Genetic Screening Tests

Genetic Screening Tests with Dr Arien & Anri

If you could safeguard your future health, would you?

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What can I do today to change my tomorrow?

This question has been the driving factor behind ongoing research into genetic testing and its many applications. We live in a world that now believes in prevention rather than cure. Genetic testing provides the tools we need to safeguard our health and wellbeing, by implementing lifestyle changes. Life experiences have shown us that our reaction to certain foods, medication, diets and stress, differ quite substantially in comparison to our friends and family. This is likely due to the differences in our genetic makeup and the interaction of our genes with the environment. One size does not fit all!

Humans are 99% the same (in terms of DNA), and the 1% difference is responsible for the magnificent variations found among us, making us the unique beings we are. Those differences influence a variety of traits such as appearance, behaviour, disease susceptibility or response to medications.

With genetic screening tests you can now unlock the secret in your genes and prevent your health risks from manifesting as disease.

What does the genetic screening tests tell you?

Your results reflect your genetic predisposition for specific characteristics, which may affect your tendencies to weight gain and risk for various diseases.  Whether this genetic predisposition come to fruition (‘gene expression’), often is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. By understanding your genetic makeup, you can identify the impact of environmental and lifestyle influences, such as what you eat and drink, what supplements you take, stress management techniques, how you live and how active you are. Thus, knowledge of your genetic profile allows a more efficient approach to your personal health and wellness. The great thing is, you only need to do it once in your life! Your genes will not change. Dr Arien and Anri focus on a holistic approach, incorporating epigenetic principals to ensure that your genetic predisposition does not express.

Genetic risk is a susceptibility, a potential and not an inevitability! Make your health your number one priority. Allow us to assist you with holistic health coaching, incorporating functional tools to prevent your genes from expressing as future disease. This is preventative medicine at its best!

Please contact us for more information or appointments:

Pretoria: 0123622422 or info@DrArien.co.za / Hermanus: 0671166111 or Hermanus@DrArien.co.za

DNA and the genetic code

A typical cell inside your body

DNA (found in the chromosomes in the nucleus  of all your cells – refer diagram on the left) carries all the genetic information that forms the blueprint for making a living organism. These instructions are written in a language called the genetic code, as shown in the diagram below left. It’s an easy language to learn because it uses only four ‘genetic letters’: A, C, G and T.  Each letter (or base) represents a chemical molecule: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T).  Just like other languages, the four bases forms ‘genetic words’ and very long ‘genetic sentences’ (sequences) that give the body instructions to function. What makes us unique, are variations in the ‘genetic letters, words and sentences’. These variations (SNP’s) can change the function in the body. For example, changing the G to a C in the word Grate, changes the meaning of the new word, Crate, completely. 

The majority of your results are reported using these four ‘genetic letters’.  It is reported in pairs e.g. CT or AG or CC.  However, other types of genetic variations exist and are reported as Insertions / Deletions or using other scientific international abbreviations.

What is SNP genotyping?

SNP genotyping is the technology we use to gain understanding of your genetic makeup. SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphisms. These are the DNA sequence variations that make you different from everyone else you know. Once you have a breakdown of your SNPs, Dr Arien and Anri can interpret the data to tell you which diseases you are likely to get, and how you can change your lifestyle to prevent it.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3…

With the use of a cheek swab, also known as a buccal swab, we can test your DNA. It can also be done using whole blood, but the swab is sufficient to supply us with more than enough of the DNA inside your cells. This can easily be done at our practice. Pop in during our office hours and let us help you collect your DNA.

What can I expect once you’ve analysed my DNA?

You receive a comprehensive health and wellness report, along with a precision nutrition plan, tailored to your genetic needs, enabling you to manage and develop your lifestyle that will be effective in reducing your health risks. You also receive a 30 min consultation with Dr Arien van der Merwe (Functional, Integrative Medical Doctor, Specialist Holistic Counsellor and Stress Management Consultant)  and a 30 min consultation with Anri van Rooyen (Health & Fitness Scientist, Nutritionist and Holistic Counsellor) to discuss your results and your personalised health plan going forward. In Hermanus, you will receive a 60 min consultation with Dr Arien.

What does the genetic screening tests (DNA testing) entail?

The following genetic screening tests are available: WELLNESS, DIET, FITNESS and LONGEVITY. Each measuring a specific array of genes to provide knowledge into the secret of your genes. We recommend a combination of all four (4) screening tests, to provide enough knowledge on your health risk profile, for us to assist you in devising your personal health care program to improve your specific health risks. You are welcome to also assess only one or two of the screening tests. Ask us to help you decide which will be best for you.

Come and find out what your genes (DNA) have to say about:

• Your DNA and Wellness/Overall Health:
  • Your health risk associated with lifestyle diseases (overweight/obesity risk, heart disease risk, type 2 diabetes, insulin related disorders, cholesterol, stress and mood disorders e.g. anxiety and depression, bone, cancer, high blood pressure etc)
  • Inflammation (cause of all lifestyle diseases)
  • Cholesterol and lipid metabolism
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s potential risk
  • Oxidative stress
  • Detoxification
  • Homocysteine metabolism
  • Circadian rhythms (sleep disorders) 
  • Your body’s response to specific prescription drugs
• Your DNA and Diet: 
  • Are you lactose intolerant?
  • How does your body process caffeine?
  • What eating plan should you follow?
  • Is your metabolism working optimally?
  • Are your own antioxidants working optimally, or do they need support?
  • Vitamin B metabolism and methylation
  • Vitamin D metabolism
  • Dietary carbohydrate sensitivity
  • Dietary fat sensitivity
  • Iron metabolism
  • Nutrient deficiencies or excesses
• Your DNA and Fitness:
  • Should you do more cardio or strength training?
  • What are your muscle building capabilities?
  • What is your injury susceptibility? 
  • What is your recovery rate and energy metabolism like?
  • Exercise responsiveness – find out which exercises would benefit you most
  • Athletic potential
  • Injury risk and rate of recovery
• Your DNA and Longevity:
  • How well will your body age?
  • Is your inflammaging gene working properly?
  • Do you need collagen to assist you in youthful living?
  • Are your antioxidant genes working optimally, or do you need additional nutritional support?
  • Is your skin renewal and skin detoxification pathways up to scratch?
  • Anti-ageing and skin genetics

Although we cannot change our genes, we can control their expression, which is strongly influenced by our environment. Therefore, by allowing us to help you make adjustments to your lifestyle now, you will be able to lower the risk for certain diseases, while increasing your energy and vitality, living a healthier life.

If you knew your predisposition to common diseases, such as obesity, depression and heart disease today, would you change your lifestyle to ensure your health and wellbeing tomorrow?

Please contact us for more information or appointments:

Pretoria: 0123622422 or info@DrArien.co.za

Hermanus: 0671166111 or Hermanus@DrArien.co.za