<p>A patient’s gut might not be the most obvious place to look for the origins of mental health disorders, immune dysfunction, or chronic inflammation. More and more research, however, is pointing to the fact that gut health can have a profound influence over a person’s mental and<br />
physical health. So, how can you get an accurate picture of your patients’ gut health? That’s where gut health testing comes in. In this article, we’ll be exploring how these specialized tests can provide personalized information that will help support your patients’ longevity. Here’s<br />
what you need to know.</p>
<h3>What is the gut-brain connection?</h3>
<p>Gut health is a foundational piece of functional medicine that impacts every other part of the body, even the brain. In fact, the lining of the gut is often called “the second brain” because it communicates back and forth with the actual brain via chemicals like hormones and neurotransmitters. The chemical messages that pass between the gut and the brain can be affected by the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in the gut, known as the “gut microbiome.” Every person’s gut contains a mix of beneficial bacteria, harmless bacteria, and harmful bacteria. A healthy gut that is flourishing with good bacteria has the potential to improve mental and physical well-being, while an out of balance gut that is overrun with bad bacteria can open the door for developing mental and physical health issues.</p>
<h3>What causes imbalances in the gut?</h3>
<p>When working properly, the gut has many roles. It aids in digesting food, absorbing nutrients, eliminating toxins, fighting pathogens, managing inflammation, and producing neurotransmitters. Aspects of modern living, however, such as stress, medications, and processed food, can disrupt the microbiome’s balance, causing the gut to become overrun with harmful microbes.</p>
<h3>Using genetic testing to gain personalized information</h3>
<p>Thankfully, specialized testing exists that can help you gain an accurate picture of what’s going on in your patients’ guts. Using the information gained from GI-Map, a test offered by Nordic Laboratories, you can create personalized protocols to address gut dysfunction based on infections that need to be urgently treated, which areas of the gut are already optimized, and which areas should be addressed after an infection is resolved. This test can also be used as a guide to access the effectiveness of a treatment, as retesting can demonstrate things like the resolution of a parasite or the improvement of dysbiosis, for example.</p>
<p>Other genetic tests can be completed in tandem with GI-Map to gain even more information about your patients’ health. For example, DNA Health can help you determine the optimal nutritional plan to support a patient’s gut and overall health, while DNA Mind can help you determine optimal treatment strategies for those with mental health issues. These tests work synergistically, enabling you to create the most effective protocols for your patients’ needs.</p>
<h3>Creating and implementing a plan for longevity</h3>
<p>Areas of research such as nutrigenomics have opened the door to personalized medicine, allowing practitioners to create protocols that are optimized for each individual patient. Knowing the exact make-up of a patient’s gut and genes, and how they process different compounds, provides incredible insight that enables you to prescribe precise lifestyle and nutrition recommendations and make informed decisions about different treatment options. With this information at your fingertips, you can best support their health and longevity—a win for both your patients and your practice.</p>
<h3>The bottom line</h3>
<p>With tests like GI-MAP, GI Mind, and DNA Health, practitioners can gain information and insight into what their patients may be experiencing, as well as how to best support their health and longevity. If you’re ready to use tools that help your patients live the long, healthy lives they deserve, get started with Nordic Laboratories today.</p>
<h3>References:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667473/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667473/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16358-gut-brain-">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16358-gut-brain-</a><br />
connection#:~:text=Because%20the%20enteric%20nervous%20system,in%20our%20bodies%2<br />
0and%20in</li>
<li><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jnr.24476">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jnr.24476</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2137135/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2137135/</a></li>
</ul>


How Genetic and Gut Health Testing Can Support Your Patients' Longevity

<p>Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health – and that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? There is growing evidence that supports the link between risk for periodontal disease and the development of other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.1</p>
<p>Personalised medicine, also known as precision medicine, uses an individual’s genetic profile to guide decisions about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Specific genetic testing, designed to reveal insights into the state of your oral health and your predisposition for developing periodontal disease and tooth caries, can also indicate whether you are at risk for other systemic diseases.</p>
<p>“Genetic factors are at the root cause of certain medical conditions,” says Helen Gautschi, Manager of R&amp;D and education at DNAlysis Biotechnology, one of South premier genetic testing laboratories. “Our genetics are the building blocks for who and what we are. They play a large role in determining height, appearance, lifelong health, and so much more. Genetic testing examines DNA to give you insight into a broad range of matters, including mutations in your genes that may cause illness or disease. We encourage people to protect themselves by learning more about the connection between their oral and overall health.”</p>
<p>Gautschi says that once a genetic test for oral health has been conducted, patients are provided with a report that offers targeted, personalised diet, nutraceutical, lifestyle, and oral health recommendations to offset possible genetic weaknesses and optimise oral and systemic health outcomes.</p>
<p>“Our testing reports on 20 gene variations involved in key biological areas including innate immunity, inflammation and acquired immunity, sweet-tooth predisposition, detoxification, and lipid metabolism, all of which are essential in the management of periodontal and systemic health,” says Gautschi. “Testing is recommended for anyone over the age of 30, which is when gum disease starts to become more prevalent.”</p>
<p>The test is ideal for people who are about to undergo a dental procedure, those with a family or personal history of poor oral health, or who have amalgam fillings. It may also benefit those who are overweight, or have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, diabetes or have uncontrolled blood glucose levels by providing further insight into these conditions.</p>
<p>Dr Mary Dawjee, Associate Dentist at The Thinc Clinic in Johannesburg, says a large percentage of the population is at risk for gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss. “Recent research confirms that gum disease is actually a result of common genetic mutations,” says Dawjee. “Certain genes cause an autoimmune response from bacteria, which leads to inflammation and tissue damage. Genetic testing provides early warning of modifiable risk factors in your genes and enables people to change the expression of these genes through the right diet, nutrition, lifestyle, and other interventions. It is like being given a manual for your body.”</p>
<p>Being aware of the risk factors to your health is empowering. “It’s about taking responsibility for your health. Once you know what the risks are, you can make the changes necessary to mitigate them. With people living longer, they can now also live better by knowing what steps to take to maintain quality of life,” says Gautschi.</p>
<p>Speak to your health practitioner about how a DNASmile genetic test can give you insights into the state of your oral health, help you mitigate risks and improve your overall health using gene-based, personalised, interventions.</p>
<p>Visit https://dnalysis.co.za to find an accredited practitioner or buy a DNA test online. A practitioner from the DNAlysis accredited network will guide you through the process.</p>
<p>References</p>
<p>Medical News Today. The unexpected dangers of gum disease. [Sep 2021]. Available from: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324485#The-heart-of-the-matter<br />
About DNAlysis:</p>
<p>Founded in 2008, DNAlysis continues to pioneer personalised medicine services both in South Africa and abroad. Recognised as a leader in the industry, hundreds of doctors and healthcare practitioners around the world have come to rely on the DNAlysis team for support and training, while their tests have gained a reputation for being clinically relevant and scientifically robust. Their ISO-accredited laboratories in Johannesburg and Helsinki process more than 2000 DNA samples per month, reporting on Nutrigenomics, Pharmacogenomics, Ancestry and Risk Screening.</p>
<p>The DNAlysis network of highly trained healthcare practitioners use the extensive range of DNA tests to gain a greater understanding about possible lifestyle, supplement and nutritional interventions that will assist their clients with a number of genetic related health concerns.</p>


Blog

How Genetic and Gut Health Testing Can Support Your Patients' Longevity

Did you know that oral health is a window to general health?