Understanding Genomics – The importance of knowing your SNPs
Genomics includes the scientific study of genetics SNPs and the complex diseases such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, asthma, diabetes, and cancer because these diseases are typically caused more by a combination of genetic and environmental factors than by individual genes. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are common genetic variations that explain many of the differences among individuals. Knowing which SNPs you carry enables your practitioner to more effectively support you and your individual health needs. While over 10 million SNPs are known, only a few have clinical significance so working with a practitioner who can help support you and your most important/relevant SNPs to your case is essential. SNPs help predict an individual’s response to certain drugs, susceptibility to environmental factors such as toxins, and risk of developing diseases. SNPs can also be used to track the inheritance of disease-associated genetic variants within families. Understanding the potential contribution of your genomic data to your phenotypic expression can be of profound importance to the management of your health and symptoms. Nutrigenomics is a branch of science that uses cutting-edge genomics technology to study the link between our genes, nutrition, and health. This information allows us to develop personalized strategies for optimal health. Continue reading “Understanding Genomics – The Importance of Knowing Your Genetic SNPs”