SelfDecode DNA Test Health Consultation

So you have done a DNA test and you would like to know what all of this genetic information means.

This is when a SelfDecode genetic DNA test health consultation can help.

Whether you have done an ancestry DNA test like 23andme, or a specific health test through one of the many DNA testing companies we can help you decode the information.

I recommend uploading the raw genetic data into the SelfDecode database as their genetic reports are the most comprehensive available. (I can do that for you at a discounted price)

But what do you do with all of that information?

How do you know how your DNA data is affecting your health?

Just because you have certain genes for a particular condition it does not mean that is going to lead to health issues.

This article explains how we interpret the results from your genetic test, and how we use functional pathology testing to assess how your genes are influencing your health.

A lot of research has been done since the human genome project was completed in 2003 and one of the biggest discoveries is that your genes do not cause your health problems, but it is epigenetics and the influences of your diet and lifestyle that can affect your health.

Privacy Concerns With DNA Testing

Many people have privacy concerns with DNA testing and how this may have a negative impact on insurance, job prospects and what happens to your personal data.

This was highlighted in a recent 60 minutes episode which focused on companies like 23andme and AncestryDNA, if you do a genetic test through these companies they own your data.

These privacy concerns are well founded and has deterred many people from doing genetic testing.

This is why I recommend the SelfDecode DNA kit, they have strict privacy regulations and most importantly you own the data, which means you can delete it at any time.

With SelfDecode your data is encrypted and will never be shared.

Once you order your DNA testing kit, it is sent from the lab in Germany and you will be required to do a saliva sample before sending the test kit back to the lab.

It takes around 6 weeks to get your results which is similar for most genetic testing companies.

If however you are like me and have done a 23andme test or similar ancestry test you can still take advantage of the SelfDecode product and add your raw DNA data.

This will save you the cost of doing another gene test.

Another option I am asked about is full genome sequencing, and while the cost of this has come down, the genome research does not indicate that a full genome sequence analysis will give us more information that we need.

SelfDecode DNA Wellness Reports

With the SelfDecode DNA wellness report you are given a comprehensive report on over 30 topics. 

Each report is 30 - 50 pages long, explaining exactly what genes are tested, whether you have any of the "bad genes" that can have a negative influence on your health.

For some people just reading the detailed reports and the recommendations based on their genetic variations is all they need to take action and see improvement in their health.

You can read more about the reports that are available in my SelfDecode review, plus they are adding new ones every month.

But with a one-on-one genetic counseling session we don't just look at your genetic results, but how they are affecting you on an individual level.

Let's have a look at what happens during our one-on-one consultations and how we come up with your personalized health recommendations.

Over 30 reports cover a wide range of topics, some of the reports are focused on nutrition and diet like:

The Vitamin report assessing your risk of deficiency for Vitamina A, D, E and K plus Vitamin C, Folate and folic acid, and Vitamin B12

The Mineral report assessing your risk for deficiency for magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and sodium sensitivity.

The Food Sensitivity report assesses risk for lactose intolerance, carbohydrate intolerance, alcohol tolerance, histamine intolerance, food allergy risk, food additives, wheat intolerance and lectin sensitivity. Remember just because you have a particular trait it does not mean that it is an issue for you.

Other reports are focused on particular health issues like eczema, acne, lupus, thyroid, ADHD or rheumatoid arthritis.

Some of my favourite reports are the ones that look at the big picture like longevity and oxidative stress risk, weight loss, APOE, COMT, sleep, fitness and injury risk and cognitive health.

Personalized Genetic Consultation

Once you have scheduled your consultation and fill out a detailed health history form which will include information about the following:

We may review past lab test results to see what has been tested previously which can help with future recommendations.

Your First Consultation

The reason for doing a DNA genetic test can vary from person to person, some people are on a mission to address chronic health issues. Other people may have a significant family history and want to do everything to prevent problems as they age, while other people are focusing on optimization.

The blood tests can be done with your doctor or we can organize everything for you.

Your Second Genetic Consultation

MTHFR is a good example to use, just because a "genetic weakness" has been identified it does not mean that this is a problem for you. Stress, diet, infections and many other factors can influence your genes. 

Personally, I have this gene, along with many other genetic weaknesses and taking folate can often cause more problems for me and this is because of some of the other genes in the methylation cycle.

It is important to not look at genes in isolation, it is also important to not look at each lab marker in isolation.

Follow-up testing to make sure that the lab results improve is important, but more importantly we want to see your health improve.

Follow-Up Consultations

Once you have your personalized plan, follow up consultations are optional, but I find that many people like to make sure that that they are on the right track.

It is important to remember that you cannot implement a treatment plan simply based on a genetic SNP, this is why we combine your lab results, diet, lifestyle and family history together to make our recommendations.

What Is Epigenetics

Just because you have a genetic tendency towards a particular health condition, this does not mean that it is going to happen.

This is where epigenetics comes into the picture, epigenetics is how your behavior and environment affect how your genes work.

For example, if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, your SelfDecode cardiovascular report shows a high risk of disease - plus you smoke, drink to excess and don't exercise then there is a high chance you will have a heart attack.

But if you take action on the recommendations in your SelfDecode report, eat well, exercise and have a healthy lifestyle you are much less likely to have a heart attack.

These are some of the epigenetic triggers affecting our genes that are particularly affected by our modern lifestyle.

Epigenetics is a good thing, this means that we have control of our health and we are not destined for any particular disease.

For example, I have the genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, but I would rather know this so that I can be proactive in preventing this condition through diet and lifestyle changes.

SelfDecode Genetic Reports Cost

There are a couple of options if you would like to purchase the SelfDecode genetic reports, along with their DNA kit.

Your SelfDecode account will also include access to the lab test analyzer tool, enabling you to upload your personal lab results for analysis.

For most people all of this additional information is not necessary, but if you like to take a deep dive into the science then having a lifetime SelfDecode account is good value.

Next Steps