Annette | Gene Testing

A Gene Test Shows You Which Food is the Best Choice

Annette Health and Wellbeing July 10, 2019September 4, 2023

Food Choice is a gene test that tests your genetic predisposition to health issues associated with 5 common foods or drinks plus histamine and your likelihood of being susceptible to food allergies

The gene test identifies whether or not you should avoid or limit these foods to prevent a range of health conditions and help promote health and wellness.

The Genes tested have been grouped in the following categories.

Coeliac Disease Risk
Lactose Intolerance
Alcohol Intolerance
Caffeine Sensitivity
Salt sensitivity
Histamine Sensitivity
Food Allergy Predisposition

Coeliac Disease Risk

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by the reaction of your body to gluten.

Symptoms of coeliac disease can be diarrhoea, bloating, pain, fatigue, and weight loss. However, you can have celiac disease and not necessarily know you have it.

Celiac disease results in damage to the microvilli, which are involved in nutrient absorption, so people with coeliacs become extremely deficient in nutrients.

A positive genetic result doesn’t mean you have the disease but indicates a very high likelihood compared to the normal population. Reducing or cutting out gluten would be important, and if you are experiencing any gastric symptoms, then a Coeliac test would be essential.

It is worth noting that if you have a test specifically for Celiac disease, then it is important to keep including gluten in your diet till you have the test.

Otherwise, you may get a false negative result.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance can produce symptoms such as gut pain, swelling, flatulence, diarrhoea, and other more obscure symptoms.

Lactase is the enzyme that breaks down Lactose which is present in milk and other dairy products. If Lactase activity is low, then lactose intolerance results.

It has been estimated that 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, with rates up to 100% in some Asian and African communities and down to 4 % in some European countries.

If a gene test comes back with High risk, then avoiding dairy products, especially those high in lactose, is advised. Sometimes the use of a digestive enzyme containing lactase can be helpful as well.

Alcohol Sensitivity

Knowing how well your body processes alcohol is important as you all know it can have a detrimental effect on your health and disease risk.

If you have a genetic weakness around alcohol, it means your body cant detoxify the toxins present in alcohol. You are also more likely to be affected by symptoms such as flushing after alcohol, hangovers, nausea, runny nose, and sleeplessness.

More importantly, it is the inability of your body to process the toxins that can have far-reaching effects on your health.

Caffeine Sensitivity

Caffeine is present in many beverages, including coffee which has become part of a daily routine for many.

Some of you can seemingly tolerate coffee and caffeine better than others, with symptoms of anxiety and an increase in blood pressure reasonably common in some of you. The genes tested in this panel.

Are those associated with the risk of hypertension and, sleep loss, and anxiety associated with caffeine

Salt Sensitivity

Salt sensitivity is generally defined as an increase in blood pressure of at least 10% due to an increased salt intake. Any increase in blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney diseases and also cardiovascular disease.

Food Choice’s genetic profile allows you to make better food choices around the most common foods and beverages you regularly consume.

Up until now, this test was only available if you had already had a Health and Wellbeing profile or in conjunction with it.

Now, this is being offered as a stand-alone test as well.

What Causes Telomeres To Shorten?

Annette Health and Wellbeing May 11, 2019September 1, 2023telomeres

Lifestyle factors can cause Telomeres to shorten.

Telomere length can be reduced by stress, cigarette smoking, obesity, poor sleep, and insufficient sleep.

Shorter Telomere Length

This can be viewed as a biomarker of genomic damage and advanced cellular ageing.”

There has been a lot more publicity of late about what causes telomeres to shorten and the significance to ageing, risk of cancer, chronic illness, and telomere length.

What are Telomeres?

As you will know, the body is made up of cells and in each cell is a nucleus that contains all the genetic material.

Genes are composed of strands of DNA called chromosomes and on the ends of the chromosomes are telomeres. Telomeres protect the genetic material and make it possible for the cells to divide. You can imagine a telomere looking a little like the plastic tip on the end of a shoelace. It protects the chromosome from fraying and damaging.

Telomeres shorten each time the cell divides, and when the telomeres are too short, the cell can’t divide and therefore dies. Shortened Telomeres are a marker of disease risk, disease progression, and premature mortality. Therefore, the risk of illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even Dementia is increased.

For a healthy long life with a reduced risk of chronic illness, you need long Telomeres.

Stress and Telomeres

A stressful childhood and adverse life events that cause anxiety can influence Telomere Length as an adult.

It is interesting to note that higher levels of Pessimism are also associated with shorter Telomeres and increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Factors that can increase telomeres length include a healthy diet.

A study showing how effective this can be done on 30 men with biopsy-diagnosed low-risk prostate cancer. They were asked to make lifestyle-related techniques which included a low-fat whole food diet, low in refined carbohydrates, moderate exercises ( 30 minutes a day), stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and supplements which included fish oil, vitamin C vitamin E, and selenium and a protein powder. Telomerase activity increased by 29.84% in 3 months (Telomerase is an enzyme that repairs and lengthens Telomeres)

No doubt we will hear more in the future about Telomeres and health and premature aging.

We hear so much that a healthy diet, low stress, a balanced lifestyle, supplementation with good quality Nutrition, and moderate regular exercise can have a huge impact on our wellness, disease risk, and longevity.

These factors influence all aspects of our health, from our immune system to our nervous system, in fact, everybody’s system. Now, also at the subtle genetic level and this interesting world of the Telomere.

In its wisdom, the body gives us ways to help influence and change our health for the positive at even these critical genetic levels.

Food Allergies, Intolerances, and How Genetic Testing Helps

Annette Carb Choice April 8, 2019September 4, 2023gut microbiome

Food allergies, intolerances to certain foods and much more can be identified by a genetic health test.

