When you take a genetic test, it looks at a selection of genes  that work together to provide you with a blueprint for how your own body functions. Here are the major areas where genetic testing can give you insight into your body's functionality, and where you can make better diet and lifestyle choices that will be more optimized for you.

Everyone is looking for the path to health, wellness, and longevity that is tailored for them: What should I eat, what exercises should I do, and what lifestyle choices should I make that are right for me? Too often, though, healthcare uses a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't take into account a person's unique makeup.

However, understanding a person's genes and uncovering how genes uniquely impact a person's systems can provide that tailored healthcare approach — which is what I do and what I focus on in my practice. How tailored? A genetic test can reveal insights into cellular and systems function, cardiovascular health, nutrient absorption and processing, and energy and activity levels. But these aren't just "fun to have" facts about a person's body; they're insights on which you can take action.

We hear a lot about genetics these days, from using it to find out where your ancestors came from to testing for specific diseases. But what genes are, what the study of genetics covers, and how genetics can be used as an impactful health recommendations tool is still somewhat a mystery to most.

I've discovered the value of knowing your genes, and want to share it with you. Here's a quick guide to what genetics is and how it can lead you to your optimal health.

One of the most important things you can do to Better your health is to eat a plant rich diet.

Plant rich meaning that the majority of your diet consists of plant foods while adding an adequate amount of quality protein and healthy fats (avocados, coconut and nuts).

Plants contain different pigments, or phytonutrients, which give them their colour. Different-coloured plants are linked to higher levels of specific nutrients and health benefits.

While eating more vegetables and fruit is always a good idea, focusing on eating a variety of colours will increase your intake of different nutrients to benefit various areas of your health.

Now that we are approaching December and heavy, holiday foods will leave us feeling bloated and sluggish, it’s time to figure out how to get you’ll get back in the swing of things come January. And, if you’ve set New Year’s Intentions year after year that include healthier eating and activity, then starting with a kick start to your metabolism can help make the difference to living your intentions well.

Histamine is a chemical involved in your immune system, proper digestion, and your central nervous system. As a neurotransmitter, it communicates important messages from your body to your brain. It is also a component of stomach acid, which helps you break down food in your stomach.

FODMAPs are carbohydrates (sugars) that are found in foods. Not all carbohydrates are considered FODMAPs. A low FODMAP diet limits foods high in fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans and polyols.⁠

Edited September 13th, 2020 by Caroline Sabbah

How Are the Gut and Brain Connected Exactly?

You’ve probably heard of the gut and brain connection by now and might be wondering how they are connected.

First, the gut-brain axis is the term used for the communication network that connects your gut and brain .

These two organs are connected both physically and biochemically in a number of different ways but here we will look at the vagus nerve and nervous system. Let’s have a closer look and how you can support your gut brain axis and vagus nerve.