What’s up Unleashed Humans! On this episode I discuss my results from 23 and me genetic testing and why you should without a doubt get your 23 and me testing done ASAP. Now Before we jump in I wanted to again let you know about my FREE book you can get by going to www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed. I know you’ve probably heard me talk about my book like a million times but if you haven’t it has the cheat codes for health, happiness, having a killer digestion, amazing bio hacks, becoming stronger, smarter, getting better sleep and unlocking what you’ve been missing in your life. Just go to www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed to get a copy of my FREE book. No shipping, no payment. Totally free straight to your email. Check it out while it is still up for grabs!

 

So, I just did my 23 and me genetic testing and I am so freaking pumped to tell you the results. I have been waiting nearly a month for my results and finally got them back. I mainly got 23 and me genetic testing done to see my risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But the cool thing is that you can also do 23 and me to see your heritage and family lineage, so I did them both together. Turns out that I am 63 percent British and Irish. 18 percent Northwestern European and 14 percent French and German. It comes to no surprise that I am mostly British because my last name is Woodham for crying out loud. But I always thought I was Scottish not Irish. 23 and me goes super deep into family lineage so if you’re into this, totally get this testing done.

 

Now, like I said, On this episode I discuss my results from 23 and me genetic testing and why you should without a doubt get your 23 and me testing done ASAP. I will talk about the top 8 conditions relating to health predisposition and the genetic variants associated with them. I will also cover the are risk factors for each of these conditions and I will share how you can prevent these through lifestyle alone.

 

Like I said, I highly recommend you invest in 23 and me genetic testing not just because it will give incredible insight to your heritage and health but, because it opens doors for you to see your genes in much greater detail. For instance, I uploaded my raw data from 23 and me uploaded it both DNAfit.com and go.strategene.org.  DNAfit will tell you what diet, workout plan and lifestyle will fit you best based off your genes. It is actually extremely impressive how detailed DNAfit is and you will get to hear all of my athletic performance and nutrition markers from DNAfit. And to be honest Its almost overwhelming how much info they give you. It is amazing.

 

Secondly, if you want to nerd out and learn about your single nucleotide polymorphisms aka genetic variants associated with a certain gene, then go to go.strategene.org and enter your raw data. Dr. Ben Lynch will send you a report breaking down your genes and what they mean in a super detailed fashion.

 

That being said, 23 and me is AN ABSOLUTE MUST. So, if you’ve been on the fence, JUMP OFF the fence and just buy a damn 23 and me kit. All you have to do is order it online and they send a kit right to your door. You spit your saliva into a tube and then send it back. Simple as that! Then you can learn all about where your ancestors came from in super deep detail and simultaneously harness your genes to make you a super human. What could be better than that?

 

Now before we begin, understand that genetic testing does not diagnose or give treatment Recommendations for any condition what so ever. So please do not think you are going to get Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s of you get genetic variant for these conditions. Genes only mean you have a predisposition to certain conditions if you chose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. Do not go overboard on supplementation or nutritional advices given by these websites because they are not designed to be treatment routes for any serious illness or disease. They are merely suggestions and supplemental info to help prevent certain diseases. Remember, you chose to live your best life every day. As a general rule of thumb, if you eat healthy, workout regularly and stay away from harmful substances, you are likely to live a long and rewarding life. Don’t overthink or stress out about your genes. They are not your fate. Your lifestyle, however, is your fate, so live accordingly.

 

With that being said, lets jump in!

 

So first I am going to go over the 9 most common health conditions tested on 23 and me. They are as follows:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Celiac Disease, Hereditary Hemochromatosis, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, BRCA1/BRCA2, G6PD Deficiency, Hereditary Thrombophilia, Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Remember, these are only 9 of the most common conditions. 23 and me also tests like 50 more conditions and they get super detailed. I’m not going to go over those because we would be here forever, and I didn’t haven’t any genetic variants for those anyway.

