Why do your Genes matter?

Time and again, we keep hearing the proverb "It is in your Genes". When someone says, "It is in your genes," what do they imply? It simply means that a particular trait or tendency is deeply ingrained and likely to manifest due to the genetic influence. For example, if someone is highly athletic, one might say, "It's in their genes," meaning that their genetic makeup may have contributed to their natural athletic ability.

The phrase is rooted in the understanding that genes carry the instructions for various biological traits and functions and determine a range of characteristics, including physical attributes, susceptibility to certain diseases, and even some behavioral tendencies.

The Human Genome Project (HGP) completed in 2003, was a groundbreaking scientific endeavor that had a profound impact on our understanding of human biology and genetics. It provided a comprehensive understanding of the genetic blueprint of humans and brought out the importance of an individual's genes in shaping health and disease outcomes. It emphasized the need to consider genetic information in healthcare decision-making, leading to the emergence of personalized nutrition, medicine and precision healthcare approaches that harness the power of an individual's genetic information for better health management.

To cut short Genes play a critical role in determining our susceptibility to various diseases and health outcomes. In recent years, research in genomics has revealed the influence of genetic variations and changes in gene expression on our health. Advancements in genomics have deepened our understanding of how our genes influence our health outcomes. The genome, consisting of our complete set of genetic information, provides the blueprint for our body's functions. However, gene expression and interactions with the environment determine the ultimate impact on our health.

Just to increase our awareness and understanding about why genes matter, here a few ways in which genes impact health outcomes and why it is important to know your body constitution -

Genes in Disease Susceptibility -

Genetic variations can significantly impact an individual's susceptibility to various diseases. Some e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2 - increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Gene - increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and Alzheimer's disease, Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) Gene - increased risk of type 2 diabetes. These variants influence glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.

Epigenetics and Changes in Gene Expression -

Epigenetic modifications can influence gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. They are responsive to environmental factors and can have long-lasting effects on health. Some e.g. DNA methylation have been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neuro disorders and Histone modifications have implications for gene expression and diseases such as diabetes and mental health disorders.

Gene-Environment Interactions

Genetic variations interact with environmental factors, shaping health outcomes. Examples include:

• Gene-diet interactions: Genetic variations can impact an individual's response to dietary components, influencing risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Gene-toxin interactions: Genetic variants in detoxification enzymes can affect an individual's susceptibility to environmental toxins and their associated health effects.
• Gene-exercise interactions: Variations in genes involved in energy metabolism can influence an individual's response to exercise and their overall fitness levels.

These are just a few examples of how genes influence health outcomes. Genetic testing and counseling can provide individuals invaluable information about their genetic predispositions and help make proactive, informed, personalized, and evidence-based healthcare decisions that target the root cause even before onset of diseases and disorders

WORKING ALONG WITH YOU GENES IS MUCH BETTER THAN WORKING AGAINST THEM