Know your genes, know your body

Understanding your genetic makeup helps you make informed decisions on your lifestyle choices so you can optimise your body’s functions or mitigate your risk of certain conditions.

Genetic testing enables the identification of mutations in your genes and DNA which affect how your body functions, and which can be the cause of, or put you at a higher risk of certain health conditions.

For example, you may have a gene that makes you more susceptible to developing diabetes. Being aware of this risk can assist you in making the necessary lifestyle changes to mitigate your risk of developing diabetes. Or you may have a gene that makes it more di

fficult for your body to metabolise fat and so following a low-fat diet would be more beneficial for your health and help support weight loss. It is important to remember that it is not a diagnosis of disease but a tool to assist you in making healthy lifestyle choices.

Genetics is a fascinating but complex topic - here’s a summary to help you understand more about genes, DNA and how the mutations tested for in genetic testing work.

Genes, DNA and chromosomes

DNA is a complex molecule that contains all the instructions and information needed for the growth and maintenance of our bodies - think of it as your body’s instruction book. How this book is organised, the chapters and paragraphs, are your genes. These genes are a sequence of DNA that carry the instructions to create proteins. Chromosomes are double-helix structures in the cell which contain a person’s DNA - essentially where the DNA is stored. Every normal human has 46 chromosomes; 23 from each parent.

Variations in genes

The variations in our genes are the reason why we are all different and have different responses to environments. Mutations in genes are the sources of these variations and are the reason for genetic differences such as eye colour, blood group etc. When these mutations occur they affect the proteins that your genes are responsible for making which can, in turn, affect function. For example, there is a gene that codes for lactase (the enzyme present in babies that allows them to break down sugars in milk). Normally this gene is active until the age of four. If this gene switches off, then you will experience problems digesting lactate but if you have the variation that keeps this gene active then you won’t experience these digestive problems.

Your body can regulate how genes are switched on and off (this is how your body controls how brain cells look and function like brain cells instead of muscle cells). Environmental factors can also influence gene expression. Chemicals, radiation, pollution, UV light and diet are examples of environmental factors that can affect gene expression.

What genetic tests are available?

There are tests available that can give insight into diet (obesity risk, dietary effectiveness of different diets and eating behaviours), cancer risk, general health and wellbeing (risk for disease such as diabetes and hypertension, bone health, caffeine sensitivity) and your sports potential and injury risk. These tests involve a simple cheek swab.

Contact me (kerrypil@gmail.com) or comment below if you would like more details on genetic tests available.