 

Now, from my results, out of those 9 conditions, I only had 3 genetic variations. 2 of them were unlikely to cause risk, while one of them slightly increased my risk. The two that were unlikely to put me at risk were Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Hereditary Hemochromatosis. The one that puts me slightly at risk was Celiac Disease, which doesn’t surprise me because I have always had a sensitive digestive tract.

 

Now, I am going to first talk to you about the three conditions I mentioned, what they are, how they manifest and how to avoid them.

 

The first one is Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults. The disease results in damage to the central part of the retina (the macula), impairing vision needed for reading, driving, or even recognizing faces.

 

I have one of the two genetic variants tested in the CFH Gene

However, I am not likely at increased risk of developing AMD based on my genetic result. Lifestyle and other factors may also influence my risk.

About 2% of people over the age of 50 develop AMD.

 

 

Smoking is associated with higher risk of developing AMD. If you smoke, quitting is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk.

 

The risk of developing AMD increases greatly as a person ages. This condition is rarely diagnosed in people under the age of 50. Over the age of 80, 2-14% of people have AMD, depending on ethnicity.

 

Parents, siblings, and children of an individual with AMD have a higher chance of developing AMD themselves

 

People of European descent are more likely to develop AMD than people of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent.

 

Eating a healthy diet has been associated with a reduced risk of developing AMD.  A healthy diet that benefits the eyes emphasizes the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and whole grains. Consuming healthy fats — found in fish, nuts, and olive oil — and minimizing saturated and trans fats are also important.

 

 

 

When does it develop?

 

AMD is rarely diagnosed in people under the age of 50. Vision loss related to AMD usually becomes noticeable in a person's 60s or 70s and tends to worsen over time.

  How common is the condition?

 

The prevalence of AMD reports to affect about 2% of individuals over the age of 50 in the U.S. Approximately 2 million Americans are currently living with AMD.

 

Typical signs and symptoms are

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Vision loss
• Yellow fatty deposits in the retina called "drusen"
• Blood or fluid leakage in the retina

 

There is currently no known prevention or cure for AMD. Having regular eye exams can help detect early signs of the condition. Progression of AMD can be slowed with the use of certain treatments and medications.

That is it for AMD… now onto Celiac Disease.

 

Celiac Disease

Now, Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the consumption of gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) can result in damage to the small intestine. Celiac disease can lead to both digestive and non-digestive problems. This test includes two common variants associated with an increased risk of developing this condition.

 

I have one of the two genetic variants we tested in the HLA-DQB1 gene

 

I have a variant linked to the HLA-DQ8 haplotype.

 

People with this result have a slightly increased risk of developing celiac disease. Lifestyle and other factors can also affect a person’s risk.

 

 

However, studies estimate that only about 3% of people with one or more copies of the HLA-DQ2.5 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes develop celiac disease.

 

 

Gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) is the main non-genetic factor that triggers the development of celiac disease in people with increased genetic risk.

 

Parents, siblings, and children of an individual diagnosed with celiac disease have a higher chance of developing the condition themselves.

 

People with certain health conditions, such as Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or type 1 diabetes, are more likely to develop celiac disease.

 

Celiac Disease is Also known as: celiac sprue, CD, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, non-tropical sprue

 

Celiac disease can develop anytime from infancy to adulthood, most commonly between the ages of 10 and 40. In people with celiac disease, symptoms occur after consuming gluten.

Typical signs and symptoms are

• Diarrhea, gas, and bloating
• Poor appetite
• Skin rashes
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Headache

Celiac disease affects people of all ethnicities. About 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease.

Celiac disease can be effectively treated by removing all sources of gluten from the diet. This includes foods and drinks made with wheat, barley, and rye.

 

And that is it for Celiac Disease.. not too bad, unless you are obsessed with grains, like most people, then it can certainly destroy someone’s quality of life…as I am sure some listeners suffer with celiac disease regularly. Now.. onto the next condition which is.. Hereditary Hemochromatosis

 

Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE‑Related)

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition characterized by absorption of too much dietary iron. This may lead to iron overload, which can cause damage to the joints and certain organs, such as the liver, skin, heart, and pancreas. This test includes the two most common variants linked to this condition.

