In recent years, the cost of DNA testing has dropped dramatically, and now it’s easier than ever to take a look at your genetic code. This means you can have access to information that can help you make better decisions around your health. It’s no secret that lifestyle choices can greatly impact how long we live and how healthy we are during our lives. But the risk factors for heart disease, cancer, and other conditions aren’t always clear to us, even though our doctors might give us hints about them.
DNA testing can help you find out if you’re predisposed to certain diseases or conditions.
To be honest, it’s really hard to pin down the number of genes that can be tested for. Some sites give you a number; others don’t. It’s also important to note that there are a lot of companies that are in the process of developing tests for genes, so it’s always a good idea to check out the test to make sure it’s been approved by the FDA.
Most people are aware that they can find out if they’re at risk for certain diseases, like cancer or heart disease, but there are a lot of things that DNA testing can tell you about your health that you might not have known about before. There are several genetic tests for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and some types of cancer.
DNA tests now allow you to see how your genes compare with your partner’s
Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to improve your health and help ensure the best possible outcome in your pregnancy. One of the latest scientific breakthroughs is the ability to determine how your and your partner’s DNA compare to each other. Your DNA holds all the information about your genetic makeup and ancestry. Because you inherit half of your DNA from your mother and a half from your father, it’s possible to determine how your DNA compares to your partner’s. The information from a simple home kit can be used to predict your risk of having a child with certain congenital disabilities.
DNA testing helps you find out what triggers certain allergies and sensitivities in your body.
DNA testing is not just for finding out your family history. Knowing what’s going on inside your body can help you identify the causes of your allergies, sensitivities, and illnesses. If you’re experiencing a frustrating rash, for example, you can send a sample of skin cells to the lab for testing and learn if you are allergic to certain foods or if you are allergic to something in the environment. Some tests include:
- Nature vs. Nurture: You can find out how much of your DNA comes from your mother, how much comes from your father, and how much is made up of DNA that’s been passed down to you from multiple generations.
- Genealogy: You can learn your ethnic origins and trace your roots back through multiple generations.
- Health: You can determine if there’s a genetic reason for your illnesses or if you are genetically prone to developing certain cancers, diabetes, or other health issues.
- Paternity: If you’re pregnant and worried about who the father is, you can find out if a specific man is the father of your child.
DNA testing can help you identify the ideal diet and exercise regimen based on your genetics.
You might be reading this and thinking, “I’m not a scientist; how can I really understand my DNA?” It’s easier than you might think. A number of companies like CRI Genetics have created online tools that allow you to interpret your DNA easily. Once you’ve got your results, they’ll help you translate this information into something you can understand. If you’re an athlete, one of the first things you can look at is your muscle composition. Is your body more geared toward endurance activities or strength training? This can help you determine what kind of training regimen to follow. DNA testing can also help you figure out why you struggle with a particular diet.
You should get your DNA tested to identify the best diet and exercise plan for you. Through this test, you can identify your genetic disorders, determine your ancestry (this is especially interesting for people of mixed race), and even identify genetic markers for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It’s important to remember that just because you test positive for a genetic marker for a disease doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get it. However, you can use this information to make better lifestyle choices to prevent disease. This is a great way to improve your health.
