13) Congratulations! You Did It

Congratulations on completing the IFPA’s Book on Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health. This course has provided you with the foundation you need to get started as a DNA Diet, Fitness and Health Specialist.

DNA testing is the way of the future – and that future is available to you now. Taking power over your health means looking at all aspects of your physical and mental wellbeing. Your DNA code is the starting point. By understanding where you have genetics weaknesses in common areas related to day-to-day health, you can truly practice preventative health. Personalized healthcare is the way of the future.

In this course you covered:

  • How genetics and epigenetics impact your diet, fitness and health outcomes. 
  • How genetic variations affect your optimal diet and exercise regimes.  
  • How the 70+ key gene variations influence diet, fitness and health. 
  • How to collect your DNA cheek swab sample.
  • How to read the genetic testing report and design personalized diet, fitness and health programs based on DNA to reduce risk and produce better health outcomes.

Now that you have taken this course you know:

  • The relationship of important genes to diet, fitness and health.  
  • How to identify areas or opportunity where you can make lifestyle changes to avoid health and fitness risks.
  • How genetic composition can vary.
  • How to use DNA testing as part of your fitness practice. 
  • What lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference to your health.  

The goal of this course was for you to understand:

  • The basic principles of genetics and how you can apply them to your day-to-day life.
  • How genetic variations impact diet, fitness and health.  
  • How to read a genetic testing report.
  • How to advise your clients on making changes to their fitness and health based on their genetics. 
  • How to differentiate your business by providing truly personalized testing and programs.

13.1) Key Messages

Let’s review the key messages from each chapter to refresh your memory and solidify your learning.

Chapter 1: Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health 

Genetic testing related to diet, fitness and health is a new tool that can tell you foundational information about your body. It can provide you with insight that allows you to make better decisions about your diet, fitness and health based on your unique genetic makeup. 

Genetic testing for diet, fitness and health is more important than ever to help keep people healthy and to avoid chronic disease, which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Chronic disease is influenced by: poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, sleep, stress, toxins and other lifestyle or epigenetic factors. 

Studies show that a personalized nutrition regime using genetic information can increase both adherence to diet and post-diet outcomes leading to improved overall health. Genetic markers contribute to athletic performance, and a favorable genetic profile, when combined with an optimal training environment is important for athletic performance.

Genetic testing is the new generation of preventative health!

Chapter 2: Understanding DNA Science

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the building block of life. It is a biological molecule that holds the code for making all living things. DNA is the hereditary material, passed from parent to offspring, in you and almost all other organisms. 

Genetics is the study of genes, how they work, and how particular traits (such as eye color) are passed from parent to offspring.

Genes are regions of DNA that act as instructions for making molecules called proteins. Variations in your genes allows you to adapt to your ever-changing environment. Epigenetic changes “on top of” your genes affect the expression of genes. Epigenetic changes can turn genes up or down, on or off.

Everyone’s DNA is somewhat different – around 0.2% different. DNA variations that occur frequently in the population are called polymorphisms. A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence. Some SNPs are associated with certain diseases, traits or health factors, and are commonly used in DNA testing.

Increased genetic risk or predisposition is an increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or trait based on a person’s genetic makeup. Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual or group of individuals. Genotype frequency is the proportion of individuals in a population that possess a given genotype. 

Chapter 3: The DNA Research Process

The DNA research process helps describe the information that goes into developing a DNA test and report. 

The steps researchers take to build custom SNP panels in the areas of diet, fitness and health are: 

  • Identify metabolic areas important to diet, fitness and health.
  • Identify key SNPs associated with these metabolic areas by performing in-depth literature searches.
  • Once the final SNP panel is chosen, the alleles are given functional ratings, to determine genetic risk, based on the effect of the SNP on function and/or patient outcome based on the data. 
  • By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying gene-environment interactions, dietary recommendations and lifestyle interventions in the form of wellness recommendations can be offered to optimize individual health.

Chapter 4: Getting Your DNA Tested

When testing your DNA, you will want to ensure you choose a reputable genetic testing company with a certified lab, strong privacy policies and practical, comprehensive tests. Genetic non-discrimination laws prohibit insurance companies or employers from requiring your results. 

You can order a diet, fitness and health genetic tests online. The genetic testing kit arrives by mail. DNA is collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek. dnaPower (www.dnapower.com/ref/IFPA) is the recommended genetic testing partner of the IFPA.

Chapter 5: Reading the Genetic Testing Reports

There are four main reports included in the testing: dietPower, fitPower, healthPower, brainPower. They are sold together as one product called totalPower. A Summary Report is also provided with the graphs and action tips in one document. People may also order the reports using their existing 23andMe or Ancestry data.  