What Is The Difference Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances?

An allergy is considered to be an inappropriate immune response to what would normally be a harmless food or environmental substance.

Allergy responses can be mild, e.g. watery eyes in response to pollen, or extreme, which happens in anaphylaxis reactions. With anaphylaxis, the response can be so extreme that urgent medical attention is required, and epi-pens need to be used, as it can be life-threatening.

Allergy symptoms can be many and varied and can affect any organ in the body.

In many instances, symptoms are caused by the release of histamine from immune cells in response to a perceived allergen. This is why many people take antihistamines to counter the side effects of some allergies.

There are Two Main Antibody Responses to Allergies

IgE responses are quick responses and usually, symptoms occur immediately or within an hour or two. Responses can include sneezing, pain, indigestion, reflux, body aches, and headaches

IgG immune responses are slower and can take up to 72 hours to show symptoms. This is why IgG allergy responses can be hard to pinpoint, and often the symptoms are not recognised as an allergy. Symptoms can be the same as for IgE reactions but occur much later. Headaches can be common, as can fatigue.

Food Intolerance and Food Sensitivity

These can occur because the digestive system isn’t processing food properly. It may be because of an enzyme deficiency or an imbalance in flora. It can be caused by toxins in the system and stress in the body.

So, the issue is more about the health and efficiency of the digestive tract rather than the foods themselves.

Food intolerances can escalate and often can lead to Microbiome hypersensitivity, where the body reacts to more and more foods.

Bacteria and yeast imbalance can also cause large bowel and small intestine intolerances.

In Small Bacterial Overgrowth ( SIBO), bacteria can feed off certain foods, causing symptoms such as pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Cutting out certain foods can temporarily resolve some of the symptoms, but eventually, the bacteria adjust and gut symptoms can return.

Testing for Food Allergies

Functional tests are available that can test for IgE and IgG reactions to foods and environmental chemicals.

The benefit of these types of tests is that you can find the often elusive slow-reacting IgG reactions as well as the fast-acting reactive foods.

Often, IgG reactions respond well to eliminating the food from the diet for a few months and then reintroducing it in small amounts. These allergies often occur because of overeating of a certain food group, yet the body is often fine after a break and with less of that food in the diet.

The main disadvantage of IgG and IgE testing is that you must have been consuming the food to get an immune response. So, if you have been purposely avoiding food, it won’t show on this kind of test.

Another form of allergy testing looks at the white cell reaction to foods and doesn’t rely on you having to have eaten the suspected foods. It’s not considered an allergy test, and it doesn’t test for slow-reacting allergens such as IgG. It is more focused around IgE reactions to substances.

This can be an option for those of you who don’t want to eat certain suspect foods before doing an allergy test.

Gene Testing for Foods

AMY 1 gene profile tests your body’s ability to process starch from carbohydrates. Knowing your AMY 1 gene variation can allow you to make better decisions around the amounts of carbohydrates and starch your body can process and the health implications associated with the different gene variants.

Food Choice genetic profile tests 5 crucial foods that impact your health in so many ways.

Do you think you are susceptible to Coeliacs disease?

Do you suspect you are lactose intolerant?

The Food Choice Genetic Profile Tests

Coeliacs disease risk
Lactose Intolerance
Alcohol Intolerance
Caffeine Sensitivity
Salt sensitivity
Histamine Sensitivity
Food allergy Risk

The test shows levels of susceptibility and gives personalised information on how to manage your genetic predisposition to the likelihood of the genes expressing.

Health and Wellbeing Profile tests many genes associated with chronic disease risk, but it also includes genes associated with diet and your tolerance to fats and protein.

Your genes tell you how much protein and fat is suitable for you for optimal weight and wellness.

Microbiome Testing

While testing the microbiome isn’t a food allergy test, we now know the state of the gut is responsible for how your body responds to food, environmental substances, and so much more. Knowing levels of digestive enzymes, markers of inflammation and species of bacteria, good and bad, yeasts, etc., helps you understand your response to food and how your immune system responds to the gut environment.

Most of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, so having a healthy GI tract influences our health and longevity in many ways.

The microbiota can influence whether an immune system is strong, weak, or over-reactive.

We are all uniquely different and so fortunate to live in an age where gene technology and functional medicine testing are available for us to improve our health and longevity. Genetic testing for food allergies, intolerances to food etc can be a life changer

Microbiome Health Tests and Understanding Gut Health

Annette Functional Medicine February 26, 2019September 4, 2023Microbiome diet, Microbiome Testing

The Gut microbiota is a community of trillions of microorganisms, all of which play a key role in Microbiome health or more commonly refered to as gut health.

Good gut health plays a key role in our overall health and wellbeing.

The vast array of organisms in this unique environment play a key role in healthy gut health

Having a Healthy and Efficient Digestive System

Microorganisms influence the absorption of nutrients, produce digestive enzymes, ensure healthy motility and protect the gut wall from infection and inflammation.

How Does Your Immune System Work?

Whether you have a strong or weak immune system, or if you are likely to develop an autoimmune condition, if you have food or environmental allergies.

Therefore, the microbiome health can influence whether you are susceptible to most chronic diseases, from gut-related illnesses such as Chron’s disease and IBS to allergies, including anaphylaxis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and all forms of cancer.

If Your Gut Can Detoxify Toxins Efficiently

–The gut is a key detoxification organ, and many species assist in the removal of toxins, including chemicals, and ensure healthy recycling of hormones.

Maintaining A Healthy Weight or Losing Weight

– Gut Health influences whether you are prone to putting on weight, and many gut flora species can aid in weight loss.

Having a Healthy Mood

– You may have heard the term “the gut is the second brain.” A healthy balanced microbiota directly influences mood, clarity of thought, and depression.

