Ok now that I have your attention…… Standing here with dirt all over my body, I wanted to share with you an important tool in the optimization of one’s health.  Genetic testing. 

Not long ago I was having lunch with a friend and I told her how I was going to do a more comprehensive DNA test than the usual 23 and me.  She said, “Oh aren’t you afraid?”,  afraid of what I replied.  “ Afraid of finding out what will happen to you!”

No!  Our genetics do NOT determine what WILL happen to us, rather what could possibly happen.  That is exciting, as it gives us a chance to do something about it.  To make the necessary changes before anything does happen.  Your genes are not your destiny!

A lot has happened in the world of genetic testing, and we are still at the beginning stages of really understanding it all.   What I do know is that our bodies want to be healthy.  Given half a chance they will heal themselves.  The problem is today, they are not given much of a chance as we are bombarded with toxins today and don’t even realize it.

This is where genetic testing and Dr. Ben Lynch’s book. “Dirty Genes” comes in.  You can clean up your “dirty genes” through the foods you eat and the lifestyle you live, and supplements to offset certain gene snp’s.  This practice is called epigenetics, which means modifying genetic expression to improve your life and health. 

What really brought me to all of this was when I became very sick and could not figure out what was wrong with me.  No one could.  It turns out I had lyme disease (bacterial infection from a tick bite I never knew I had) and a mold exposure. 

My first introduction to any genetic test was one that showed I have the “multisusceptible” gene 11-3-52B.  What the heck does that mean?  For me it meant that my bodies immune system may be less able to properly identify and eliminate: lyme, mold (AHA!),  venom from rattle snakes and the northern recluse spider.  It gave me answers to why I became sick so fast after a tick bite and a mold exposure.    Um, I will also try to stay away from rattlesnakes now and the northern recluse spider.  The good news is that once I knew what was wrong, I went right at many types of treatment and am now back to normal, 100%.  It took a year and 2 months.

Of other interest is that I learned this particular haplotype is protected against Multiple Sclerosis ( won’t get that one)  BUT should not get the gardasil vaccine!  That vaccine is for HPV (human papilloma virus).  Now thank goodness, that was not a vaccine that was around when I was a child, as with my genetic make up, I would definitely have a bad reaction and injury to that vaccine.  

That is only one example of the information I received.  By understanding your own unique genetic code, you can optimize your health and prevent and reverse disease!    

I always like to say “ Information is knowledge and knowledge is power and power allows YOU the ability to make the right choices in your life to optimize your health.  Now that is exciting!  

I believe epigenetic is the future of medicine.  I highly recommend the book “Dirty Genes” as a cutting edge tool for healing the body and living your BEST life.  

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments!