This is an industry specific blog post. Conventional wisdom tells us that we are a product of our environment and lifestyle choices. But what if there was more to it than that? Why do some people have better results on an exercise and diet regime while others don't? What if our DNA could be the road map to our healthiest self?
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and function of living organisms. Your DNA makes you uniquely you - it determines your hair color, eye color, and even your risk for certain diseases or how you respond to specific medications.
How Does DNA Affect My Health?
Your DNA plays a significant role in determining your overall health. For example, studies have shown that specific genetic mutations can predispose you to develop certain illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease. Your DNA can also influence how well you respond to certain medications - meaning that two people with the same disease may require different treatments based on their unique DNA makeup.
The implications of this are huge. We no longer have to rely on one-size-fits-all advice from so-called experts. Instead, we can get tailored advice based on our unique genetic code. This is the future of personalized medicine, and it is already here.
So how does it work?
A few different companies offer DNA testing services, but they all operate in the same way. For example, Rupa Health offers many health focus tests, including a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or Leptin testing, a protein produced by fat cells that is a hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage. You order a kit, provide a sample of your DNA (usually through a simple saliva swab or blood draw), and send it to the company's laboratory for analysis. Then, a few weeks later, you receive your results.
Your results will include information on your specific genetic susceptibilities and how they might affect your health. For example, you might learn that you have a higher-than-average risk of developing certain diseases or conditions. You might also learn about your ideal diet and exercise regimen based on your genes. This information can be used to make more informed decisions about your lifestyle choices.
Once I get my results, where do I go from there?
At Rupa Health, we believe that unlocking your DNA is only the first step in your best lived life. So we partnered with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). IMF is the leading voice for functional medicine and advancing healthcare transformation for patients and practitioners worldwide. IFM is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization that believes functional medicine can help everyone reach their maximum potential health and well-being.
So, what is functional health?
Functional health is a comprehensive approach to wellness that looks at the body as a whole system. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, functional health addresses the underlying causes of illness and disease. This holistic approach has been shown to improve overall health and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
What's more, the benefits of functional health go beyond physical health. Because functional health is based on the premise that mind and body are interconnected, it also promotes mental well-being. Studies have shown that people who practice functional health have lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels.
DNA testing may be the answer if you're looking for a way to take your health into your own hands. Understanding your unique genetic makeup allows you to make more informed decisions about what lifestyle choices are best for you. And that's just the beginning - recent advances in DNA testing quickly make personalized health journeys a reality for people worldwide.
Comentários