Understanding your methylation patterns at home can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Your body undergoes a process called genetic methylation naturally. It is the addition of a methyl group to your DNA that can influence the way genes are expressed. They serve as instructions that maintain cellular functionality while being turned on and off by methylation.
Too little or too much of it can lead to health problems despite some levels needed for good health. A genetic methylation test allows you to appreciate your methylation patterns and how they could be impacting your well-being.
Genetic tests can be done in the form of a test which is collected either by collecting the DNA sample yourself or by scraping a little saliva on the kit to form the cheek scraping in the lab.
Afterward, the lab looks at your DNA for any signs of methylation and prepares a report that will have information about:
- Overall methylation levels
- Methylation of specific genes
- Possible health risks tied with your pattern of methylations
A healthcare professional shall guide you through your life and the disease process so that you have all the knowledge and options to make an informed decision.
Here are some of the potential benefits of getting a genetic methylation test at home:
Below are the advantages of conducting a genetic methylation test at home: From precise gene sequencing to cutting-edge therapies, the field of genomics has revolutionized our understanding of human health.
- Insightful info on your health: Have you ever wondered what risk of cancer you have? or the assurance of heart problems? or work out autoimmune diseases. A methylation test is what you need!
- Health proactivity: The knowledge of your methylation reports can be used to reduce the risk for future disease by the correction of your current condition.
- Personalized care: Your doctor will tweak your personalized blueprint of disease prevention based on the methylation test which detects genetic problems.
Additional considerations:
- Accuracy and limitations: In this examination category, there are some accuracy concerns of so called “home genes” which are popular in some circles.
The manner of specimen outline and testing might also influence results. As for the choice of providers, the curriculum should primarily reflect the high standards that are included in it.
- Interpretation and guidance: Methylation genetics tests are of great value but are likely to be misinterpreted and therefore need professional guidance.
A healthcare professional can interpret your test results and integrate them into the health plan to ensure the best messages are delivered that will help you attain best possible outcomes.
- Privacy and ethical considerations: Privacy is among the major worries in the case of genetic testing.
As you are giving your personal information to companies, acquaint yourself with the ways in which these companies use your data. Scrutinize whether they have these policies and what security practices they adhere to.
In addition, there are chances of:
- Genetic discrimination: Technically, it may be a banned thing in many organizations, but the reality is that your genetic information or data may still be used to indirectly discriminate against you in issues such as employment and insurance.
- Impact on family members: While familiar family genes can help a person or his/her family to have medical risk prediction, not all people tolerate testing. Respect their comfort level and be sure to have proper consent, in the same way as before, possible consequences.
However, one needs to be cautious as technologies are undoubtedly connected by possible accuracy issues, interpretation guides, privacy, or ethical concerns so in this case you can scrutinize if it is the correct test for home genetic methylation.