Getting Health Clues from your DNA
By: Dr. Anne Bodensteiner, Ph.D. RDN
Assistant Clinical Professor and Graduate Program Director
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
University of North Dakota
Your genes can reveal a lot about potential health risks and benefits! Recent research into the human genome has allowed scientists to uncover links between human behaviors, clinical labs, and even our body size. You likely know someone, or have had your genes tested for wellness traits like risk for diabetes, heart disease, or inflammation.
There are a few things I always tell my clients: 1) your genes aren’t your destiny and 2) knowing your risk may spark you into changing your lifestyle that can increase the quality of your life and the length of your life.
Most genetic information on wellness traits does not mean you are destined to have a certain disease, it usually means that you increase the chance of having that condition especially if your lifestyle also contributes to poor health. We know that some people may have an increased predisposition for diabetes but are able to avoid high blood sugar by consuming healthy foods and exercising. The way our environment, social interactions, hormones, and behaviors impact our genes is studied in the epigenome. The epigenome is related to all the factors that can “turn on and off” our genes, allowing them to be expressed or not. Simply knowing what our genes are did not give us all the answers we were hoping for, as it turns out, it’s really complicated!
If you are unfamiliar with health and wellness genetic tests, there are some really interesting genes that have been associated with health traits. Did you know that there is a genetic link to metabolizing caffeine, or that your body size may be determined by hundreds of different genes, and whether or not you like bitter foods like vegetables. Some tests reveal genetic potential for ligament tears, sleep patterns, and food allergies!
Ultimately, if you take a genetic test and it reveals higher risk for a disease, there is no need to fret. You have some control over what happens and knowing this information can give you power to make informed choices about your health. I strongly suggest working with a health coach, certified nutrition specialist, or registered dietitian nutritionist to help you make changes that last a lifetime.
Are you a provider? Learn more about how to use genetic testing to serve your clients here.
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