Sometimes, don’t you wish you could have life’s little instruction manual? I mean, I don’t need to know everything! But some strong hints to go in this direction and not that one would be nice. Right? At the very least, we’d save some time, energy, and money. Not bad!
Did you know your genetics can be a little instruction manual for your health? In the past, we thought genes were our predetermined destiny. Something out of our control. But, the emerging field of epigenetics has uncovered that you can control how your genes express. By optimizing your diet and lifestyle – how you eat, rest, and move – you can optimize your health. That’s big!
Are you a wee bit curious about what your genes have to say? After reading this post, you’ll discover what your genetics can tell you about how you should eat. You’ll also learn what your genes say is the best time for your to work and sleep. You can even gain insight into your moods through your genetics. What the what? Yep. So, let’s dive into your DNA!
Did you know your genetics can be a little instruction manual for your health? In the past, we thought genes were our predetermined destiny. Something out of our control. But, the emerging field of epigenetics has uncovered that you can control how your genes express. By optimizing your diet and lifestyle – how you eat, rest, and move – you can optimize your health. That’s big!
EAT FOR YOUR GENETICS
On my ten-year quest to find the right healthy diet, I tried many different ways of eating healthy. It became a standing joke amongst friends and family. From vegetarian and Paleo to a whole series of diets with acronyms, including GAPS, SCD, and FODMAP. Maybe you’ve been there too? Eating healthy but still struggling with nagging symptoms or just feeling lackluster overall?
I was just about to try the Keto diet when I discovered a simple genetic saliva test. The results revealed the best diet for me – tailored specifically for my genetics. Once I learned how to eat for my genetics, I couldn’t believe my results: vibrant energy, sound sleep, and digestive happiness. And, you could have added clearer skin to the list, too, if I wasn’t already eating dairy-free and low-glycemic.
Eating for your genetics is based on your genetic markers and the most recent research in nutrigenomics. There are twenty different diet types and variations within those based on analyzing 125+ of your genetic markers. Read How to Unlock the Best Way for You to Eat.
Once I learned how to eat for my genetics, I couldn’t believe my results: vibrant energy, sound sleep, and digestive happiness. And, you could have added clearer skin to the list, too, if I wasn’t already eating dairy-free and low-glycemic.
EMBRACE YOUR SLEEP GENETICS
At a live event listening to ‘The Sleep Doctor’ teach about genetic, biological clocks, called chronotypes, I turned to my colleague and admitted: “Yikes! I’ve been teaching people to sleep incorrectly for years.” Sigh. When you know better, you do better! Turns out, we’re genetically programmed to be early birds, night owls, or something in between. Wait, what!?! Not everyone is an early bird like me? LOL. Nope.
Genetic research suggests we have built-in preferences for optimal bedtime and productivity. Your body’s preferred clock is called your chronotype. Chronotypes are categorized into a few main types: early birds, night owls, and something in-between. Following this biorhythm will not only improve your sleep but help you function better throughout the day. Read How to Sleep Better According to Your Genetics to discover your chronotype, embrace your ideal bedtime, and make peace with your sleep genetics.
MASTER YOUR MOOD GENETICS
If you struggle to stay in a happy state, you’re far from alone. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. In my first year of med school, my glass was so empty I saw a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Of course, Mom didn’t care for that labeling, but therapy helped me over the hump and coast into my second year of medical school with ease.
It turns out some of us are genetically hard-wired to be anxious or depressed, but we can overcome it. If you haven’t tested your genetics yet for methylation, do so! Methylation is the process of adding methyl molecules to enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and DNA. Think of methyl groups like cash. Your bank account needs positive cash flow, and your body needs positive methyl flow.
Some of us are genetically low on “cash” (methyl groups.) Low methylation can impact our physiological and psychiatric health, including mood, memory, concentration, and even sleep! Optimizing my methylation through methylated B vitamins has been a total health game-changer for me and my mood. Discover how you can genetically test yourself and those you love for methylation. Plus, Read 3 Ways to Get Happy Fast so you can change how you’re feeling at any given moment.
Isn’t it amazing how much you can discover about yourself through your genetics? So I hope you stop guessing, dig into your DNA, and find out what your genes are saying. By reading your little instruction manual on health, you’ll know what to eat and get off the sleep/mood struggle bus. Don’t stay stuck! You deserve to feel empowered with the energy and confidence to live your soulFULL purpose.
What are you waiting for?
#WeAreInThisTogether for #HealthyChange
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About the Author: Dr. Sue
Sue McCreadie, MD (aka Dr. Sue), is a Pediatric Physician and Breakthrough Coach for Midlife Mamas. For over two decades, she’s helped thousands achieve vibrant health as a wellness expert. Bringing three daughters into this world, she lost four along the way, and crossed the pregnancy finish line a digestive–hormonal–emotional mess. But, over the following decade, she found a deeper meaning for miscarriages, reclaimed vibrant health, and grew emotional resiliency. Dr. Sue is obsessed with living her soulFULL purpose and helping other growth-minded Mamas do the same. She believes we are in this together to rise up, realize our dreams, and feel fulfilled in every facet of our lives.