Nutrigenomics and DNA Methylation Testing
As a certified Nutrigenomics Master Practitioner with LifecodeGx, I help people uncover how their unique genetic blueprint interacts with lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and environment. Through DNA Methylation and Nutrigenomics testing, we can explore how these factors impact key areas of health, from energy and hormone balance to overall wellbeing.
Each one of us have genetic variants that make us unique, but also impact our ability to do certain jobs in the body. What’s more, different diets, lifestyles or environments can turn various genes “on or off” for you.
We now have comprehensive Nutrigenomics Testing to find out exactly what genetic variants we have and how to work with our genes to optimise health.
Nutrigenomics testing is available for my clients on the Functional Health Subscription or The Investment 6 month programme.
What is DNA methylation?
Methylation, or MTHFR, buzzwords you may have heard on a podcast have taken the alternative health world by storm. Methylation is a process that underpins every biochemical process in the body. From DNA repair and replication, energy production, neurotransmitter and hormone production, to liver detoxification, immune function and inflammation control, blood production. It’s a crucial step to get right. If not, chronic illnesses often occur when methylation is done poorly.
Scientifically, methylation is the process of adding a “methyl-group” (which is 1 carbon and 2 hydrogen atoms for the science geeks), to various chemicals such as folate (natural form of folic acid), vitamin B12 and enzymes. The efficiency of this process varies with your unique genetics.
If methylation becomes unbalanced due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive toxin load, it can disrupt these functions, contributing to symptoms and conditions including those listed here.
- Chronic fatigue, brain fog, weakness, anaemia – due to impaired energy production.
- Hormonal imbalances – affecting PMS, PCOS, or thyroid function and more.
- Mood disorders – such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Cardiovascular issues – due to poor methylation and homocysteine clearance.
- Immune dysfunction – due to poor immune cell production, regulation, thereby contributing to autoimmune conditions.
- Cognitive decline – impacting memory and increasing dementia risk.
- Detoxification problems – leading to toxin build-up and sensitivities.
Comprehensive DNA Testing with Actionable Insights
I exclusively use LifecodeGx for advanced nutrigenomics testing and epigenetics analysis. Their genetic reports are unmatched in detail and usability, making them my top choice for personalised health insights.
LifecodeGx’s comprehensive reports provide practical diagrams and actionable insights, helping me interpret your DNA to uncover the root causes of health concerns. By integrating your genetic blueprint with your current health data, I create personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies tailored to your unique needs.
I usually begin with the DNA Methylation panel because it gives us essential insights into the genetic “cards you’ve been dealt”. While some people are fortunate to have robust genetics and rarely experience health challenges—or recover quickly when they do—others may have genetic variations that make them more vulnerable to chronic conditions.
By identifying your specific gene variants (known as SNPs, or Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), we can learn how to effectively “work with” your genes rather than against them.
Start here: The DNA Methylation Panel
The Methylation Test focuses on key genes involved in five crucial cycles in your body: folate, methionine, neurotransmitter, transulfuration, and urea. These cycles influence how well your body processes vital nutrients like vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), as well as methionine, betaine, choline, zinc, and magnesium. Additionally, the test helps pinpoint potential challenges in handling inhibitors like chemicals, moulds, medications, hormones, or heavy metals. With these insights, we can develop a targeted plan to address any weaknesses and support your body’s optimal function.
Optional add on: Hormones Panel
The Hormones report is excellent for any women who struggle with hormone related health problems such as PCOS, absent periods, irregular periods, fertility problems, PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast lumps, acne, low sex drive, female pattern hair loss, excess facial hair in women, and increased risk of ovarian, breast or other oestrogen dependent cancers.
This report identifies the key genetic variants that may increase a woman’s susceptibility to these health problems, why it happens and what we can do to get around it. This report can also help us find out how stress may affect your hormones negatively.
Optional add on: Nervous System Panel
The Nervous System report is essential for anyone experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, low mood, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, attention difficulties, or emotional regulation struggles. It’s particularly useful for those seeking deeper insight into how their genetics may influence mood, motivation, focus, and resilience.
This report analyses key genetic variants affecting neurotransmitter balance, including serotonin (for contentment and emotional stability), dopamine (for motivation and reward), melatonin (for sleep), and GABA (for relaxation and calm). It also explores how your body manages excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, as well as stress-related hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline.
By uncovering how your nervous system responds to life’s demands, this report provides personalised nutritional and lifestyle recommendations designed to optimise mental health, improve emotional balance, and support long-term resilience.
Optional add on: Detoxification Report
The Detoxification report is ideal for individuals concerned about their body’s ability to process and eliminate harmful substances such as toxins, environmental pollutants, medications, alcohol, and excess hormones. This is particularly relevant for those experiencing fatigue, persistent skin issues, hormone imbalances, sensitivity to chemicals or fragrances, or difficulty recovering from illness.
This report identifies key genetic variants involved in your liver’s detoxification pathways, highlighting areas where your body might need extra support. Understanding how efficiently your body manages toxins can help us create a tailored nutrition and lifestyle plan to optimize detoxification, improve energy levels, and support overall health.
Optional add on: Metabolics Panel
The Metabolics report is perfect for individuals looking to better understand how their body manages energy production, nutrient metabolism, and overall metabolic health. It’s especially valuable for those struggling with issues like stubborn weight gain, sugar cravings, energy crashes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or chronic inflammation.
This report highlights key genetic variants that influence how your body processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as how it regulates appetite, nutrient sensing, and mitochondrial energy production. By identifying these genetic factors, we can create a personalized plan to optimize your metabolism, improve energy balance, and support long-term health.
Optional add on: Histamine Panel
The Histamine Intolerance report is invaluable for anyone experiencing unexplained allergy-like symptoms such as skin irritation, hives, itching, nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, digestive issues, migraines, insomnia, or anxiety. These symptoms can be signs of histamine overload, which occurs when the body struggles to break down accumulated histamine effectively.
This report analyses key genes involved in histamine metabolism, including those affecting diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut, and histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT), which manages histamine in the nervous system and lungs. It also highlights factors that may impair histamine breakdown, such as gut health issues, alcohol, fermented foods, certain medications, and even stress.
With these insights, we can create a personalised strategy using nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments to support optimal histamine clearance, helping reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Optional add on: Nutrient Core Panel
The Nutrient Core report is ideal for uncovering why certain nutrient deficiencies persist despite a balanced diet or supplementation. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how your unique genetic makeup influences food tolerance, nutrient absorption, metabolism, and susceptibility to inflammation and chronic health issues.
This report investigates key genetic variants affecting:
- Food Response: Gluten (coeliac) and lactose intolerance
- Caffeine Metabolism: Sensitivity and processing speed
- Microbiome Support: Genetic influences on gut diversity
- Vitamin Needs: Absorption and utilisation of vitamins A, B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin), C, D, and K
- Blood Pressure Regulation: Sodium-potassium balance and salt-sensitive hypertension
- Detoxification: Glutathione production and detox capacity
- Metabolism & Appetite: Blood sugar control (insulin), appetite regulation (leptin)
- Inflammation Control: Both infection-specific and systemic inflammation
- Circadian Rhythm: Predisposition toward being an early bird or night owl
By understanding how your genes affect these key functions, we can create a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan tailored to your specific needs. This test is especially helpful if you’ve experienced persistent nutrient deficiencies, unexplained fatigue, or health issues linked to diet and metabolism.