Gut Microbes

When it comes to having a healthy gut biome, it’s all about the number of healthy bacteria and the balance of microbiome bacteria.

The word dysbiosis is used to describe the imbalance of gut flora resulting in detrimental symptoms. This imbalance can be between the so-called bad bacteria or pathogenic bacteria and the healthy bacteria. Still, it can also mean a lack of diversity in the species present in the gut.

This imbalance can result in gut symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, pain, reflux, bloating, and inflammation.

How You Can Have a Healthy Gut Biome

Research has found that spending time outside in nature, playing a sport, being physically active, and having pets can positively influence the health of our microbiome.

Microbiome Diet

A diet that includes various healthy non processed foods full of fibre is ideal for supporting a healthy microbiome. The more variety in the diet, the more likelihood of having a diverse microbiome.

Highly processed foods and a high sugar diet feed yeasts and pathogenic bacteria, causing an imbalance of flora and can cause a leaky gut. Leaky gut occurs when the gut wall is damaged, and it allows the movement through the intestinal lining of small food particles and cell wall fragments of bacteria. This process can put you at risk for various health conditions, including autoimmune illnesses, inflammatory illnesses, and allergies.

Enjoying a range of raw and cooked organic plant-based foods can be very beneficial to the gut. It provides all-important fibre and delivers prebiotics into the gut, which is the food source for beneficial bacteria.

Fermented foods can also help improve the diversity of our microflora.These include foods such as Kefir, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Other prebiotic foods include kiwifruit, beetroot, chickpeas, peaches, green peas, and cashew nuts.

It is worth noting that if some of the prebiotic foods cause symptoms of digestive discomfort, wind, and bloating, it may mean you have a condition called SIBO ( small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and that is worth investigating that further.

Microbiome Health Testing

It has been challenging to understand or know for sure what is happening with your own Microbiome health until recently.

Functional medicine has changed this, and it is now easy to have extensive analyses of your gut bacteria, gut immunity, enzymes, and much more.

Complete Microbiome Mapping and Comprehensive Digestive stool analysis tests are available from Laboratories in Australia and The USA.

You can do these tests from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to learn more about these tests – Microbiome Mapping, or for the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis.

Probiotics for Gut Health

Regular use of a good probiotic can definitely improve your microbiome health. In addition, because many probiotic species are eliminated in the stool, it is good to include them in your diet regularly.

The key message, though, is you need a really good, researched, and live probiotic.

Probiotic strains are many and varied, and it is important to know what strains are beneficial and what may potentially throw the balance of the flora out more.

Some probiotic species are great for reducing inflammation. Some balance the immune system and are great when there are allergies or autoimmunity. Some species are great for weight loss, and some for improving overall immunity.

If you have a great probiotic, you can increase the health of your gut and potentially your whole body.

Many probiotics are on the market, and just because a bottle lists many different strains doesn’t mean it is good. It is most likely that given the foreign environment of many species in a capsule or bottle, they often kill each other off, and you are actually getting no probiotics at all. Additionally, most shelf-stable probiotics are not shelf-stable, and it is likely again you are getting no or very little flora when you buy these.

When it comes to buying probiotics and prebiotic supplements, it’s always ideal to be advised by a practitioner on what is right for you rather than buying hit-and-miss supplements from health shops or online.

Gain Better Health Through Epigenetics

Annette Health and Wellbeing January 1, 2019September 3, 2023epigenetics, gene expression

Your genes indeed contain your unique blueprint for health and disease risk. However, your genes are controlled by a powerful external influence called epigenetics. Knowing about this enables you to gain better health through epigenetics.

This is why your genes are not necessarily your destiny and why you have more control than you realise as to whether your genes will express or not. It is also why knowing your genetic blueprint is so beneficial because it allows you to know what epigenetic influences to target.

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is almost everything and almost everywhere. It’s how you and your genes respond to your environment.

Epigenetics includes

The food you eat
The stress in your life
The chemicals you are exposed to
The quality of your sleep
If you exercise and the type of exercise
Where you live
The people you surround yourself with
The use of medications and drugs
The use of supplements

Epigenetics Controls Whether Your Genes Express or Stay Switched Off.

You want to up-regulate the gene expression with some genes, while in other genes, you want to down-regulate the expression. For example, some genes cause inflammation while others control inflammation.

In this situation, you would ideally want to switch on the genes that control inflammation and switch off the genes that cause inflammation.

Everything you do and everything around you will send messages to your genes, influencing the behavior of those genes.

This means there is the potential to make your genes work for you by controlling as many epigenetic influences as possible.

I Eat a Good Diet and Exercise so I Should be O.K.

It would be easy to think that if you ate a healthy diet, reduced stress, and did some exercise, then your genes should be reasonably happy. That is right only to a point. It is obviously beneficial to eat well, exercise, and de-stress, but what is the right food and exercise for you. Our genes are all different, and so what is right for someone else may not be right for you.

For some of you, eating a high-protein diet with limited carbohydrates works really well. For others, it can cause pain, inflammation, and injury more easily, especially when exercising. A high carbohydrate diet works well for some, but it causes weight gain, diabetes risk, and inflammation.
Exposure to certain chemicals and sprays can cause huge health risks in some people, and more vigilance is required to avoid exposures. Some people have the ability to clear toxins more effectively.
Some people need to be sure their vitamin B12 status is good because they have problems absorbing B12. A low B12 causes all sorts of health issues, including poor memory, musculoskeletal problems, and cardiovascular problems. For others, b12 is never a problem.
Twenty minutes of sun exposure daily is ample for ensuring vitamin D levels in some people. Still, that would make no difference for others, and they would remain low in this essential vitamin.

