I’ve heard of DNA information being shared with certain countries…
…and according to an article I once read in the NY Times, DNA from 23 and Me has been used to convict relatives of people who’ve had DNA testing done.
Despite hearing all of this I still think DNA testing is worth it.
The testing companies I work with use codes vs your name on the testing and they do try to keep everything anonymous.
A private investigator would need to be used to sleuth out where you sent the kit from and where the results were delivered to and unless you have stretchy relatives that you’re trying to protect…
…it’s unlikely anyone would hunt you down from your DNA.
You could get a PO Box three towns over for a few months under Betty Boop if you wanted.
I have no doubt that DNA results are being compiled just like your Google searches for AI purposes.
Sadly, most of your information, preferences and habits are out there if you have a phone or computer and have interacted in society for the last 30 years.
Alexa and Siri are collecting more information from the random things you say and commands you give them than DNA folks could gather.
Now that DNA testing has been around for over a decade I believe some companies have nailed down the information enough to compile personalized reports that aren’t confusing.
DNA testing results are based on SNPs (pronounced “snips”= single nucleotide polymorphisms = locations where genetic mutations occur).
While SNPs provide a plethora of information on potential health issues – they can be confusing when they provide conflicting information.
For example an issue I have with some testing companies is… one SNP to say you’re likely to develop heart disease and the next says you have protective genes against it.
That’s frustrating.
Especially to your doctor when they are trying to figure out what direction to go with your care.
I recently interviewed Elwin Robinson the owner of Genetic Insights on my podcast. (click HERE to listen in).
Supposing he wasn’t born with amazing genes, as his Dad had chronic fatigue and his Mom battled cancer, Elwin knew he had to figure it out when he became ill.
When the DNA testing that was available to him gave him some insights with a lot of conflicting information he decided there had to be a better way to help people sleuth out their DNA.
So he got to work on creating a team of scientists to help him dial in the DNA confusion.
The end result – Genetic Insights – Elwin’s company takes your DNA testing information from other companies and using weighted researched algorithms to give you concrete answers as to what to focus on to manage and prevent health conditions.
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And he’s doing it at a fraction of the cost of having your DNA tested again to obtain better information.
If you’re curious about DNA testing for health optimization I highly recommend pairing it with a nutrient assessment of some type.
DNA testing paired with personalized nutrition assessments like the Micronutrient Testing by Spectra Cell, NutraEval or Metabolomix by Genova Diagnostics help you to identify where your genetic mutations are manifesting and where to prevent issues.
If you’re struggling with a current health condition DNA testing can help you hone in on the specific issue and paired with a condition specific test you can see what’s happening in real time.
DNA testing + the GI Map for the gut or the DUTCH test for hormone metabolism is a common pairing in my office.
Say you’ve never had DNA testing and you want to really hone in on your issues to manage or prevent them – in this case I’d recommend IntellxxDNA.
It costs a little over $1000 per test but your doctor gets a consult with their genetic expert physicians and the data you receive provides the mutations and protocols.
No guessing on your doctor’s end as to what intervention is going to work the best.
The IntellxxDNA testing provides you with the treatments with the highest efficacy based on your particular mutations and patterns.
Perhaps someday you’ll probably be able to walk into a capsule and it will scan you for everything needing tweaking….
…but until that day comes DNA testing paired with a personalized nutrient test is your option to get the most out of what’s going on internally.
I could argue wearable tech like the Whoop or Oura Ring paired with these tests could be the icing on the cake for having a pulse on all the things (pun totally intended here).
But then there’s energetic testing to assess your energetic charge and vibe.
More icing on the cake – maybe?
The question becomes…
…how geeky do you want to get and how much do you want to know?
I’m curious how many centenarians have done this testing…
…I know my Dad would rather take his chances on Miller Lite and veggies.
I’ve done all the testing and when it comes to getting to the bottom of a health issue keeping you from living life on your terms – I believe the technology is now worth it.
Insights into your health will only become more advanced over time.
Knowledge is power if it doesn’t overwhelm you.
This is the biggest kicker with DNA testing and why I’m intrigued by Genetic Insights making the information easier to use.
Because you’re on my email list and hopefully I’ve convinced you to listen to my podcast😄, The Health Fix, you can get 25% off Genetic Insights with the code: Healthfix
(Full disclosure – I don’t make any money on this one, I just like what Elwin’s up to).
Genetic Insights allows more people access to DNA testing interpretation because of it’s price point.
If you’ve done DNA testing and you didn’t glean much from your results…
…or you feel your interventions didn’t pan out based on your data, consider re-running your info through Genetic Insights.
Here’s to your genetic health,
Dr. J