The 5 main parts of a genetic testing report are:

  • Your Summary – A snapshot of each area tested and your genetic composition results.
  • Your Action Plan – Key suggested actions based on areas with higher variations. 
  • Your Detailed Test Area Descriptions – Detailed information on each test area along with further tips to take power over your health. 
  • Key Genes Index – Genes tested that affect each specific area, descriptions have been simplified to make them easier to understand. 
  • Your Genetic Profile – Your personal genotype results for each gene tested.

Chapter 6: DNA + Diet

DNA + Diet covers the most important areas available to provide genetic insight into the food right for your body. 

The test areas covered include: 

  • Diet Management – Carbohydrates, Insulin, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Dietary Unsaturated Fat, Dietary Saturated Fat, Stored Body Fat, Protein Need, Protein Weight Response.
  • Weight Response – Body Mass Index
  • Food Tolerances – Alcohol, Caffeine, Gluten, Lactose, Salt, Sugar Craving
  • Food Taste and Preference – Caffeine, Carbohydrate, Fat and Protein Preferences;  Bitter, Sweet and Salt Tastes; and Smoking Behaviour 
  • Vitamins and Supplements – Vitamin A, B6, B9 (Folate), B12, C, D, E; Calcium, Choline, Iodine, Iron Deficiency and Iron Overload, Omega-3 Fatty Acid. 

Chapter 7: DNA + Fitness

DNA + Fitness includes valuable genetic testing areas that help to inform the best ways to exercise for your body. 

The test areas covered include: 

  • Power and Endurance – Endurance Activity, Power and Sprint Activity.
  • Injury and Recovery – Ligament and Tendon Strength, Muscle Strength and Repair.
  • Exercise Performance – Blood Pressure, Energy Availability, Energy Metabolism, Oxygen Uptake
  • Exercise Response – Blood Sugar and Insulin, Stroke Risk, Cardiovascular Health.

Chapter 8: DNA + Health

DNA + Health covers the unique background processes that are key to good health. 

The test areas covered include: 

  • Detoxification – Phase 1 Activation, Phase 2 Conjugation, Acetylation, Methylation, and Oxidative Protection. 
  • Hormone Health – Biosynthesis of Androgens and Estrogens, Phase 1 Metabolism of Estrogen, Phase 2 Elimination of Estrogen Metabolites.
  • Inflammation – Inflammatory Immune Response, Inflammatory Tumor Response.
  • Methylation – FUT2, TCN2, SHMT1, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR.

 Chapter 9: DNA + Mental Wellness

DNA + Mental Wellness includes areas that can provide insight into keeping and maintain good brain health. 

The test areas covered include: 

  • Alzheimer’s, Concussion, Cortisol, Depression, Emotional Eating and Parkinson’s.

Chapter 10: How to Interpret a Genetic Testing Report

To prepare for a genetic testing report review with a client, review their Summary Report to get an overview then move into the more detailed DNA Diet, Fit, Health and Brain reports. 

The Diet Report provides the foundational starting point for people to understand their body and how they can eat to support their unique genetics.

The Health Report can show up a bit redder due to individual gene reporting and provides insight into important background processes in the body.

The Fitness Report provides insight that can help you to customize a training program for a client to achieve the best and safest results.

The Mental Wellness Report highlights important areas to support the brain.

Lead a 45 to 60-minute consultation with your client to review the report information. Time will depend on the person’s health and goals, their genetic testing results and their questions.

Chapter 11: Case Studies

As a genetic testing for diet, fitness and health practitioner you can interpret health goals, current state of health and genetic variations together to deliver exceptional outcomes, reduce guessing and trial and error and tailor your programs for individual use.

Chapter 12: Becoming a Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health Partner

Sign up to provide genetic testing in diet, fitness and health as a new offering to clients. Come prepared, by reviewing the answers to frequently asked client questions.

With your knowledge you can reassure customers that they are in good hands. dnaPower offers custom gene panels with multiple locus per test, a CLIA and GLP certified laboratory, customer support, client focused reports, a knowledgeable research team and of course privacy of data.

13.2) Summary

Feeling ready to take your Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health Final Exam, become a genetic testing partner, and book client consults?

Now you’re ready to use genetic testing in your practice to answer questions like: 

  • What type of exercise works best for my client’s body? 
  • What type of diet should my client be on if they want to lose weight?
  • Does my client have increased risk for ligament and tendon injury?
  • Does my client have underlying cardiovascular risk?
  • What type of muscle fiber does my client have?
  • What type of vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be affecting my client?
  • Does my client have increased risk for concussion?
  • And many more!

Take a few minutes to review any notes you have made along the way, clarify questions you might still have, and take your final exam. If you have not already done so, order genetic tests for you and your loved ones to optimize your health and apply to become a genetic testing partner to spread the further spread the gift of health. You have come so far!

Congratulations again on completing the IFPA’s Book on Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health. You have the foundation you need to get started as a DNA Diet, Fitness and Health Specialist and to create powerful and customized programs for your clients.

Supporting people in their health has never been more important. Best of luck to you as you create positive changes in people’s lives through health and fitness.