There are so many variables, from person to person and gene to gene.

Another common misconception is:

‘My granddad smoked a packet a day, drank whiskey every day, and lived till he was 90 years old. I must have good genes. “

Several things are going on here. Firstly, your mum or dad received half their genes from your granddad, and you received half your genes from your parent. You don’t know what half of what half you received.

There are also different epigenetic influences at play.

In your grandparents’ or even parent’s day, there was much less processed food.

There were fewer sprays and chemicals used in the food and sprayed in the environment.
Cities were less busy, and there was less pollution
Seafood was less contaminated.
Farming used fewer sprays.
Work hour expectation was less. In many professions, the working week was 5 days instead of 6 or 7.
Very little EMF (electromagnetic radiation) exposure.

Obviously, there are many variables here, but the bottom line is that some people were just lucky and got away with abusing their bodies. They probably did have good genes as well, but at best, you may only have a sprinkling of those genes. You also have many unfavourable environmental challenges your parents and grandparents didn’t have to deal with.

Genetics and Epigenetics go hand in hand when it comes to health and longevity.

Knowing your genetics allows you to use the powerful epigenetics environment for the best health outcomes for you and your family.

What Is The Difference Between Starch and Carbohydrates

Annette Carb Choice November 19, 2018September 1, 2023low carbohydrate diet, low starch diet, The difference between starch and carbohydrates

The difference between Starch and carbohydrates is essential to understand. Carbohydrates are foods made of sugars, but not all carbs contain starch.

Carbohydrates Can Be Simple Sugars or Complex Sugars.

Simple sugars are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, but complex sugars are broken down much more slowly.

Examples of simple sugars include

Fructose
Fruit juice
Sucrose
Glucose
Raw sugar and brown sugar
Honey

Examples of complex sugar foods include

Whole grains
Beans
Vegetables
Corn
Oats
Rice
Pasta

It is accepted that complex carbohydrate (sugar) foods are much better for health as they are less likely to spike blood sugars than simple sugar foods and provide a more sustained energy source. They also contain fibre, which is important for gut health.

What is Starch?

Starch is a carbohydrate that breaks down into glucose when digested.

High Starch foods include

Potatoes
Pasta
Rice
Wheat

Not all carbohydrates contain starch, but all starchy foods are carbohydrates.

Is There a Problem With Starch?

Many people have problems digesting starch, and it can result in weight gain, bloating, and general digestive issues. Many people also report stiffness and inflammation in their joints and muscles after consuming starchy foods.

Not everyone has problems with starch, but more and more people are suffering symptoms associated with starch.

The enzyme AMY1 is responsible for the breakdown and processing of starch in carbohydrates.

Many people have a decreased ability to do so due to changes in the AMY1 gene and, therefore, are at a greater risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and digestive issues.

Some Foods Naturally Increase Your Digestion of Starch

Some foods can naturally increase your secretion of amylase. Incorporating these foods into your diet is important if you have issues processing starch—eg lemons and limes.

There are also ways you can cook and prepare starchy foods to lower their starch impact on your body.

For example, the resistant starch in potatoes is increased when they are cooked and then cooled before they are eaten.

Exercise also has a positive impact on amylase secretion.

What is Dietary Resistant Starch?

Resistant starches are starch foods that resist absorption. They, therefore, can be beneficial in providing important dietary fibre and making you feel satisfied. Because they aren’t absorbed in the small intestine, they are a valuable addition to a low-starch diet. An example of a resistant starch food is green bananas.

Testing For Issues With Digesting and Processing Starch?

The best way to know for sure whether you have problems with starchy carbohydrate foods is to test the AMY1 gene, which controls the enzyme amylase.

Because the impact of a Low copy number ( or variation ) within the AMY1 gene can have so many health implications, I would recommend the Fitgenes AMY1 gene test. This test through Fitgenes is the only commercially available test available worldwide for this gene.

Genetic Testing for Disease Predisposition

Annette Benefits of DNA Testing November 18, 2018September 1, 2023dna testing for diseases prevention, gene mutation

Reducing your risk of chronic disease by genetic testing for disease predisposition is something you don’t often think about until some health event affects you or someone close to you.

DNA Test to Determine Health Risks

As the name suggests, chronic disease doesn’t happen overnight and is usually many years in the making.

This gives you the best opportunity to intervene at any time and reduce the risks of developing some of these debilitating illnesses and enjoy a long and healthy life.

Many people believe that developing a chronic disease such as Heart disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, Alzheimers, or Cancers are inevitable in our society. You can be forgiven for thinking that many people seem to succumb to these kinds of illnesses.

As is tested in the Health and Wellbeing profile, genetic testing can clarify where you sit as far as risk factors are concerned for these diseases. More importantly, it also tells you the kinds of foods, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle choices that will help you move away from the risk zone.

Family Genetic Disorders.

Some specific genes put you at risk for certain genetic conditions, which often are highlighted when a family member is diagnosed with a particular disorder.

Some of these genetic disorders are also considered chronic disease risks and include those diseases like Diabetes type 2 and Arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Cancer.

The Health and Wellbeing profile can highlight additional risk factors for developing these diseases.

Rare Genetic Disorders

Other family genetic disorders are rare in nature and include diseases such as Hemochromatosis, Haemophilia, Huntingdon’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Marfan Syndrome, and many more. When these health conditions show in a family member, finding out who else in the family could also be affected. An individual gene test can be done in that situation to see if that particular gene mutation is present. You would need to visit your Medical Doctor to arrange to have that individual gene tested.

If you want to reduce your risk of chronic disease and reduce your risk of getting an inherited disease shown to be in your family, then the Health and Wellbeing Profile Test is a great test to do. It will highlight ways to create an environment in your body where you reduce the likelihood of those genes expressing unfavorably.

