Millennials and baby boomers have become big proponents of DNA testing. Data driven millennials have become proactive in staying ahead of their health, while their parents, the baby boomers, often feel let down by the broken healthcare system.
More importantly, these groups want to understand the “why” behind the development of chronic disease so they can avoid the crippling results. As a result, they are looking to genetic tests to obtain answers before the disease even emerges.
Some other motivators include:
•Ancestry
•Understanding their personal possible health risks
•Obtaining guidance on what they can do once they find out they have a risk for a health condition
•Improving athletic performance
•Weight Loss
•Personalized diet suggestioms
When DNA is tested, we have an opportunity to go “under the hood” of our health. Instead of focusing on specific lab test results — such as total cholesterol level or blood sugar level — we can get a more holistic look at where we have health strengths and weaknesses.
A high total cholesterol level may occur because you have the genes for a transport system that does not work optimally, or because you have the gene for overproducing cholesterol.
Understanding the “why,” can help you and your doctor make a more informed decision as to how you are going to manage your elevated cholesterol level.
For example, my grandmother used to have chronic sinus infections. We suspected that she was sensitive to dairy, but she adamantly denied a milk sensitivity. After testing her DNA and seeing that she indeed carried the genes for lactose intolerance, she was willing to give up her yogurt and cottage cheese.
And the sinus infections disappeared.
Consumers, wellness advocates, patients, and healthcare providers have become intrigued with the health information housed within our DNA, and are looking to genetic data to have a better understanding of their bio-individuality.
Bio-individuality is the term that is used to describe our unique biological differences. In short, what makes you, you and me me
Genetic testing has been on an exponential growth trajectory in the last 10 years, fueled by companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry.com.
The three major drivers of this testing are: obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease where people are clamoring for more and more personalized healthcare.
Grand View Research predicts the global DNA testing market will reach $10.04B by 2022.
Many people are frustrated with the “one size fits all” model and they are looking to their DNA to help customize their health journey.
We can understand the drivers behind the family chronic disease we have seen our parents experience, and with the knowledge of our DNA, we can create a truly personalized lifestyle to help lessen the effects of these genes leading to chronic disease.
For more information about Dr. Silverman, please visit www.drrobertsilverman.com.
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