Dr Daniel Meyersfeld: Can Knowing More About Your DNA Improve Your Lifespan?

We lived in a very different era when the late Freddie Mercury sang the iconic words “Who wants to live forever?”
It seems that today, living longer, or anti-aging, is the phrase on everyone’s lips, and while it may seem like science fiction, we’re at the point where we can access more information about how to improve our lifespan and encourage healthy aging. The answer is a cheek-swab away – DNA testing that provides medical practitioners and patients with the tools and information they need to achieve a healthier lifespan. 

Healthcare has undergone an immense shift in approach, moving from a disease-management model to one that encourages optimum health and disease avoidance. Thanks to advances in human genomics and DNA tests, specialists are able to look at your unique genetic makeup, assess your health risk factors, and prescribe a method for your optimum wellness. 

Your genes paint a picture of your health risks – from heart disease and osteoporosis to diabetes and dementia. By knowing your precursors, practitioners can mitigate these risks by recommending medication, supplements, exercise, or diet.

In addition, the key to healthier outcomes is for patients to start taking more responsibility for their own health. By pinpointing areas of risk and priority, DNA testing can be a powerful first step in this process.

These are some of the key insights from the different DNA tests:

DNA Diet

Practitioners use this test to prescribe the correct healthy eating and exercise plans for their patients. Based on each person’s score, DNA Diet helps to determine whether one should be following a low-fat, low-carb, or Mediterranean-type diet. DNA Diet also tests several gene variations that affect metabolism, absorption, and storage of fats and carbohydrates.

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DNA Health

The genetic test looks at bone health, oxidative stress, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, detoxification, lipid metabolism, and methylation. All of these metabolic processes play a fundamental role in the potential for disease onset and can be optimized through appropriate nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

DNA Sport

This helps people to reach their full athletic potential. It looks at how fast you’re likely to recover after intense exercise. It also examines whether you’re more susceptible to injury and what your peak training times are. The test also looks at how you respond to caffeine and salt, and what type of exercise (short and intense or endurance-type activities) is best suited to you for long-term results.

DNA Estrogen

This targeted DNA test is specifically for those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. It would also be great for those with an estrogen-dominant disorder with symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, PMS, or menstrual problems. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to estrogen is a strong risk factor for some cancers. This test looks at your risk factors and how you metabolize estrogen.

Medcheck

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This test looks at how well or how poorly you’ll respond to pain, cardiovascular and psychiatry medication. Your doctor can then optimally prescribe medication for you. 

DNA Mind

This test looks at key genetic variations that could have a direct effect on a person’s mental health. Weaknesses in certain areas, together with lifestyle factors, could increase the risk for a range of neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the test looks at whether a patient might be more susceptible to mood disorders or addictive behaviors. DNA Mind is particularly useful for psychologists and psychiatrists.

Technological advances in this industry have meant that tests are now more affordable than ever. They’ve become more accessible to those wanting to be proactive about their health.

Who is the author?

Dr Daniel Meyersfeld completed his Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 2005. During his studies, he saw an opportunity to use recent advances in the field of human genetics to improve people’s health and wellness and established DNAlysis Biotechnology in 2007. The company is now recognized as a global leader in the field of biotechnology. It has an established practitioner following in South Africa, Scandinavia, Europe, Far East, Middle East, and the USA.

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This article was taken from the 2020/21 Longevity Magazine Holiday Edition.