It is always important to remember. Your genes need not be your Destiny.

DNA Testing For Weight Loss

Annette Health and Wellbeing November 18, 2018September 2, 2023DNA test for weight loss, Fat genes, genetic testing for weight loss

As with all genes, we know they are not necessarily your destiny but knowing you have certain gene variants through a DNA testing for weight loss will help you make better decisions about diet and exercise.

If I have Fat Genes, Am I destined to Become Fat?

The FTO, which is considered the Fat gene, and is tested in the Health and Wellbeing profile.

Variations in this gene can influence hunger and how the body responds to food.

Hormones Affected by Fat Genes

Key hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin are all influenced by the variations in the FTO gene, resulting in a bigger appetite and less satiety.

Adiponectin has been associated with blood sugar instability and increased belly fat. Some variants in this gene will increase the likelihood of snacking at night and eating excess fatty foods.

Fatty foods will then stimulate ghrelin which will further stimulate hunger.

Leptin controls satiety, making it hard to control the appetite if you always feel hungry and not completely satisfied.

The FTO variants can inhibit the UCP1 gene (also tested in the Health and Wellbeing profile), inhibiting fat from being converted to heat. This results in less fat burning.

Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fat Ratios.

Certain variants in the FTO gene require different levels of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. It is useful knowing this, especially if you are having trouble losing weight. While a higher protein diet and lower carb diet can work for many people, it’s not ideal for everyone. If protein is too high and you have certain FTO gene variants, inflammation will result, inhibiting fat burning.

Genetic or DNA Testing for Weight Loss.

Key genes and their variants affecting fat metabolism, energy metabolism, and fat burning are tested in the Health and Wellbeing Profile.

They include

FTO- associated with obesity, weight problems in childhood, overeating, and eating high-fat foods.
ADRB2 and 3-associated with rebound weight gain, decreased tolerance to carbohydrates, difficulty losing weight, increased belly fat, risk of obesity.
UCP1 and UCP3- associated with decreased ability to convert fat to heat.
FAB2- decreased glucose tolerance, increased fat absorption, and difficulty losing weight.
PPARy- poor tolerance to fats, prone to rebound weight gain, difficulty losing weight.
PPARgCIA-risk of obesity and diabetes due to poor glucose regulation, fats, and energy balance in the body.
MC4R- the risk of obesity and childhood obesity.
LEPR-1 and 2-regulates appetite and metabolism.

Having specific Fat genes can predispose you to weight gain, however if you know what genes you have from DNA testing for weight loss, you can use that information to your advantage. It enables you to put together a healthy diet and exercise regime targeting those genes and ensuring they express favourably.

The bottom line is: You Can Be Slim and Healthy and Have Fat Genes.

To purchase DNA testing for weight loss, you can go to our website https://naturalmedicine.nz/ or click the link below

DUTCH Hormone Tests

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 4, 2023DUTCH Hormone Test, DUTCH Test

The DUTCH Hormone Tests (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)

Precision Analytical USA offers a range of dutch hormone tests depending on your needs.

Hormones change as we age, but they are also susceptible to imbalances through nutrient deficiencies, stress, and environmental toxicity. Symptoms come in many forms and can be anything from mood swings to headaches to loss of confidence because hormones control so much of how our body functions.

Imbalances can have an immense impact on your daily life. Tests that analyse one or two hormones can be of little help because our hormones are much more complicated in their interactions than what a test like that would reveal.

The DUTCH Hormone tests are invaluable when you really want to know what is happening hormonally in your body.

Do you suffer from PMT?
Do you think you may be perimenopausal or menopausal but aren’t sure?
Are you having trouble conceiving?
Do you feel out of sorts and have trouble coping?

The Dutch hormonal profiles give a unique insight into this important interactive hormonal interplay that affects your body at every moment of every day.

DUTCH Complete

This tests the adrenal hormones, melatonin, creatine, progesterone, oestrogen, metabolites and ratios, androgens, neurotransmitter metabolite, and nutritional organic acids. 41 markers in total.

DUTCH Plus (Complete and CAR)

This test includes the hormones from The DUTCH complete and CAR, which is the Cortisol awakening response.

This gives extra information on adrenal function, particularly the body’s immediate response to stress.

DUTCH Complete with Cycle Mapping

This test measures the hormones over an entire cycle, which tracks the different hormones’ fluctuations at different times of the month.

The markers from the DUTCH Complete Test are included giving a comprehensive evaluation of your hormone status.

The cycle mapping is beneficial for issues around irregular bleeding, infertility, and general issues around hormonal imbalance.

35 Hormones are tested along with their metabolites.

Also, check out our complete microbiome mapping article.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 4, 2023CDSA test, Comprehensive Stool Analysis, PCR Test

Comprehensive Stool Analysis incorporating a PCR Test

There is a range of CDSA Tests available.

This gives flexibility depending on what your health needs are.

There is also the option of ordering individual markers if there are one or more things you need clarification on, e.g., Transglutaminase IgA for gluten sensitivity.

There are 5 single markers tests available

Why Use a CDSA Test?

This test shows key enzymes and markers through the whole GI tract. It is invaluable when overall digestion has been a problem, including pain, bloating, diarrhoea, reflux, and constipation. This test is useful, especially when traditional medical tests are normal, but you know your digestion isn’t right.

The full panel gives markers of:

Macroscopy and Microscopy

– Stool colour, form, mucous, red blood cells, white, food remnants, starch, fat.

Digestive

–chymotrypsin, SCFA, Pancreatic elastase, meat, and vege fibres

Absorption

-Triglycerides, Long-chain fatty acids, cholesterol, Phospholipids

Inflammation

-transglutaminase IGA, eosinophil protein X, calprotectin, bile acids, lactoferrin.