  I have one of the two genetic variants tested in the HFE Gene

Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by certain combinations of genetic variants. People with only this variant are not likely at risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis.

 the H63D variant in the HFE gene was detected in my sample

 

As I said before, Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by certain combinations of genetic variants, and only some combinations increase risk for iron overload.

 

Although developing symptoms of iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis is rare in younger people, the risk increases as a person ages. Symptoms of iron overload are most often diagnosed in men between the ages of 40 and 60, and in women after the age of 60.

 

Men with hemochromatosis are at higher risk than women for developing symptoms of iron overload, mostly because women lose iron through menstruation.

 

In people with hemochromatosis, the liver is at risk of damage from iron overload. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to further liver damage.

 

Consuming foods high in iron or taking certain supplements can increase the amount of iron stored in the body. For people with hemochromatosis, this may increase the chances of developing symptoms of iron overload.

 

About Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE‑Related)

 

 

Also known as: HFE-HH, primary hemochromatosis, hemochromatosis type I

 

 

Now, Because it is a genetic condition, hereditary hemochromatosis is present at birth. Many people with this condition never develop iron overload. Of those who do develop iron overload, only a small number develop symptoms. If men develop symptoms, they typically appear between 40 and 60 years of age. Women rarely develop symptoms, and when they do it tends to be after menopause.

Typical signs and symptoms of iron overload are

• Joint and abdominal pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Darkening of the skin
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Hereditary hemochromatosis is most common in people of Northern European descent. Around 1 in 250 people of European descent has the genotype most commonly associated with hereditary hemochromatosis. However, only some of those people will go on to develop symptoms of iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis.

 

People with hereditary hemochromatosis are typically monitored for symptoms or complications. Iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis is a treatable condition. In some patients, having blood drawn on a regular basis can help lower iron levels. People with iron overload are encouraged to avoid drinking alcohol to minimize liver damage and to limit intake of iron-rich food.

 

 

And those were the three conditions that I had with genetic variation.. I’m going to quickly fly through the rest of the conditions that were tested then we are going to dive right into my DNA fit results which you are not going to want to miss. They are so damn cool. I get so excited talking about them.

 

First is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

AAT deficiency is a genetic condition that can lead to lung and liver disease. It is caused by decreased levels of the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein. This test includes the two most common variants linked to this deficiency.

 

Because it is a genetic condition, AAT deficiency is present at birth. Symptoms of lung disease usually appear later in life, and age of onset is strongly affected by smoking. Some people may never have symptoms of lung disease, especially if they don't smoke. Liver problems may develop anytime from infancy to adulthood.

 

Potential signs and symptoms are

• Shortness of breath and wheezing
• Chronic cough
• Recurrent lung infections
• Lung disease, including emphysema
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis

 

 

Second Condition is BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants)

Specific genetic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including breast cancer (in women and men) and ovarian cancer. These variants may also be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer and certain other cancers. This test includes three genetic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

 

However, more than 1,000 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to increase cancer risk, so I could still have a variant not included in this test. In addition, most cases of male breast cancer and prostate cancer are not caused by inherited variants, so men without a variant are still at risk of developing these cancers. 

 

In the general population, about 1 in 9 men develops prostate cancer during his lifetime, and about 1 in 800 men develops male breast cancer

 

• Men with a BRCA1variant have a 1-2% chance of developing male breast cancer. They may also have an increased risk for prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
• Men with a BRCA2variant have a 7-8% chance of developing male breast cancer and an increased risk for prostate cancer. They may also have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
• Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant have a greatly increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer and may have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
• In general, the chances of developing cancer increase as a person gets older. However, men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant may develop earlier and more aggressive prostate cancer. Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant have an increased risk for early-onset breast cancer (before age 45) and multiple breast cancers. In addition, women with a BRCA1 variant may develop ovarian cancer at an earlier age.
• About 1 in 400 people in the general population has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant linked to hereditary male breast cancer and prostate cancer, although most of those variants are not included in this report. Among people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, about 1 in 40 has a variant (usually one of the three variants in this report).

