Since the completion of the human Genome project in 2003, DNA testing has become more and more accessible. It’s now possible for any of us to get a comprehensive analysis of our DNA that can reveal all kinds of things about our genes. 

But how can DNA testing help you meet your health goals? 

We've put together this guide to help explain what DNA-driven healthcare is, how it works and what to consider when choosing a DNA test. 

How can understanding our DNA help us improve our health?

As we understand more and more about how DNA influences the way our bodies work, there is more and more research showing a relationship between variations in our gene SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymers) and how certain metabolic and biochemical processes work on our body.

If we understand how our genes influence key areas like metabolism, inflammation, detoxification and how our bodies respond to stress, we can adapt our nutrition, lifestyle and exercise to make sure our approach to health is the most effective it can be for our individual bodies. 

In short: A DNA test is not just a DNA test. It’s a lifestyle change. It helps you make the necessary lifestyle choices to improve your health for the long-term.

Why is a personalised approach to health important? 

Let's be honest, there is a lot of information available around health, nutrition, fitness and wellbeing. It can be overwhelming and difficult to know what will work for you. 
 
And there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to giving our bodies what they need. DNA testing takes the guesswork out of optimising our health, and helps to create a truly personalised approach to nutrition and lifestyle that is tailored to how YOUR body works. 

99.9% of your DNA is the same as everyone else’s, it’s the 0.1% that differs from person to person that makes you unique! DNA is not only responsible for aspects such as eye and hair colour, but also how we’re likely to respond to certain types of dietary, fitness and lifestyle choices. By understanding your specific predispositions to ways of eating and exercising, you can make better choices, maximise your potential, and reach your goals more efficiently.

Will I find out I’ve got a disease?

No. The tests we use can’t show that you have a disease. They can give us clues from how our bodies work about whether we are more or less likely to get some kind of health problem.

For example, knowing that we have a gene variant that influences how our bodies absorb cholesterol may helps us know if we are more or less likely to have Cardiovascular problems. Or a gene variant that influences oxidative stress may indicate whether we will suffer other health problems. This is not about diagnosing a disease. It's about understanding our bodies and how our environment and lifestyle impacts our genes, to live healthier lives where our risk of disease and health problems are lower. 

You'll learn about things like your potential sensitivity to certain things like alcohol and caffeine, and how your genetics might affect the way you respond to exercise, how quickly you may recover and your genetic vulnerability to certain sporting injuries.

Your results can empower you to make positive lifestyle changes.

How does it work?

Our Nordic Health DNA tests are a simple mouth swab test, which allows us to provide valuable insights into your genetic profile and your bodies response to lifestyle factors. No blood draw. No needles.

After choosing a test or bundle of tests you’ll get a test kit. Our at-home collection kit is all you need to send your DNA to the lab. We have made the process as simple as possible. Just follow the instructions and use the mouth swab to capture your DNA. The sample will be shipped to our labs for analysis. When your test results arrive we’ll arrange a time for consultation your personal DNAlife accredited coach to go through your results with you. 

Can I interpret my DNA myself?

A number of companies offer DNA tests where you simply get the results and a basic interpretation. You can certainly learn useful things to guide your health journey this way. At Nordic Health we think the insights our DNA can give us are quite complex and not always easy to grasp straight away. So all of our tests come with a free interpretation where one of our DNALife accredited consultants will guide you through your results and highlight what they mean for how you could optimise your nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to suit your DNA. 

Are DNA swab tests accurate?

Yes. However there are some things you can do to make sure your sample isn't compromised: 

1. Make sure to collect your sample int he morning before eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.
2. Keep your test swab sealed until right before you’re going to take the test, so it’s not compromised.
3. Do not touch the swab tip with your hands at any point. 

What happens at a consultation?

We’ll talk through your DNA results and explain what they mean for your everyday health. We’ll focus on different areas depending on the test or tests you’ve chosen.

Our ‘flagship’ test, DNAHealth covers areas like:

• Metabolism
• Inflammation
• Oxidative stress
• Bone health
  
• Methylation
• Detoxification
• Insulin sensitivity

We’ll explain how your DNA may influence how your body works in these areas. Then use this to give you guidance on what you can do to get the most from your lifestyle, nutrition and exercise. 

How do I know which test to choose? 

We’d love to chat with you about how DNA can help YOUR health.

For a FREE 15 minute conversation to answer your questions about how understanding your DNA can help you, click below. To ask questions via our chat function, click here.

Or if you just want to get started and want to buy a test and consultation, compare out our test bundles here.

Hello, we're Nordic Health.

We're here to help people live healthier, happier lives by personalising their lifestyle, wellbeing and nutrition to be the best for who they really are. First we help you understand your DNA and what it can tell us about how our bodies work. Then we help you use that understanding to tailor your nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to be right for YOU.We don’t just leave you to work out what your DNA results mean - our friendly DNALife trained consultants are here to help you understand your unique genetic profile and how to personalise your health, to feel and be your best.