Metabolic Markers

-Beneficial SCFA, ph ,butyrate,acetate, propionate,b-glucuronidase

Tumour and Ulcer Markers

-M2 pyruvate kinase, h pylori antigen

Bacteriology, including yeasts.

-This test includes levels of beneficial bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Yeasts include candida Albicans plus other species and potentially pathogenic bacteria such as yersinia, campylobacter, and klebsiella.

It also includes a panel of what antibiotic or natural supplement would be effective against Bacteria and Yeast.

Parasitology

-Infectious organisms such as giardia, cryptosporidium, blastocysts, and hominins, along with other parasite species, are tested.

What is a PCR test?

PCR testing uses technology that can amplify even trace levels of DNA present. This can give an advantage when testing when the bacteria or H. pylori, for example, may be missed, but fragments of DNA can be found.

This allows for a more accurate assessment of infection present even in a 1-day stool sample.

You can purchase a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test at our website https://naturalmedicine.nz/ or click the link below.

Organic Acids Profile

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 4, 2023Organic Acids profile, Organic Acids test

The Organic Acids Profile Test

The Organic Acids profile test is great when you feel generally unwell and unsure where to start your health journey.

It will give a general overview of body function by touching on several key areas vital to health.

This test measures urine metabolite markers, which give information on

Digestion
Liver detox function
Nutrition
B vitamin Status
Cellular energy production,
Neurotransmitters
Antioxidant status.
Bacteria and yeast overgrowth

This Functional Medicine test can be beneficial if you suffer from chemical sensitivities, sleep problems, depression and weight problems.

This is a simple to perform test requiring just one urine sample.

SIBO Breath Test

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 4, 2023SIBO breath Test, SIBO test

The SIBO Breath Test is an easy to perform test which identifies bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine.

Symptoms Caused by SIBO

Bloating,
Stomach cramps,
Upper abdominal pain,
Diarrhoea,
Constipation,
Reflux and excessive wind.

Because of the poor absorption caused by SIBO, other symptoms and health conditions can occur, including fatigue, skin problems, fibromyalgia, and even endometriosis.

Often those suffering from SIBO have been diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and never really sort their digestive problems out.

Risk Factors for SIBO include:

Bouts of tonsillitis or tonsil removal, Appendix removal, history of food poisoning, regular ingestion of sugar or alcohol, and use of antibiotics.

Learn more about other functional medicine tests or click the link to our website https://naturalmedicine.nz/

DNA Test For The MTHFR Gene Mutation

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 4, 2023gene variation, Health and Wellbeing Genetic Profile, MTHFR Gene Mutation

The MTHFR gene mutation is a genetic variation that makes it very difficult to absorb your B vitamins including folic acid.

MTHFR refers to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

This can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other health problems including elevated Homocysteine levels in the body. Having the variant can also impact a healthy pregnancy and the risk of neural tube defects in the newborn baby.

Possible symptoms of having this gene variant includes

Depression
Poor memory
Anxiety
Nerve pain
Recurrent miscarriage
Fatigue
Cardiovascular Disease including clots, heart attacks, and strokes

Even though many of these symptoms and risks are caused by a B vitamin deficiency, taking B vitamins can actually make you feel worse. This is likely to be because of the type of B vitamin you choose. Different forms of vitamins can be more easily assimilated.

Role Of Folic Acid In Pregnancy

Folic Acid as a prescription medicine is usually automatically given in pregnancy to reduce the risk of Neural tube defects. It is given to reduce homocysteine levels in the body which carries a number of health risks. However, knowing if you actually have the gene mutation will give you more information as to the best form of folic acid you should take and what other nutrients would be important to take during your pregnancy.

Other nutrients that are involved in neural tube defect risk are Vitamin B12, B6, and betaine. All those nutrients are required to reduce Homocysteine levels in the body. Elevated homocysteine carries with it risks for cardiovascular disease as well. The Health and wellbeing gene profile tests genes associated with the MTHFR and homocysteine metabolism.

Testing For The MTHFR Gene Variant

When Testing the MTHFR gene, the test reveals the actual MTHFR Gene variants. Having one variant is less likely to cause health issues compared to having 2 variants on the gene. Gene testing will clarify how much at risk a person may have, based on their Gene variant.

Gene mutations are inherited. You receive one copy of each of the MTHFR genes from each parent. If you receive a gene mutation from both parents then your risk of having 2 variants on the gene is higher.

How to Get a Gene Test for MTHFR

Due to more awareness of the health risks associated with MTHFR variants, getting a gene test for MTHFR is a lot more available than ever before.

This DNA Test is available as a stand-alone MTHFR test, but is also incorporated into The Health and Wellbeing Genetic Profile.

Hair Mineral Analysis Test

Annette Functional Medicine Tests November 7, 2018September 3, 2023hair mineral analysis, hair mineral test

This hair mineral analysis is a great test if you are concerned about heavy metal toxcity

Wondering if You Are Getting Enough Minerals in Your Diet?

This Hair Test Analyses 17 key minerals and 18 toxic metals.

These include: Boron, Calcium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Germanium, Iodine, Lithium, Magnesium, Molydenum, Manganese, Selenium, Strontium, Vanadium, Tungsten, and Zinc Aluminium, Silver, Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel, Lead, Palladium, Platinum, Arsenic, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Zirconium.

Hair Analysis reflects how well the hair has been nourished with minerals or contaminated by toxins over an extended period.

As the blood circulates the body, it delivers nutrients and toxins to the hair, indicating overall mineral and heavy metal exposures.

The hair mineral test is a great test to indicate overall nutrition and toxicity in your body. It’s also an easy test to do at home.

