Health and Well-Being
Here’s the Difference Between Genetics and Epigenetics.
DNA testing is a two-edged sword, but understanding the power of epigenetics can address the concerns
This article briefly shares key points on DNA tests and my personal views based on my experience. I also acknowledge the common concerns in the literature related to genetics and DNA information and provide my approach to address these concerns.
As a technologist and sensible biohacker, genetics (DNA) testing has interested me. From a technological standpoint, it is an innovative and valuable technology. From a personal development perspective, it is an insightful tool.
However, genetic information is considered evil by some people. Even my family physician did not support my choice of DNA testing. One of the physicians characterized it as a waste of money. However, I have compassion and respect for opponents’ views as they have personal and scientifically proven reasons.
DNA testing for personal information is a controversial topic globally. There are mainly three groups. People in the first group support it. Those who are in the second group are against it. Finally, people in the third group are unaware or do not care about it.
Those who are against it mainly concerned about the unnecessary anxiety it creates for the future events forecasted in the test reports.
Some limited studies confirmed the anxiety-inducing situations for DNA test data. For example, the study titled “Learning one’s genetic risk changes physiology independent of actual genetic risk” reflects these concerns.
Even though I agree about the negative implications of DNA information on some people, my personal view, with due respect, is different.
I see DNA testing as a mirror of our future health reflected from our past (genetic code). Of course, our genes determine our health to some extent, but environmental, emotional, mental, and biological factors play substantial roles too.
There are various genetic tests. The most common ones are carrier, newborn, forensic, ancestral, diagnostic, predictive, and pre-symptomatic testing. My interest was in the last two.
My open and growth mindset compelled the information and insights from the DNA tests. I saw it as an adventure and prepared myself for the process.
Before taking my DNA tests, I conditioned myself that this was the only indicative information. It did not mean that I had the indicated condition. It did not guarantee that I would catch this estimated disease to be caused by my faulty genes. This conditioning was beneficial in preventing me from potential anxiety.
I took the plunge and got my DNA tests. When I received the results after three weeks, my knowledge about my ancestral background augmented.
There were two crucial benefits to the test results.
The first one is to learn about my heritage. To my surprise, my gene pool was from five different cultures. The predominant one was representative of my behavior and health conditions. My dietary estimates based on my ancestors were spot on.
The second important point was my current genetic status and the risk factors for my health based on gene types.
The report came with a large set of data but with a limited explanation. They referred to qualified health professionals to interpret the data.
This health information provided helpful insights to take necessary actions proactively. Contrary to claims of anxiety, knowing my weaknesses and risks did not concern me.
The knowledge of epigenetics helped me become a better consumer of genetics tests. As DNA data is comprehensive and convoluted, I also leveraged the expertise of genetics consultants to interpret data in detail. The insights are worth the investment.
The body of knowledge in genetics taught us our genes could determine our future. However, the emerging discipline of epigenetics informed us that our genes could be turned on or off by other factors such as diet, nutrition, stress levels, environment, and more.
For example, while one of my parents is diabetic, I am not because I adjusted my diet to keep my insulin levels in an optimal state with this information. There are many more examples like this in my transformation journey.
Epigenetics is an emerging science focusing on changes in organisms caused by changes in gene expression rather than changes in the genetic code itself.
When I discovered epigenetics, my outlook on life situations transformed into a more optimistic and joyful state. I learned that we are not slaves of our genes anymore.
We have the power to turn on the good ones and turn off the bad ones based on our life choices and actions. It is refreshing to have such a compelling option for our physical and mental health. Insights from epigenetics help us to design our life.
The best metabolic effect on my genes to create epigenetic effects has been ketosis. Therefore, I highlighted the importance of ketosis in the attached article.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Committing to DNA tests.
How Stress Impacts Our Genes and What We Can Do About It
How to Protect Telomere Lengths with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
As a new reader, you might check my holistic health and well-being stories reflecting on my reviews, observations, and decades of sensible experiments. I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
As a new reader, please check my holistic health and well-being stories reflecting my reviews, observations, and decades of experiments optimizing my hormones and neurotransmitters. I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis.
Petechiae, ALS, Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Homocysteine, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Brain Health, Dementia, Depression, Brain Atrophy, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Anemia, Dysautonomia, cardiac output, and urinary track disorders.
I also wrote about valuable nutrients. Here are the links for easy access:
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As part of my creative non-fiction writing goals, I’d like to share a few stories that might warm our hearts with a bit of humor into weighty topics.
Sample Humorous Stories
Finally, After Burning Her House, Georgia Found Enlightenment
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