Can DNA guided nutrition improve your health?

We've all heard of DNA. Most of us think that it is our DNA that makes us unique. DNA is found in hair follicles, skin cells and body fluids. Forensic experts have been able to take a single hair fiber from a crime scene and track down the person it belongs to. This is not new knowledge. 

 DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) DNA is the chemical inside the nucleus of all cells that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. A DNA molecule consists of two strands that wrap around each other to resemble a twisted ladder. The sides are made of sugar and phosphate molecules. The “rungs” are made of nitrogen-containing chemicals called bases. Each strand is composed of one sugar molecule, one phosphate molecule and a base. Four different bases are present in DNA –adenine (A), thymine (T) cytosine (C), and guanine (G). You will hear those letters often in discussions about DNA. That is because the particular order of the bases arranged along the sugar –phosphate backbone is called the DNA sequence. The sequence is what specifies the exact genetic instructions required to create a particular organism with its own unique traits. Did you know that the DNA between any two humans is about 99.9% identical? There are small variations in DNA called SNP which stand for ‘single nucleotide polymorphisms’ or SNPs (pronounced Snips) There is no one else who has the exact SNPs. SNPs seem to explain why people react differently to different types or amounts of medicines. For example, patients can react differently to the same heart medication, such as a “beta-blocker”. Since SNPs can affect the structure and function of proteins and enzymes, they can influence how efficiently a medicine is absorbed and metabolized. A major goal of the pharmacogenetics industry is to use the science of SNPs to determine which drugs are most suitable for any given patient. The SNP information promises to revolutionize the process of finding gene locations for disease-associated sequences. Finding the DNA sequences underlying such common diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer is being aided by the human SNP maps. These genes and SNPs provide focused targets for the development of effective new therapies. Nutragenetics and Dermagenetics are a combination of the sciences of genetics nutrition and skin care that reveals personalized information regarding an individual’s status and provides the basis for selecting a dietary, nutritional and skin care program best suited to achieving the healthiest and longest life possible. Both of these sciences use SNP testing to identify areas of an individual’s genetic make-up that may be functioning less than optimally. They can then help guide individuals in choosing the optimal combination of nutrients and vitamins and topical active ingredients matched to their unique genetic make-up. For every SNP tested, there are compensating enhancing nutrients that can put you on the path toward optimal health. Thereby complementing your body and eliminating the guesswork.  SNP’s may seem small but the impact of DNA and SNP testing is huge. This information is revolutionizing clinical medicine as well as preventive health and skin care programs including Nutragenetics and Dermagenetics.   People are now able to influence their own health outcomes.   More about the author:Christina has worked in the Health Care Industry for over 25 years with a special interest in Health and Nutrition. She has been married to Todd for 27 years. Together they have raised 3 children and are the proud grandparents of 2. You can learn about DNA testing at: http://www.mygenewize.com/travelingnani