What is a Genetic Test?
A genetic test starts with a simple cheek swab or blood sample. This sample is analyzed in a lab by healthcare professionals to determine which genes are functioning correctly in your body, which genes are not, and what gene breaks or mutations are present. Once empowered with this information, you and your wellness advisor can lay out the foundation for achieving all of your wellness goals.
There are many different types of genetic tests based on what information you or your healthcare provider is looking for. Various kinds of genetic tests include:
Prenatal Testing: If your baby has an increased risk of having a genetic condition, your doctor may recommend prenatal testing.
Diagnostic Testing: If you have symptoms of a certain disease, diagnostic testing can be used to confirm whether or not you have the genetic condition.
Carrier Testing: This type of test determines if you carry a copy of a mutated gene that may be passed along to children. If you’re planning on having children and a genetic condition runs in your family, you may have this test to determine if you carry the gene.
Preimplantation Testing: This is done on embryos that were created using IVF. Only embryos without gene mutations are implanted to attempt the start of a pregnancy.
Newborn Screening: Newborn babies are tested two days after birth to uncover any genetic, metabolic, or hormone-related conditions so that treatment can be started right away.
Predictive and Presymptomatic Testing: This test tells the likelihood of you developing a genetic disease in the future. This type of test can be done before you develop any symptoms of the disease.
What is a Gene Break/Mutation?
Gene breaks, also known as gene mutations, are changes to your DNA sequence that happen during cell division when your cells make copies of themselves, or are present at birth, as many of the most common gene breaks are.
Gene mutations are very common, in fact, 44% of the world’s population has a genetic mutation that makes it difficult for them to create enough of the 5-MTHFR gene. This gene is responsible for the methylation cycle in your body which turns raw nutrients into usable forms your body can use. A mutation in this gene prevents your body from functioning properly and deprives it of essential nutrients.
Uncovering these gene breaks through genetic testing allows you to improve how they function. If the mutations are not improved, you can end up with nutrient deficiencies in your body. If the nutrient deficiencies are not corrected, they will build up over time and can result in the development of some serious diseases.
Why Should I Get a Genetic Test?
Genetic testing has many potential advantages whether your results are positive for a gene break or mutation or not. Making informed decisions about your health will help you reach your ultimate well-being, and a genetic test provides that data. For example, if you test positive for a gene mutation (which is very common), you can make changes to your lifestyle to fix that mutation so that your body is functioning as it should.
Many people, 44% of the world’s population to be exact, have a gene mutation that makes it difficult for the 5-MTHFR gene to function properly. This affects your methylation cycle which is crucial for your body to convert raw materials into usable forms the body can use. If there is an issue with your methylation cycle, your body isn’t functioning properly.
If a 5-MTHFR mutation is uncovered in your genetic test results, supplements can be added to your routine to get your body working at its full potential. Supplementing nutrients that your genes are not producing correctly supports your body in its quest to function properly.
Why is a Genetic Test Suitable for Everyone?
Anyone who is interested in their health and wellness should consider taking a genetic test. By taking a genetic test, you provide yourself with the best opportunity to know and understand how your body functions. Knowing this information lets you be in charge of your health and wellness.
Genetic tests usually consist of a cheek swab, or a quick blood draw, which means they are relatively painless, carry no risk, and therefore are safe for everyone to take.
Being aware of how your body functions may change the medical care you or your family receives. Because we share DNA with our family members, if you are found to have a genetic change, your family members may have the same change. This information would let you make lifestyle changes early in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
The 10X Health Genetic Test
If you’re looking to improve and take control over your wellness, then the 10X Health genetic test is your answer. We can not only provide you with a detailed look at your current health, we review the results with you and answer any questions you have about optimizing your wellness. You will be able to discuss your results with a personal wellness advisor who will also provide you with a roadmap of how to reach your ultimate well-being.
Your wellness roadmap will be customized to you and based on your personal genetic makeup. A supplementation plan, as well as recommendations for lifestyle and dietary changes, is all part of the roadmap. Taking the 10X Health genetic test can help you achieve a properly functioning body, and your ultimate wellness.
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Interested in learning more about the 10X Health genetic test and how taking it can change your well-being? Reach out to us today!