How To Do Your Gene Test

Annette About My DNA Test October 31, 2018September 3, 2023DNA test results, Fitgenes, How to do a DNA test

Simple Steps for how to do a gene test

ORDER YOUR GENE TEST KIT

The first step in doing a DNA test is to contact me by email or by ringing the clinic. It is important to leave your contact details, including a phone number, to call you on.

At this stage, you may have decided which DNA genetic testing profile you would like to do. If you are unsure, we can discuss this, and I can answer any questions.

To get the DNA test done, I will get the kit sent out to you at your home.

The DNA Kit must be paid for before I can get it sent out.

This can be done by online banking or by credit card.

COLLECT YOUR DNA SAMPLE

Once you have received the DNA test kit, you can read over the information to be completely clear about how the test is done. I will also send you a link to a video showing step-by-step how to do a DNA test.

The test is done using a swab, which is rubbed on the inside of your cheek for approximately a minute. Maximum DNA collection occurs when the swab is rubbed on the inside of both cheeks and underneath the upper or lower lip.

The instructions are very clear, and it’s an easy test to perform. If you have any questions, you can contact me.

There are two copies of the consent form in the kit, which you have to sign. One form goes in the courier parcel with the DNA sample, and the other needs to be scanned and emailed back to me.

Once you have completed the DNA collection, it is placed with the other completed information in the pre-paid addressed courier bag and sent to Nutrisearch in Napier. They send the test onto Fitgenes in Australia.

The test should be kept in the fridge until you are able to courier the parcel.

RECEIVE YOUR RESULTS

Once the DNA test results have been sent to me, I will contact you and arrange a time, either via Zoom or at the clinic, to review the results. I also prepare an additional report with extra information to go along with the Fitgenes report.

What Your DNA Test Kit Includes

Annette About My DNA Test October 31, 2018September 3, 202323andMe conversion report, AMY1 gene test, DNA test kit

Below we have detailed what the different DNA Test Kits Include.

The Health and Wellbeing Profile Test

The Fitgenes report testing 58 key Genes in a unique easy to understand format.
It includes a second summary report with extra information on the individual gene variations. This report includes specific information on how certain foods, exercise, and nutrients affect your gene expression. There will be recommendations around all those areas so you can influence your health in the best way possible.
The initial contact appointment over the phone
The DNA test kit is sent to you by courier
Once the results are through, the follow-up appointment is done over Skype. This takes up to 2 hours.

The Carb Choice AMY1 Gene Test

The Fitgenes 40 Page report on your AMY1 gene variation with detailed information on how diet, exercise, and lifestyle affect your particular gene variant
The initial contact appointment over the phone
The DNA test kit is sent to you by courier.
The follow-up appointment is where we go through the report in detail.

The 23andMe Conversion and Interpretation

The Fitgenes Comprehensive report
A second additional report with extra information on the individual gene variations and recommendations This report includes specific information on how certain foods, exercise, and nutrients affect your gene expression.
The initial contact appointment is done over the phone.
The follow-up appointment is where we go through the report in detail.

Adrenal Cortex Stress Profile

Annette Functional Medicine Tests October 15, 2018September 4, 2023Adrenal fatigue, Adrenal Health

Adrenal Health is crucial for coping with busy and often stressful lives. Adrenal fatigue can be caused by long-term stress or nutritional deficiencies, which results in imbalances of the key adrenal hormones.

This profile tests DHEA’s and Cortisol levels at 4 key times throughout the day. Also secretory IgA

Feeling Exhausted and Loosing Your Ability to Cope with Stress.?

The health of the adrenal glands is crucial for maintaining energy, controlling inflammation, healthy digestion, a strong immune system and an overall healthy hormone balance. The adrenal glands also affect sleep patterns and the ability to have a healthy weight.

Stress, both physical and emotional, will impact healthy Adrenal function and can result in symptoms of extreme anxiety and burnout. If symptoms are prolonged, then it can lead to depression and chronic fatigue.

Do You Feel like Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone?

There can be many causes of fatigue, but modern lifestyles are contributing to an increase in the prevalence of this growing health condition called Adrenal fatigue.

This test is incorporated into the DUTCH Hormone tests but is also offered as a stand-alone test.

Complete Microbiome Mapping

Annette Functional Medicine Tests October 15, 2018September 4, 2023gut microbiome, microbiome test, microbiota

More and more information is coming out about the benefits of Complete Microbiome Mapping and how crucial good gut health is to all aspects of our health.

What Is Microbiome Testing?

This test gives a comprehensive overview of your gut microbiome and is particularly useful if you have digestive disorders, autoimmune conditions or are interested in achieving better health.

The Complete Microbiome Test

This gut microbiome analysis uses the latest technology to identify key gastrointestinal health markers, including

Calprotectin,
Pancreatic Elastase,
Secretory IgA,
Zonulin
B-Glucuronidase

Along with organisms inhabiting this unique environment. These include Parasites, Worms, Bacteria ( opportunist and normal), Phyla Microbiota, Viruses, Fungi and Yeasts..

Who Would Benefit From Microbiome Mapping?

If you suffer from

Gut discomfort or pain
Autoimmune disorders
Depression or anxiety
Skin problems and allergies
Gastritis or had food poisoning
Irritable Bowel or inflammatory bowel disease
Poor immune health

or if you are interested in preventative medicine and reducing your risk of chronic disease.

To purchase A Complete Microbiome Test. You can go to our website https://naturalmedicine.nz/ or click the link below.

Comprehensive Thyroid Profile

Annette Functional Medicine Tests October 15, 2018September 4, 2023hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid function

The Thyroid gland influences nearly every cell in the body and has crucial roles in controlling metabolic rate and energy levels. Unfortunately, Thyroid disorders remain one of the most underdiagnosed health conditions, resulting in patients having to live with many of the debilitating symptoms.

