Our understanding of genetics has evolved with the fascinating field of epigenetics, which studies how environmental factors—like diet, lifestyle, stress, and exposure to toxins—can switch genes on or off. Unless someone has a chromosomal disorder, genes alone don’t determine disease. It’s the interaction between your unique genetic makeup and environment that influences your risk of poor health.
 

With nutrigenomic testing, I can see how your genetics may impact areas such as neurotransmitters, hormones, weight, thyroid function, energy, pain perception, methylation, fertility, and more. These tests also identify which nutrients you may require in higher amounts to support optimal health. From there, I can implement targeted nutritional and lifestyle strategies to potentially downregulate unfavourable gene expression.
 

Through personalised nutrition and targeted supplementation based on your genetics, it’s possible to positively influence gene expression. This integrative approach allows me to understand your biochemical individuality, giving a clear picture of your unique needs and providing direct, actionable recommendations based on known genetic variations (polymorphisms).
 

For example:
 

• Weight and appetite genes: I can see how your genes may influence your food choices, metabolism and waistline, and design strategies to reduce their impact.
   

• Serotonin production genes: I can determine if you are less efficient at converting tryptophan to 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor, especially under stress. Some gene variants may instead convert serotonin into a neurotoxic compound, contributing to mood disturbances. In such cases, targeted antioxidants from colourful foods or supplements can reduce negative effects. Other variants may lower serotonin sensitivity, causing low mood, anxiety, and impulsivity; I can recommend specific nutrients to improve serotonin function.
   

In my own case, nutrigenomic testing revealed higher requirements for certain nutrients to support mental health, methylation, and hormonal balance. Using this information, I was able to recover from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
 

It’s important to note that most direct-to-consumer genetic tests provide basic information with little or no interpretation, which can be confusing or misleading. In the hands of a trained nutrigenomics practitioner, however, testing can be motivational, empowering, and genuinely life-transforming.