Live according to your DNA
By understanding your unique DNA make up, you can take lifestyle actions that support your good genes and guard against your weak genes. The earlier you know about your genetic makeup, the easier it is to match your diet and fitness choices to your unique body. By understanding your genetic profile, you can take smarter lifestyle actions to live a healthier life.
Your genes are the basic physical and functional units that make your heredity. Genes are made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is a long molecule containing the instructions for building every element of an organism.
Any section of a person’s DNA is what’s known as a gene. Genes carry the codes for making and organizing specific molecules which will eventually serve as the building blocks for structures and functions of an organism. Almost all of the 3 billion human base pair combinations (99.5%) are identical from person to person.
The .5% difference is what makes a person unique. Variants are genetic variations of differences that make up the .5% to make each person unique. And SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) is a specific sequence of DNA base pairs that make up the variant.
SNPs are identified by extensive research conducted by geneticists who compare DA across large populations. Different base pairs at a SNP are known as alleles. For example, one allele at a SNP may give a person blue eye whereas another would give a person green eyes. Allele variants are also responsible for a great deal of genetic disorders. Specific SNPs of DNA can be informative for things like how an individual will respond to macronutrients, micronutrients, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