Thyroid Function Test

This test reports on TSH, FT3, Ft4, rT3, Ratios, TPOAb, ATG Ab, TSH rec Abs

These markers give significant diagnostic information on how the Thyroid is working. The regular blood test for Thyroid, which reports serum TSH and T4, can be misleading without the full spectrum of markers being included. This results in many people with impaired Thyroid function being misdiagnosed. This is particularly common with subclinical hypothyroidism but can also occur with hyperthyroidism.

Fatigue
Low metabolic rate or extremely high metabolic rate
Depression
Joint stiffness
Arthritis and inflammatory diseases
Polymyalgia
Cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol.
Memory and mood disorders
Dry skin and thinning hair
Difficulty in losing weight or uncontrolled weight loss.

Fitgenes DNA Diet Test Genetic Profiles

Annette Benefits of DNA Testing October 8, 2018September 4, 2023Carb Choice Dna Test, DNA testing for weightloss, Health DNA test

These Fitgenes DNA Diet Test Genetic Profiles are excellent if you are looking for DNA Diet tests for fitness and weight loss.

Carb Choice Profile

Carb Choice DNA Test offers specific information about how your body responds to Starches from Carbohydrate. It tells you how much you should be eating for a healthy weight and overall good health.

It tests the genetic variation present in the AMY 1 gene, influencing how your body breaks down and processes starch.

You get dietary guidelines specific for you and information on what foods reduce the activity of this gene and what foods increase its activity.

There are also exercise guidelines for you.

Health and Wellbeing Profile.

This Health DNA Test looks at diet and exercise with every gene tested.

It gives specifics of the most beneficial foods for you and answers why you may find it difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Genetic Variants

Some gene variants will make you want to snack more.
Others may make you want to snack more in the evening.

Genetic variants can make you favour savoury or sweet foods and can make you desire fatty foods to feel satisfied.

Knowing your genetic variant on the FTO gene, for example, will tell you how much protein you actually do need. Interestingly, if you have too much protein in your diet for what is right for your body, it has an inflaming effect and can make you put on fat weight.

-So It's Not Just All About Fats and Carbs.

This will also happen with variants in some of the inflammatory genes. Certain variants will put you at risk of having a low microflora and increased risk for gluten sensitivity and increased stress response. All these factors will influence how easy it is to put on weight and how hard it is to lose weight.

It is interesting to note there are certain species of gut flora that have been shown in studies to assist in losing fat, particularly gut fat.

Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult. There are so many diets out there it’s hard to know where to begin. However, knowing your own responses to foods as directed from your DNA and following a DNA based diet can give you the keys to finally having success.

About Functional Medicine Tests

Annette Functional Medicine October 3, 2018September 4, 2023functional medicine practitioner, functional medicine testing nz

Functional Medicine is the field of medicine that involves the use of specialised laboratory tests.

Functional Medicine Testing

Functional tests give full and comprehensive information on many health issues, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and a more targeted treatment.

It focuses on the root cause of disease and allows for a more holistic approach to regaining health.

I offer a range of Functional Medicine Tests, which can be particularly useful when health problems have been unresolved for a long time and more in-depth information is required.

There are no FX laboratories in New Zealand, so tests are sent to Australia or the USA, where there are specialist Functional Medicine laboratories.

All Functional medicine tests require a consultation once the test results are through. Results must be interpreted accurately and with relevance to you and your health situation. Consultations can be done via Zoom, phone, or at my clinic.

Functional Medicine Tests Available

Adrenal Cortex Stress Profile

Are you feeling exhausted and losing your ability to cope with stress.? Adrenal Health is crucial for coping with our busy and often stressful lives, and imbalances of the key adrenal hormones can leave us feeling run down and burnt out. Read More

Comprehensive Thyroid Profile

The Thyroid gland influences nearly every cell in the body and has crucial roles in controlling metabolic rate and energy levels. Unfortunately, Thyroid disorders remain one of the most underdiagnosed health conditions resulting in patients having to live with many of the debilitating symptoms. Read More

Complete Microbiome Mapping

More and more information is coming out about how crucial good gut health is to all aspects of our Health. This test gives a comprehensive overview of your microbiome and is particularly useful if you have digestive disorders, autoimmune conditions, or are interested in great health. Read More

Hair Mineral Analysis

Are you concerned about heavy metal toxicity?

Do you wonder whether you are getting enough minerals in your diet?

This Hair Test Analysis 17 key minerals and 18 toxic metals. Read More

MTHFR Gene Mutation

This genetic variation makes it very difficult to absorb your B vitamins, including folic acid. This can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other health risks, including elevated homocysteine levels in the body. Read More

SIBO Breath Test

The SIBO Breath Test is an easy to perform test which identifies bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine. Read More

Organic Acids Profile

The Organic Acids profile is a great test when you feel generally unwell and unsure where to start with your health journey. Read More

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

There are a range of CDSA Tests available

This allows flexibility depending on what your health needs are. Read More

DUTCH Hormone Test

(Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)

Precision Analytical USA offers a range of hormone tests depending on your needs. Read More

All Functional tests need to be accompanied by a Naturopathic Consultation as these tests must be interpreted accurately.

We can do this over Zoom or in the clinic. Once the test results arrive, I will contact you to schedule an appointment.

If you are unsure which test would be right for you, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. The test is important to your health situation, so you benefit most from the results.

The test kits are non-refundable once you have used the kit and sent it off to the lab for testing. If you decide to cancel the test before using the kit, we will refund your money once the Kit has been returned. There will be a $65 administration fee.