 

Decrease your risk of cancer by maintaining healthy body weight, avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, eat organic veggies and grass-fed meats.

 

 

Next is G6PD Deficiency

G6PD deficiency is a common genetic condition caused by defects in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD. The G6PD enzyme helps protect red blood cells from damage. In people with G6PD deficiency, red blood cells are destroyed upon exposure to certain environmental triggers, which can lead to episodes of anemia. This test includes the most common variant linked to G6PD deficiency in people of African descent.

 

Because it is a genetic condition, G6PD deficiency is present at birth. However, people with this condition typically don't develop symptoms unless they are exposed to certain triggering factors. Many people with G6PD deficiency never develop symptoms.

 

Typical signs and symptoms

• Anemia
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Approximately 400 million people worldwide have G6PD deficiency. The condition occurs most frequently in people from certain parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. About 1 in 10 African-American men has G6PD deficiency. Because of the way it is inherited, men are more likely to have this condition than women.

 

Most people with G6PD deficiency do not require treatment. People with G6PD deficiency often manage their condition by avoiding certain medications and foods that may trigger symptoms. If a person is exposed to a trigger and develops anemia, symptoms usually clear up on their own. However, in some cases patients may require a blood transfusion.

 

Next is Hereditary Thrombophilia

Hereditary thrombophilia is a predisposition to developing harmful blood clots. These harmful blood clots most commonly form in the legs and can travel to the lungs. This test includes the two most common variants linked to hereditary thrombophilia.

 

 

A major Risk Factor is: Undergoing major surgery which increases a person's risk of developing harmful blood clots.

 

Harmful blood clots are rare in people younger than 30, but they become more likely as people age.

 

Long periods of not moving, such as long-distance travel like being on plane or being bedridden, can increase a person's risk for harmful blood clots. Clots like DVT aka Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis.

 

Women using oral contraceptives containing estrogen are at an increased risk for harmful blood clots.

 

Obesity can also increase a person's chances of developing harmful blood clots.

 

Hereditary thrombophilia is a predisposition to developing harmful blood clots. Harmful blood clots are more generally known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). When they form in the legs, the condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When they travel to the lungs, the condition is known as pulmonary embolism (PE)

Hereditary thrombophilia is genetic, but the risk of developing harmful blood clots increases with age and other factors.

 

Typical signs and symptoms of harmful blood clots

• Pain, tenderness, swelling, or redness in one or both legs
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Hereditary thrombophilia may also be associated with recurrent late pregnancy loss in some women.

It is estimated that 1 in 20 people of European descent has a variant linked to hereditary thrombophilia. Around 1 in 1,000 people of European descent develops harmful blood clots each year. Some of these people have genetic variants and many others do not. Estimates are not as well known for people of other ethnicities.

 

 

Hereditary thrombophilia typically does not require any ongoing treatment. In some cases, medications can be used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. Medications and surgery can also be used to break up existing clots.

 

    Next Is Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, developing after age 65. Many factors, including genetics, can influence a person's chances of developing the condition. This test includes the most common genetic variant associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

 

My results showed that I do not have the E4 variant in the APOE Gene

 

There is still a chance of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Studies estimate that, on average, a man of European descent has a 3% chance of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease by age 75 and an 11% chance by age 85. There is not enough data to estimate the chances in men of other ethnicities. Keep in mind that other factors also influence your risk.

 

 

The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases greatly as a person ages. This condition is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 65.

 

More women than men have late-onset Alzheimer's disease, perhaps due to both biological and lifestyle factors.

 

Parents, siblings, and children of an individual with late-onset Alzheimer's disease have a higher chance of developing the disease themselves.

