I’m concerned about my family history

Genetic Testing

The Only Way To Truly Understand Your Family History

Every single one of us has genes that were passed onto us by our parents, grandparents, and basically all our bloodline relatives. Hidden in those genes are markers that determine eye color and skin pigmentation, along with those that can be the cause of many different diseases, as well as reactions to food, chemicals, medication and weight issues.

With advances in gene testing technologies, it has become far more accessible for you to have a very simple genetic test done, that can reveal a lot more about your body responds to diets and exercise.

The main issue with DNA is that you could be carrying genetic markers that expose you to a greater risk for certain types of cancer or heart disease. But unless your parents, grandparents or siblings have developed such diseases, you simply don’t know if there is such a genetic history.

Having a full picture of your genetic family history can help you understand any current health issues and enable more effective treatments. But it will also help you identify potential risks allowing you to make lifestyle changes to reduce or prevent these risks.

Reactions To Medication

Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America are those designed to treat mental health issues and chronic pain. While most people expect to go to a doctor with a problem and to come out with a definite solution, it is far more common that finding the best solution will mean changing and combining different drugs.

This process can take a long time, involving periods of trial and error where things may not improve for you as expected.

If you have been diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders or ADHD, then the road to recovery can be very long. However genetic testing has made it possible to determine drugs which are less likely to work for you.

Through this process of elimination, your doctor is in a much better position to tailor a treatment plan that will suit your genetic makeup. And with a reduced chance of prescribing less effective drugs, you will see improvements a lot sooner.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the USA, with millions of people suffering from very debilitating conditions that are ticking time bombs. The unfortunate reality is that for many people these conditions are life-threatening while at the same time being preventable.

Genetic testing can identify certain markers that indicate a higher chance of increased coagulation, or overactive blood clotting. This poses one of the most dangerous cardiovascular risks leading to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. When such genetic markers are identified, several preventative actions can be taken that range from changes in diet, exercise, lifestyle and sometimes medication as well.

Just because you have these markers doesn’t mean that there is an imminent threat. But a once off test and some simple changes in your life can make sure that you lead a longer and healthier life.

Indirect Cardiac Impacts

Beyond the blood clotting issues mentioned above, there are also genetic impacts that can indirectly lead to cardiac arrest. One such area is genes affecting the regulation of cholesterol. Unlike other fats, cholesterol is very difficult to exercise away, and should always be actively managed through your diet.

However, by identifying certain genes, it is possible to determine whether your body has a hard coded difficulty in regulating this harmful substance. Similarly, hypertension, or high blood pressure, has been linked to 2 specific genes. These have been proven to result in narrowing of blood vessels, which ultimately leads to the heart having to work an awful lot harder.

By identifying the presence of these genes at an earlier stage in life, it is possible to make simple changes to your daily routines to reduce such risks. It also allows your doctor to monitor you for specific symptoms that might otherwise go undetected.

Cancer

Cancer is the second biggest killer in America, for both women and men. While many cancers are directly linked to lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, there are many that have been linked closely to genetics.

You could lead a perfectly healthy and balanced life full of exercise and good food, and still be hit by some form of cancer.

For women, the two most common risks are breast and colorectal cancer, both of which are linked to specific genetic markers. Genetic tests allow for both the identification of increased risk and, in the case of colorectal cancer, the actual early diagnosis through a simple blood test.

The earlier in a woman’s life that these cancer risks can be identified, the more targeted your doctor can monitor any signs or symptoms. And in both of these cancers, early detection will dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Contact Us Today

The Young Naturopathic Center For Wellness in Los Gatos, CA provides an extensive range of genetic testing for all types of different diseases. If you live in the Bay Area and have any concerns about your family medical history, then contact us today for a free consultation.

A simple saliva or blood test can reveal a vast range of information about the potential risks that you face. We can then work with you to come up with an exercise, diet and supplement plan that will reduce your risk of developing many issues including heart disease and cancer.

Pick up the phone today, or use the contact form on this website to book in at a time that best suits you. Your initial consultation is complimentary, so you really have nothing to lose but a small amount of your time.

And that small time investment could take you on a path to a healthier and longer life.
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