Understanding the Basics
Genetic Testing
 
        It is important in this day and age to address all of the contributing factors that lead to disease.  One clear, definitive way to evaluate the genetic contribution of multifactorial disease is to take advantage of new methodologies that allow for personalized genetic screening. Genetic testing gives us a way to evaluate and address the genetic component of multifactorial disease.  Currently, tests are available to identify a number of underlying genetic susceptibilities based on allelic variations that are found in the DNA.
        This testing is done utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms, otherwise known as SNP’s (pronounced “snips”).  This process systematically compares genomes of those individuals with an imbalance in a nutritional pathway to the corresponding DNA of a “normal” population.
                  

What is Nutrigenomics?
 
        Nutrigenomics is the study of molecular relationships between nutrition and the response of genes, with the aim of extrapolating how such changes can affect human health.  According to the National Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at UC Davis, “The science of nutrigenomics seeks to provide a molecular understanding for how common dietary chemicals (i.e., nutrition) affect health by altering the expression and/or structure of an individual’s genetic makeup.  Just as pharmacogenomics has led to the concept of ‘personalized medicine’ and ‘designer drugs’, so will the new field of nutrigenomics open the way for ‘personalized nutrition.’  In other words, by understanding our nutritional needs, our nutritional status, and our genotype, nutrigenomics should enable individuals to manage better their health and well-being by precisely matching their diets with their unique genetic makeup.”
How do I know what my genetic differences are?
        The rapid increase in environmental toxins in recent decades has surpassed the body’s natural ability to adapt and detoxify.  Now more than ever, genetic differences responsible for proper methylation are insufficient to protect the body.  This results in an ever increasing incidence of chronic conditions.  Nutrigenomic testing provides a revealing look at your unique genetic blueprint.  This comprehensive look of the methylation pathway enables us to assess an individual’s genetic differences and develop an individualized nutritional wellness program to aid detoxification and support your genetic and cellular memory system- a personal roadmap for optimal health in today’s toxic environment.  
Genetic differences or mutations, are they normal?
        Yes!  Our individuality is based on our unique genetic differences.  Scientists confirm that the body’s biochemistry can balance most mutations by modifying the cellular memory system; even if you have been dealt a bad hand genetically, you don’t have to lose the game.