A Patient’s Guide to Genetics

Creating a personalized health plan that is as unique as you are!

We hear a lot about genetics these days, from using it to find out where your ancestors came from to testing for specific diseases. But what genes are, what the study of genetics covers, and how genetics can be used as an impactful health recommendations tool is still somewhat a mystery to most.

Here at BalancedRx Consulting, I have discovered the value of knowing your genes and want to share it with you. Here's a quick guide to what genetics is and how it can lead you to your optimal health.

What are genes?

Genes are segments of DNA that determine our unique traits. We have about 20,000 genes, with 2 to 5 million variations. While traits like eye color or height are obvious, genes also affect things like metabolism, heart health, and disease risk. Some genes even influence how our body processes medications, meaning a drug that works well for one person might not for another. While 99.9% of our genes are the same, it's that 0.1% that makes us unique and provides key insights into how our bodies function.

What is genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes. It's the study of how traits are passed down through families, which genes affect which body processes, and how different genes express themselves, but most importantly how we respond to the world around us, the food we eat, the exercise we do, and the stress we encounter.

What are genetic variants?

That 0.1% of our genes that makes us unique is important because it’s where genetic variations occur. These variations, which are like "spelling changes" in our DNA, can affect how our genes work. While research on how genetics influence health is still growing, we now know that some genetic variations are clinically significant and can be modified. This is where epigenetics comes in: it’s the study of how lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors can influence gene expression—basically, how our behaviors can turn certain genes on or off. By understanding your unique genetic makeup, you can make personalized choices to optimize your health, reduce disease risk, and improve overall well-being.

What are some examples of genetic variants?

Genes can do all types of things in a person's body, and variants can influence functionality all the way down to the cellular level. For example, the ACE gene influences our potential for fitness endurance or power. The GSTM1 gene helps eliminate toxins from our body. The HFE gene affects our iron storage. The APOE gene impacts inflammation. The CYP2D6 gene is responsible for processing a multitude of commonly prescribed medications. As you can probably guess, any variation that alters a gene’s functionality can contribute to everything from drug metabolism to general bad health to chronic disease.

How do genetic variants impact my health and wellness?

A common misconception is that our genes are fixed and unchangeable. While we can’t alter our genetic code, we can make lifestyle and dietary choices that align with our unique genetic variants. Research shows that everything in our environment—what we eat, our relationships, and our lifestyle choices—interacts with our genes, influencing their expression.

For example, someone may have a genetic variant that causes them to store iron too well. That means that we can do further testing and if needed recommend treatments that will address any excess iron. Or someone may have a genetic variant that impacts their ability to metabolize caffeine. They know then that they need to cut back on that extra cup of coffee! 

Another thing to consider is the concept of phenoconversion - this is particularly important when it comes to considering drug-gene interactions in medication prescribing. For example, a person may be considered a “normal metabolizer” at CYP2D6 based on their genetic code, but by taking a certain medication (ex. Fluoxetine) they can be converted into a poor metabolizer when it comes to other medications processed by that same genetic pathway.

What is genetic testing and what does it do?

How do we find out what a person's genetic makeup is? Take a test! Genetic testing is fast and painless. If you sign up for a genetic test through BalancedRx Consulting, you will receive a DNA collection kit and easy step-by-step instructions to take a simple cheek swab. Then, ship it to the lab in the pre-paid mailer and that’s it! Results are typically available in 2 to 4 weeks.

The results, however, are complex, and can provide insights into drug metabolism (how our body impacts the medications we take), cellular function, systems function, cardiovascular health, how we manage our energy intake, nutrient processing, and more. Although there are tests available direct to consumer, to get the most from genetic testing it’s best to work with a trained professional so results can be interpreted and applied appropriately.

Why should I get my genes tested?

Imagine having a blueprint for your health—a genetic test that reveals how your body functions and reacts to the world around you. With this insight, you could choose the foods that best support your health, pick exercises that suit your metabolism and energy levels, and even address root causes of illnesses. Your genetic makeup can guide a truly personalized approach to health, helping you build a wellness plan that fits your unique needs from the ground up.

Get to Know Your Genes

You may think you know yourself pretty well, but you can get to know yourself a lot better by getting to know your genes. Working together, we can evaluate existing medication therapy and design a personalized lifestyle program. Genetic testing won't just give unique insights into how your body functions, but can put you on the path to optimized health and wellness — maybe the path you've always been searching for.

Ready to start your personalized health journey?

Book now to take that first step…