A few of you might remember me posting on my Instagram Stories a little while ago about a test I had to find out about my DNA in regards to health and fitness – or otherwise known as ‘DNAFit’. It’s certainly the future – getting rid of the ‘one size fits all’ theory and moving strongly in the way of personalizing diets, training, eating habits and supplements, along with general health activities based on your personal genetics. It’s quite incredible really that we can understand our own bodies in far more detail then we were ever able to. A science that will inevitably lead to a lot of happier, healthier and fitter people because we can maximize the steps we take. Hurrah!
You only have to look at my sister and I to know we react to foods in different ways. Same parents, but a different expression of our genes. She can eat all the sugar and carbs in the world without batting an eyelid, yet if I have one week of a high carb diet and little exercise, the change is startling. Life isn’t fair, hey ;).
So when I was told this new science had arrived in Dubai (if you’re US or UK based, don’t fret, they are way ahead of the curve and many similar tests are available), I thought I must give this a go.
I’m going to share my personal results with you so that you can understand what the test tells you, and decide if it’s something you’d want to take. I didn’t come out with flying colors in terms of my genetic predisposition – something that I was rather taken aback by given my whole life is about health and fitness – but here’s the key: the test doesn’t tell you how you’re currently doing on a scale of 1-100, with 100 being Usain Bolt, but rather is based on your genetic make up (your DNA), and what changes or types of food are likely to affect you in a negative and/or positive way. From my alcohol tolerance, to detoxifying capabilities, coeliac and lactose tolerances and mineral & vitamin needs – it’s all below. The test itself is simply a swab of the mouth, which gets sent off to the lab and you have the results in a few weeks.
Just before I post and explain my results below – the test did give me one thing before even glancing at my DNAFit sheet and I would like to pass on the good fortune. Through the test, I had an introduction to one of the most incredible Doctors I have met. For friends based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Dr Nas Al Jafari is an incredibly knowledgable Doctor who is helpful and vested in his patients personal wellbeing like no other. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Back to the results, here are mine;
The above is the “Infographic” which is the summary of all the findings in a simplified chart. You then have sections online that go into detail about each and every finding (you receive an online profile where the information is stored) letting you know which allele (the variant form of the gene) they found in your DNA and what effect that allele has on your body, and hence why they have come to the conclusion listed above.
Here’s an example for my Carbohydrate Sensitivity;
You are given this same detail for every section shown in the infographic, including the fitness side of the results such as the most effective type of exercise for you to do (high intensity or endurance), injury disposition, recovery etc.
For me, the most interesting aspects of the results were the carbohydrate sensitivity (it confirmed something I already had a good idea of, which I appreciated) as well as being aware my body is predisposed to require higher levels of vitamins B, D and anti-oxidants. If the test is something you’re considering, let me know … I can’t promise anything but should there be a few of my readers interested in going ahead – I’d like to think I’d be able to arrange a small discount off the total price for you.
As an aside, you might be similar to me and interested to know the same company (Intercare Wellness) do other types of tests. My plan is to try the ‘Geneus’ test at some point. It’s another DNA & Genetics test, but aimed at getting a deeper insight into future illnesses. A little info below:
Through a simple blood test, Geneus screens for a huge range of medical conditions from age related conditions (dementia, parkinsons and alzheimers), allergies and immune disorders (arthritis, asthma), heart related conditions (heart attacks, blood pressure) to infertility and reproductive health. It can also screen for cancers, blood disorders and other conditions such as male pattern baldness and sleep apnea.
Some people don’t want to know what illnesses they may face in their life based on their genetics. I see it as an opportunity to be aware of our predispositions and make sure we keep our mind and bodies as healthy as possible to fight off anything of the sort. Just my thoughts on the subject…
I hope you’ve found this insight useful and if you have any questions or helpful comments for others, please do leave them below! The price of the DNAFit test is AED 1850. Have a look at the website here if you want more info and thanks for tuning in guys and girls! Until next time.
LLG X
