What is genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes and their effects on our bodies, and how traits are passed down through families.  More importantly, it’s the study of the genetic variations that impact how our bodies respond to the world around us and how the lifestyle choices we make impact how our genes express themselves. It’s essentially your blueprint for health.

Your genetics are not set in stone. While you can’t change your DNA, you can certainly change how your genes express themselves. You are essentially in control of your own destiny through the choices you make.

We all have between 21,000 and 25,000 genes and 99.9% of our genes are the same as others. Our individuality is determined by the .1% of our genes that contain variations– and those variations are the key to understanding how to create a heathier life.

The daily choices we make has a direct influence on how our genes express themselves and the quality of our life. This includes the foods we eat, our environment, our stress levels, and the exercises we do. While you can’t change your DNA, you can change how they expresses themselves.  You can switch your genes on or off by influencing many factors like diet, medications, environment, moods, and more.

To help understand terminology of genetics, here’s a few descriptions:

Gene: The cellular building blocks of what makes us individuals.  We all have between 21,000 and 25,000 genes and 99.9% of our genes are the same.

Genetics: The study of genes and their effects on our bodies, how traits are passed down through families and more importantly, the study of variations that impact our health.

Genome: A collection of someone’s complete set of genes that provides all the information about their genetic makeup.

DNA: Formed of four chemical bases in different combinations, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries all the information needed to “build” a human.  It is hereditary and found in nearly organism.

Chromosome: Located in the nucleus of our cells, chromosomes are made of our DNA and proteins.

Gene Expression:  Refers to how often or when proteins are created from the instructions within your genes. While genetic changes can alter which protein is made, epigenetic changes affect gene expression to turn genes “on” and “off.”

Genetic Marker: A specific DNA sequence found in our chromosomes. DNA is made up of 4 letters: G A C T

Genetic Variation:  It’s the variations in the .1% of genes that give us our unique traits and features.

Genetic Testing:  A genetic test identifies genes are genetic variations through blood or saliva testing.

SNPs: Variations in genes are called SNPs (like “snips”) or a single nucleotide polymorphism.

Epigenetics: The study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work and express—good or bad.   While you can’t control the genes you get, with knowledge you can support where you have inherent weaknesses.

Nutrigenomics (Nutrition + Genomics):  The science of nutrition and genetics that informs us which nutrients and foods influence our genes. For example, certain genes can cause inflammation or can tame it.  When we know which genes are influenced by which nutrients, we can eat the right foods in to reduce inflammation.