Genetics and Epigenetics
Here’s Why Understanding Our Genes Is Not a Luxury Anymore.
Technical availability, financial affordability, and potential health benefits of DNA tests and genetic information
DNA tests and dealing with genetic data are still controversial topics. We don’t seem to reach a consensus on their benefits and necessity. Many people still consider DNA tests and genetic information unnecessary and a waste of money. Even some medical professionals don’t believe in the benefits and their necessity.
The primary concern relates to the anxiety effect of genetic information on people. The opponents think that DNA information may affect some people negatively and cause them to worry unnecessarily. They also believe that people waste their money on these inconclusive tests.
These are valid arguments because, without help from qualified genetic experts, the public cannot interpret the data efficiently, and they may jump to undesirable conclusions.
In addition, having a genetic predisposition does not necessarily warrant its manifestation as a disease. Environmental factors play a role in genes turning on and off. There are many more factors that may affect gene expressions.
Privacy is another big concern for those who oppose genetic tests. Since DNA data is unique, information breaches can severely impact individuals’ privacy, security, and safety. Not only malicious people but also service providers may misuse this information for several reasons.
I acknowledge all these concerns as they make sense. However, all these concerns can be addressed with proper policies, processes, and procedures.
My focus is on the technical availability, financial affordability, and potential health benefits of DNA tests and genetic information.
DNA tests may offer several benefits for informed consumers. As an informed consumer, my approach to healthcare is proactive and preventive.
Undertaking these tests met my requirements of being proactive and preventive for my healthcare. Even though these tests are at the infant stage, we still can learn a lot from genetic tests.
Proactive risk management requires awareness of conditions and predispositions. Our genes can reflect what diseases we may have in the future. DNA tests serve as a means to learn about our genetic predisposition to several illnesses.
By learning about our genetic conditions and our predispositions, we can take precautions and reduce the risks of diseases. These tests indicate the conditions. Using these indications, we can create plans.
Our genes may determine how we burn and store fat. Our DNA is correlated with our metabolism. However, using epigenetic principles, we may impact these predispositions. I discussed fat loss factors related to hormones and calories in this article.
DNA tests are painless. They don’t require biopsy or other invasive methods. They can be done through saliva and a piece of hair.
By getting the DNA test done, we also contribute to the genetic database. These data sources can be used for medical research and clinical trials.
DNA tests nowadays are affordable. They cost a few hundred dollars. I heard that they are still expensive in some countries, but the rates in the USA are competitive. Many clinics provide DNA test services nowadays.
These tests can be done quickly. And we get results in a few weeks. Test results come with a report. Depending on the requests, service providers also add additional reports. Of course, each report costs extra money.
I want to share some benefits I gained from DNA tests.
These tests helped me to discover my heritage. According to the test results, my gene pool was from different cultures. Having a diverse gene pool for my genetic makeup excited me. I was not what my parents told me. These cultures reflected on my behaviour and health performance.
The best part was the dietary recommendation based on my ancestors. The suggestions helped me tweak my diet. I noticed the difference when I changed my diet accordingly.
The most useful aspects of the tests were insights into my health’s risk factors based on gene types.
The results came with a report, including a data set. However, there was a limited explanation in the reports. The report writers referred me to see a qualified genetic consultant to interpret the data. They were right because it was complicated to make sense of the data and the explanations in the report.
Based on this advice, I paid a professional genetic consultant. The consultation fee was more expensive than the test fees. However, it was worth the investment for me.
During the consultation process, I learned a lot about epigenetics. I understood that we could turn on and off genes via various factors. By making lifestyle changes like diet, nutrition, sleep, stress levels, and avoiding environmental toxins, we can turn off the bad genes and turn on the good ones. This was helpful knowledge for me.
My biggest concern was diabetes, as it was a common disease in my family. The genetic consultant confirmed that I was most likely prone to diabetes if I didn’t take precautions.
Before the DNA tests, I knew that I was carbs intolerant. I had terrible experiences with high glucose, as mentioned in my previous articles. These tests validated my hypotheses established with the diagnostics of my health professionals. Since then, I have paid extra attention to keeping my glucose level in control. As I kept my glucose level steady, my insulin spikes reduced; hence my chance of diabetes diminished.
One of my parents also had motor neuron disease. This debilitating condition became a big concern for me; however, the genetic consultant did not find obvious evidence on whether I could inherit this condition from my parent.
To stay on the safe side, I proactively researched motor neuron diseases. Using my knowledge, I removed all indicative culprits from my lifestyle. The most commonly mentioned culprits were toxins, chronic stress, chronic inflammation, and vitamin deficiency like B12.
Even though DNA tests may concern some people, I saw them as mirrors of my future. This positive mindset helped me benefit from the tests.
These tests are still at the infant stage. The reports are not conclusive. I believe with the progress in technology, and more representative genetic data, DNA tests can provide more insightful information.
We are all unique and come from different genetic backgrounds. We also have different epigenetic conditions, such as various health conditions, diet, stress levels, and environmental conditions.
Because of epigenetic conditions, I don’t believe there would be generic recommendations on gene types. Each test would be unique, they would reflect personal information, and suggestions would be at the individual level.
My key point is that as technology is available and the tests are affordable, I see DNA tests as a viable option for proactive and preventative healthcare. Like many others, I considered concerns such as privacy and disappointment from reports.
I researched the service provider I used and found out that they were compliant with government and health regulations.
With the help of a qualified consultant and with the knowledge of epigenetics, I can significantly impact my genes based on my lifestyle choices. Therefore, I did not feel any concerns about any genetic predispositions in the reports.
Considering the availability and affordability, I don’t see genetic tests as a luxury anymore.
You can check out the details in the attached story.
Thank you for reading my perspective. I wish you a happy and healthy life.
Please note that this story is not health advice. I shared my experience, observations, and perspectives for information purposes only. If you have any disease symptoms, please consult your healthcare professionals.
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