Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within a tiny drop of your saliva or a speck of your blood? Can I just say that I have not. But after watching that one episode from KUWTK where Kris makes the whole family take one to prove their paternity really entertained me and made me want to take a DNA test too. While this kind of process may have been reserved for A-listers in the past, it’s 2024 now which means everyday folks (like you and I) can also dive deep into their genetic blueprints, if the wish arises. This isn’t about finding out if you’re secretly royal (though, how cool would that be?), but about discovering the genetic quirks that make you, well, you.
The ABCs Of DNA
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, carries the unique genetic instructions that craft our very being. Picture it as the ultimate recipe book where each recipe is a gene coding for everything from your eye colour to how your body handles a late-night McDonald’s binge. Genetic testing sifts through this book, looking for any typos (mutations) that might hint at health risks, from the nuisance of caffeine sensitivity to serious players like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
What Exactly Is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing scans your DNA for any changes or mutations in your genes, chromosomes, and proteins. It’s like a meticulous proofreader, catching errors that could affect your health. With over 77,000 tests on the market, it’s a deep dive into your personal health forecast, offering a heads-up on potential genetic disorders and how you might respond to certain medications.
Why Consider Genetic Testing?
- Diet Decoded: DNA testing can clue you in on food sensitivities and intolerances, guiding you towards a diet that’s as unique as your genome. It’s like having a nutritionist who knows you down to your cells, helping tweak your diet for optimal health.
- Genetic Nutrition: Your body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals is also coded in your DNA. With this insight, you can supercharge your diet with what you truly need.
- Preventative Health Power: DNA testing can spotlight your risk for big diseases like heart disease or type 2 diabetes, letting you take the wheel on preventative care. It’s about staying one step ahead.
- Skin Deep: Beyond vanity, understanding your skin’s genetic makeup can be a game-changer in preventing conditions you’re predisposed to.
- Fitness That Fits: Many people also use these tests to calculate what type of exercise suits their body type the bed. Imagine a fitness plan that’s tailor-made for your genetic makeup. DNA testing can reveal how your body responds to different types of exercise, helping you craft a routine that’s as effective as it is enjoyable.
My Experience With Xcode Life’s DNA Test
As an acne girlie who is in her twenties, this sounded like the key to all my skincare problems. So naturally, for the story’s sake, I took a DNA Test with Xcode Life’s Home Delivery DNA Kit.
“Our health and wellness reports cover more than 700 human traits spanning Nutrition, Fitness, Skin, Health, Allergies, Personality and Mental Health, Methylation and MTHFR and more. Get health insights from your DNA data,” says a little box on their website, which looked good enough for me to try one. Here’s how it went and everything I learned.
What Is It?
The kit is designed to make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. It’s important to remember that the reports are for informational purposes only since the results are influenced by your genes, environment, and lifestyle choices. Xcode Life’s team curates information from authentic research publications and presents this information to you in the form of insights in your reports. Their tests range from genotyping (ancestry tests) to whole genome sequencing.
How To Use It?
The process is as easy as 1-2-3. First, order your Saliva Collection Kit, which arrives at your doorstep in just a few days. Next, follow the simple instructions to provide your saliva sample, register your kit online, and then send it back to the lab with the pre-paid package.
This includes:
- One hour before collecting your saliva sample do not eat, smoke or drink anything other than water.
- Wash your mouth with plain water and massage your cheek for 2 minutes.
- Spit directly into the funnel until the black line on the tube.
- Unscrew the funnel and add the buffer solution into the tube.
- Close the tube with the cap and shake it by inverting the tube.
- Complete the questionnaire and sign the consent form
Lastly, sit back and wait for the magic to happen. In about 6-8 weeks, you’ll receive an email notification that your detailed DNA reports are ready for viewing. It’s that simple.
My Thoughts
I’m not going to lie, this was one of the best things I’ve done for my skin. The way it works is that Xcode takes your biological sample (your saliva) to extract your DNA which they then compare to DNA in their database according to your report type: skin, ancestry etc. Once your report is ready, they schedule a consultation with their team where they go through the report in extreme detail to make sure you understand what is normal (the baseline) vs. what’s in your body (the root of your concerns).
I’ve been getting treated for acne for about six to seven months, but this test gave me a lot more insight into my own body and its underlying concerns. There was a lot of new information that I now have access to, that will 100% make my clear skin journey faster – which is why I think this was totally worth it.
In 2024, DNA testing is more than a trend, it’s more of an indulgent tool for living your best life. Science-backed insights into nutrition, health, and fitness help you make informed choices that go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach; quite often, it’s worth it. So, whether you’re curious about your genetic heritage or looking to optimize your health, DNA testing might just be the ticket to a deeper understanding of yourself.
Featured Image: Unsplash
