my methylation pathways. I’ve adjusted my diet in a few simple ways to make this happen and my energy is up on a routine basis.
4. More Targeted Screening
In addition to understanding how your systems work best and how to tailor lifestyle and food choices to your unique body, genetics can also help us better understand the root causes of illness. By doing so, we can choose better options for more targeted screening and testing. Instead of generic or blanket testing that may leave us searching for how to help you, genetics can help us pinpoint exactly where to look — like having a map to where we need to go, instead of just guessing.
I have always strived to be responsible when it comes to making recommendations for costly tests. Many Functional Medicine providers love to send every test available (I understand the draw!) but it’s rarely necessary. Genetic testing allows us to make smarter decisions and only order what will result in the most valuable information, ultimately saving hundreds of dollars.
5. More Precise Supplements
Similarly, knowing your genetic makeup can help us find the right supplements for your genes. For example, if we know that your genes store iron too well, we can recommend the right intervention, instead of a trial-and-error process that would happen without those genetic insights. Once again, knowing a person's genetic makeup, and how their genes affect their systems, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and more, allows us to make more personalized and customized recommendations for you. This cuts back on the need to take a million capsule each day and saves you money to boot!
Genetic Testing is Personalized Healthcare
The world is becoming more personalized — so why shouldn't healthcare? If you are dealing with a condition like IBS, diabetes, hormone imbalance or are just tired of feeling tired, bloated, and overweight, this might be the right option for you. Genetic testing is just the beginning of a journey towards discovering how your body optimally works, and what food and lifestyle choices can give you the wellness and longevity you're looking for. Elemental Wellness can support you every step of the way.
Ready to start your personalized health journey?