 

Research shows that high blood pressure and high cholesterol are both associated with an increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.  Maintaining normal blood pressure, keeping a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are a few things you can do to promote and maintain your heart health

 

A heart-healthy diet has been associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease.  A heart-healthy diet emphasizes the consumption of green leafy vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Consuming healthy fats — found in fish, nuts, and olive oil — and minimizing saturated and trans fats are also important.

Fewer years of education has been associated with a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.  While the reason for this is still unclear, researchers suggest that exercising the brain through activities like reading, writing, and doing puzzles may help promote brain health.

 

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease develops after 65 years of age.

 

Typical signs and symptoms are

• Memory loss that worsens over time
• Mood and personality changes
• Trouble planning or solving problems
• Confusion with place or time
• Difficulty performing daily life activities

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease affects people of all ethnicities. One in nine Americans age 65 and older is affected by Alzheimer's disease. Elderly African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to develop the condition than people of other ethnicities.

There is currently no known prevention or cure for Alzheimer's disease. Medication may be used to delay or ease symptoms.

 

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is characterized by tremor, muscle stiffness, and problems with movement. Many factors, including genetics, can influence a person's chances of developing Parkinson's disease. This test includes two genetic variants associated with increased risk of developing the condition.

  There is still a chance of developing Parkinson's disease even though I don’t have a variant for it.

About 1 in 100 people develops Parkinson's disease during their lifetime, typically after the age of 55. Most cases of Parkinson's disease do not have a genetic cause. Keep in mind that other factors also influence your risk.

The risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases as a person ages. This condition is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 55.

 

Men have a higher chance of developing Parkinson's disease than women, perhaps due to both biological and lifestyle factors.

 

Parents, siblings, and children of an individual with Parkinson's disease have a higher chance of developing Parkinson's disease themselves.

 

Exposure to certain chemicals increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. These include chemicals used in agriculture, such as pesticides.

 

Parkinson's disease typically develops in adulthood, after 55 years of age.

 

Typical signs and symptoms are

• Tremor
• Muscle stiffness
• Slow movements
• Problems with balance
• Memory loss in some cases

 

Parkinson's disease affects people of all ethnicities. About 1 in 100 people develops Parkinson's disease during their lifetime.

 

There is currently no known prevention or cure for Parkinson's disease. Certain medications may be used to delay or ease symptoms. Speech, physical, and occupational therapies may also help with symptom management.

 

Now Quickly I want to tell you how amazing DNAfit.com is. By taking your RAW data from 23 and Me.com you can upload your DNA to DNAfit.com and they will tell you a whole bunch of things regarding your athletic performance and ability. They will also give you a nutrition plan based off the foods you should eat or foods to stay away from based on your genes.

They give you are really badass infographic giving you an overview of your athletic ability and wellness potential.

I will go through them one by one:

First they tested if I was an endurance athlete or strength athlete. Which turns out that I am 77 percent strength athlete and 23 percent endurance athlete. Endurance training is defined as lower intensity activity, performed for a longer period time. Power training is identified as high intensity exercise performed quickly, but over shorter time periods. This means that I have more fast twitch muscle fibers built for explosive movements and lifting heavy weights and less endurance-based performance like running and bicycling.

 

Second they tested VO2 max which measures the maximum or optimum rate at which an individual’s body can effectively use oxygen during exercise. It is commonly used as a way of measuring a person’s individual aerobic ability and it is an extremely popular measure of performance amongst endurance athletes. My VO2 max was measuremed as a medium level performance which is in the middle of low and high performance. In order to make the most of my natural VO2 Max capacity, I will need to cross-train by consistently including both endurance and power activities in my training program. Things like doing occasional extended runs or bicycling between weight lifting days.

 

Third thing that was tested was recovery after workouts. Some people are lucky enough to recover very quickly - ready to exert themselves again after very little rest, whereas others don’t seem to bounce back quite as fast, needing a longer break between hard training bouts. Research has shown that certain genetic variations infer a delayed recovery from hard exercise training; those with these markers should take extra care with their training plan and nutrition strategy. My genes showed that I am genetically wired to recover fast after workouts, which is pretty badass and I totally support that finding, as I have always been fast to recover.

