If you’re intrigued to know exactly what’s in you or your children’s genes, you’re not alone. More than 12 million people worldwide have already taken a DNA health test to find out what’s hidden in their genetic code.
DNA health testing can reveal a lot of crucial data about your ancestry. But the information you receive is more detailed than that, decoding any genetic mutations or risks of certain diseases.
Today, more people are getting their DNA analyzed for health and ancestry reasons in the comfort of their own homes. A simple saliva sample test can offer valuable information about increased health risks to better protect yourself and help you plan for a healthier and safer pregnancy/birth.
DNA health testing can be beneficial to you to:
Identify Major Health Risks
DNA testing analyses your DNA to determine your risk of developing a range of health conditions. They’re used to diagnose rare disorders or to find out whether you’re carrying genetic diseases. Which can be particularly helpful to prospective parents.
Different tests reveal specific disease risks. For example, 23andMe covers nine potential diseases and your likelihood of getting breast cancer, celiac disease, Parkinson’s, early-onset Alzheimer’s, or age-related macular degeneration.
Once your DNA is read, it’s compared against healthy genes to identify specific anomalies. It is linked to a higher risk for a given disease. If there’s a condition that runs in your family and you’re worried about your child developing it. DNA health testing can screen genetic mutations to minimize further risks.
Explore Genetic Twists
If you’re looking to discover more about your DNA story, explore genetic twists with a DNA test.
Everyone’s DNA is made up of different chromosomes. Through DNA testing, you can trace your inheritance and get a detailed breakdown of your ancestry, digging deeper into your own unique genetics. Tests also reveal where your DNA is from in the world, including an ancestry breakdown by region.
Understand Your Child’s Growth and Health Development
The more you understand your own minor and major health risks, the better you can learn your child’s.
If you’re having a baby, DNA health testing can assist with a pregnancy and birth plan. For many parents who are carriers of a certain condition, this can get rid of some uncertainty around your health, your birth and the life that follows.
Newborn screening, carrier testing, and prenatal testing are all types of genetic screenings available.
For toddlers and older children, genetic testing could be beneficial if they are severely affected by growth problems and health development. DNA testing can help confirm the diagnosis and identify the most appropriate treatment options for your child.
Screen Gluten Intolerance Early
Genetic testing during pregnancy and screening your baby before the introduction of solid food (about 4 months) can prevent the risk of them developing Celiac disease.
In fact, not giving gluten to infants is highly beneficial if they have a gluten intolerant genetic mutation. By avoiding gluten in their diets, the chances of loss of immune tolerance and celiac or Type 1 Diabetes are minimized. Infants and children should be screened early to avoid major health risks later in life.
Help Reach Health and Weight Goals
Because DNA testing exposes exactly what you need for optimal health, it can be part of your health and weight program.
Based on your unique genes, genetic tests help identify what supplements your body needs and the right diet for you. Tie this valuable data into fitness and exercise programs to reach weight goals and encourage healthier wellbeing.
Genetic Dietary Profiles, which are discovered in DNA testing, show the ratio of carbs, fat and protein ideal for your DNA. Such DNA diets analyze the health of your genes and their variants in nutrition. This also assists in preventing future diseases and health risks.
If you’re considering a DNA test, speak with your GP or health practitioner first. They can talk you through the implications of having the test and interpret results.
Author Bio:
This article was written by Jayde Walker (Ferguson), a local content writer in the health, business, travel and music industries who recommends iDNA Health for DNA health testing advice. You can catch her on LinkedIn.
