My pick for sure…
So I’ve been diving into genetics testing lately and had the privilege of learning from the lead researcher from the genetics company, 3×4 Genetics. I am very impressed with the science behind their report and the clinical usefulness of the data. I thought this month I would explain what they do differently and how it has helped me in my practice.
Genetics Primer: Our genome or DNA sequence is passed down from our parents and acts like a blueprint for the cells in our body. It tells them how to make proteins that run the systems in the body (eg. hormone production, detoxification, bone turnover/formation, gut physiology, etc). This is cool stuff, but back when scientists conducted the human genome project, we thought we’d know the secret to all manners of disease. It’s all genetics, right?! WRONG! We now know that there is a fluidity in what sheets on the blueprint are actually read. This field of study is called Epigenetics (“Above the genome”). This is why two sets of identical twins may have the exact same genome (same blueprint) but a totally different life experience. Here’s an example of some of the things that can turn ‘on’ your genetic expression:
It’s not as simple as ‘I have the gene, so I’m going to get X disease’. Your choices make a HUGE impact.
Why test with 3×4 Genetics?
A few reasons:
- It’s a one time test, do it once, they actually update the report annually in response to the latest research to give you continued actionable data
- Probably the easiest test to do, no blood draw, no travel, a simple cheek swab and that’s it
- They understand Epigenetics. There are some genetic testing companies that may give you a million genes worth of data, but most of those are not something to act on. 99.9% of our DNA is similar, its the 0.1% that makes us unique
- It can give you a good place to start with your health. 3×4 gives you insight for nutrition, possible supplements, and lifestyle choices that are going to make an impact based on your unique results.
- It breaks it down for you in a personalized report that showcases which genetic SNPs (changes) are most likely to have a high impact on your life experience.
For example, if detoxification changes are the most impactful on your report, it will explain WHY you may have been more sensitive to chemical smells in the past, or smoke exposure. You can then choose foods and lifestyle changes that can help overcome that obstacle.
These insights are super helpful and can drive change in what you do. You may also choose some supplementation to optimize detox pathways.
6.Last, but not least, the 3×4 genetic test is relatively inexpensive at $299.
While not everyone needs a genetic test to get their health optimized, I do like the fact that this particular one can give you a good starting point on where you can have a large impact. Genetics can give use the WHY a result we are seeing in say, a DUTCH hormone test is the way it is. If you are curious about your genes and their impact on your Jeans (See what I did there 😉 ), Reach out and let’s chat about it!