 

Fourth measurement was injury risk. Although of course injury is always a default risk when undertaking any form of exercise, some people do appear to be more predisposed to injury than others, and some of this is based on genetics. Scientific evidence has shown that certain genetic variations can affect injury risk. My genetic results indicate that I have an overall higher than average risk of a sports related soft tissue injury. This could be from genetic markers assessing that I might be more prone to inflammation in general. However, I have no experienced any significant injury as an athlete, so I may be taking good care of my body in general.

 

 

 

Now on the diet side of things many things were tested and were super cool to find out:

 

I found out that I have a high response to carbohydrates like breads because they spike my blood glucose very rapidly compared to the average person.. meaning I should stay away from refined carbohydrates and sugars stripped of their natural form.

 

I found out that I can tolerated saturated fats very well and digest them without issue. However, I am talking about healthy saturated fats.. fats that come from organic meats, grass-fed butters, and oils.

 

I found out that I am NOT lactose intolerant and my digestive tract can handle dairy products. However, this DOES NOT MEAN that I am not allergic to dairy. You can still be allergic to dairy and be tolerant to dairy.  They are two different things. Last time I checked I was allergic to dairy, so I try to limit dairy.

 

As I mentioned earlier.. I have a genetic variant related to celiac disease.. and DNA fit solidified this finding by mentioning that I have a medium risk for celiac disease and that I should avoid gluten and grains as much as I can.

 

I found out my caffeine tolerance and sensitivity. While a moderate amount of caffeine is usually harmless, in some people excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and stomach irritation. For some people, excess caffeine intake has also been linked to high blood pressure. My genetic result showed a slow version of the enzyme for caffeine metabolism and one copy for the rapid version which results in intermediate caffeine metabolism.. thus, I was advised to limit consumption of coffee.. as caffeine affects linger longer for me and can affect my sleep.

 

I found out my salt sensitivity. Salt is made up of Sodium and Chloride, for health reasons we are mostly concerned with our sodium intake as it can cause high blood pressure in those who are genetically susceptible. My genetic tests reveals that I have the "D/D" and Met/Thr genotype and therefore a possible predisposition to hypertension when salt consumption is excessive. I am advised to limit my salt intake to a maximum of 5.5g/day, equivalent to about 2.2g/day sodium.

 

 

I found out that my ability to utilize anti-oxidants and neutralize free-radicals is superb. In other words, my genetic test results did not indicate a reduced capacity to neutralize free radicals aka cancer causing molecules. It is important to note that dietary anti-oxidants are very important sources of protection from free radicals and other types of oxidative stress. Things like enough vitamin C, vitamin A, Vitamin E, Selenium and Adequate levels of glutathione are important to have.

 

I found out that my ability to metabolize Omega-3 fatty acids is superb. If you don’t know what those are, they type of essential fatty acids that we need in lowering blood fats, helping reduce rheumatoid arthritis and having an effective anti-inflammatory affect.

 

My results showed that I have normal expression for IL6 (interleukin 6) which is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by our immune system. I also had normal expression of TNF aka Tumor Necrosis Factor which a cytokine dealing with systemic inflammation.

 

I found out that I require a lot more B vitamins than the average person. Our nervous system, digestion and red blood cells depend on the B vitamins to maintain normal function in our day-to-day life, from how our body uses our food to create energy to forming red blood cells. I found that I have the heterozygous 677C/T version of the MTHFR gene that has been associated with increased homocysteine levels when dietary intake of folic acid is too low. The reduced activity can be compensated for by increased dietary folic acid, vitamin B6 & B12.

 

I also found that I need more vitamin D than most people. Vitamin D helps us maintain normal blood levels of calcium and strengthens our bone structure. Although it is found in certain foods, our skin also creates vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight! Though for many of us living in colder climates, taking in enough sunshine each day is unfortunately not possible. Without adequate vitamin D, we may be at increased risk of osteoporosis and several other pathologies related to the functions of this important vitamin. I am heterozygous for this gene which has been shown to affect calcium absorption and bone structure. I am advised to increase consumption, above the standard guidelines, to obtain at least 800 IU Vitamin D and 1300 mg Calcium. I actually think this is too low, so I take 10,000 to 15,000 IU daily.

 

Lastly, I found that my detoxification ability was labeled as fast. When we talk about detoxification we are talking about body’s actual biological process that takes place in the liver.

This affects our personal ability to detoxify harmful chemicals taken on in our diets

So for me, having a fast detoxification process means that it is advised for me to limit your consumption of grilled or smoked meat to 1- 2 servings per week or none at all. This is because when we smoke meats, smoke smothers the meats with free radicals and is harmful to ingest regularly.

 

Now, that was just scratching the surface on what DNAfit.com will do for you. DNA FIT will write up entire nutrition plans based off your genes and your food preferences. It is insane how much detail they put into this. They not only give you entire meal plans, but they give you a full workout regimen and how to work out based off your genes. They even ask you your fitness goals and what you intend on achieving so they can tailor make a workout plan just for your needs. In my opinion it is 1000% percent worth it. It is the most detailed lifestyle plan I have ever seen.

 

 

This was just a fraction of the information that 23 and me and DNA fit gives you. I’m telling you right now, you are going to want to get these tests. They will change your perspective on your health and being healthy in general. Again, genetic testing does not diagnose or give treatment recommendations for any condition. So please do not think you are going to get Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s of you get genetic variant for these conditions. Genes only mean you have a predisposition to certain conditions if you chose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. Do not go overboard on supplementation or nutritional advices given by these websites because they are not designed to be treatment routes for any serious illness or disease. They are merely suggestions and supplemental info to help prevent certain diseases. Remember, you chose to live your best life every day. As a general rule of thumb, if you eat healthy, workout regularly and stay away from harmful substances, you are likely to live a long and rewarding life. Don’t overthink or stress out about your genes. They are not your fate. Your lifestyle, however, is your fate, so live accordingly.

 

With that being said, go get your genes tested and live your best life! The next episode I will be doing regarding genes and wellness will be reviewing my microbiome via stool sample aka poop. I recently sent off a fecal sample to Viome to get analyzed. I cannot wait for that and will share everything when it comes back.

 

 

Well, that is it from me on this episode! If you enjoyed today’s interview or if you are enjoying the hour-long episodes that I am doing packed with research and new advances in medicine I would be so appreciative if you left a review and rating and even share with your friends and family. I put a ton of time into making these episodes and it would mean a ton to me if you gave me some feedback. If you want to reach out to me personally I would love to help wherever I can! Message me on Instagram @theunleashedhuman and I will personally help you out with anything you have going on whether that is losing weight, better sleep, better headspace, getting stronger in the gym, cleaning up your diet or even to just say hello, I am always here to help out!

 

 

Lastly, if you haven’t already you can literally right now go get my FREE book. It is seriously FREE. F-R-E-E. No shipping, no waiting. It is emailed directly to you. All you have to do is go to www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed to get your FREE copy of The Unleashed Human.

 

Until then, take care of yourself and always strive to become an Unleashed Human. Talk soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Well that is it from me! Hope you guys and girls have an amazing morning, day, afternoon or night depending on what time you are listening to this!

 

 

As always, if you haven’t already You can get your free copy of The Unleashed Human Book by going to www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed. That is www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed to get a copy of my FREE book. No shipping, no payment. Totally free straight to your email. Check it out while it is still up for grabs!

 

 

 

 

Resources:

 

23andMe:

https://www.23andme.com/

 

DNAfit:

https://www.dnafit.com/us/

 

Strategene:

http://go.strategene.org/genetic-analysis

 

Dr. TJ Woodham:

Grab your FREE copy of The Unleashed Human Book: www.theunleashedhuman.com/unleashed

 

Follow me on:

Instagram: @theunleashedhuman

Facebook: The Unleashed Human

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Twitter: @Unleashed_Human

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