Understanding Health Genomics: How Your DNA Shapes Your Health and Wellness

Ah, genetics. It’s the reason why you inherited your mother’s eyes, your father’s hair, and your grandmother’s nose. Your genome not only decides your physical features, it also guides all aspects of your health. Unlocking the secrets of your genome may be the key to optimizing your health. How do we do it? By using your genetic blueprint!

Thankfully, you don’t need to embark on a National Treasure-style scavenger hunt to find your genetic blueprint. Just take a look in the mirror! Everything you need to know is there. If you’d like to learn how to use that blueprint, keep reading! Along the way, keep an eye out for surprising DNA facts throughout the article. Do Not Assume you know nothing about genetics - yet!

What is Health Genomics? Decoding Your Genetic Blueprint

Before we dive in, let’s look at some important genetics terms:

Genome - an organism’s complete DNA structure

Genomics - the study of the structure and function of genomes

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) - the molecule that holds all of the genetic material necessary for the development and functioning of an organism

Pharmacogenetics - the study of the variability of responses to medications due to differences within single genes

Pharmacogenomics - the study of various responses to medications due to differences within multiple genes

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

GINA - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

Nutrigenomics - the study of how nutrition can impact the human genome

Exercise Genomics - the study of how specific genes affect physical performance, response, and recovery regarding exercise.

Defining Genomics: The Study of Your Entire DNA

As defined above, genomics is the study of the structure and function of an organism’s complete genetic makeup. The most notable study of the human genome is The Human Genome Project, an international collaborative research project that aimed to map the entire human genome. Thanks to the information discovered through the Human Genome Project, we’ve learned that genomics has the potential to change the way we view physical health completely.

D.N.A. Fact One - The human genome comprises 50,000 to 100,000 individual genes. 

How It Differs from Traditional Genetics

Traditional genetics primarily focuses on inheritance. These are the individual traits that are passed on from ancestor to descendant. Genomics, on the other hand, is the study of a person’s entire genetic content and their interactions with each other and the physical environment. Genomics is at the forefront of research for several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. 

D.N.A. Fact Two - Traditional genetics also studies diseases. Inherited diseases include Huntington’s Disease, Phenylketonuria (PKU), and Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

Applications of Health Genomics in Personalized Medicine

Ladies, have you ever had a dress tailored to fit you perfectly? Men, have you ever had a custom suit? Think of your personal genome as a customized plan to achieve your optimal health. 

Understanding Disease Risk and Prevention

Any person at any stage of life can discover their personal genome. The best way to develop a comprehensive understanding is to start at the beginning. Genetic testing is available at six stages: preconception, prenatal, newborn, pediatric, adult, and geriatric.

Preconception Screening - Prior to having a child, a couple can get screened to determine which genes may cause their child to develop a particular disease. This type of screening can help parents anticipate their future child’s health needs.

Prenatal Screening - When a mother becomes pregnant, genetic testing is available for her growing child. If the child shows signs of certain diseases (such as phenylketonuria or PKU), the mother can make adjustments to her diet in an attempt to help the child develop normally. 

Newborn Screening - Once a child is born, they can undergo additional genetic testing to determine if they have inherited any genetic indicators for disease. If a disease is discovered, physicians can begin to incorporate treatments and therapies, and parents can join advocacy groups for additional social support. 

Pediatric Screening - As a child gets older, they may exhibit signs of certain diseases that may not have been observed at birth. Intellectual disabilities such as autism, endocrine disorders, and growth conditions often do not emerge until early childhood. Once these are identified, the child can receive assistance to improve their quality of life. 

Adult Screening - Most of the screening at this level is used in cancer treatments. However, other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and diseases that cause hearing and/or vision loss can also be detected and treated at this time. 

Geriatric Screening - Screening for elderly patients is primarily for research purposes. Patients can learn about their ancestry and connect with living relatives. Some genetic screening in elderly adults can uncover the likelihood of getting geriatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

D.N.A. Fact Three - DNA is made up of “letters” A, C, G, and T. These stand for the proteins that compose a strand of DNA: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.

Pharmacogenomics: Tailoring Medications to Your Genes

Pharmacogenomics studies the relationship between genes and medications. This promotes the creation of medications that are uniquely designed for individual use. Personalized prescriptions have led to fewer adverse side effects compared to “one-size-fits-all” medications.

D.N.A. Fact Four - Pharmacogenomics can also be used to study the effects of medications on multiple groups of people based on race, ethnicity, and gender. 

Genomics for Wellness and Lifestyle Optimization

Inherited genes are not the only factor that affects your health; environmental factors also play a significant role. 

Nutritional Genomics (Nutrigenomics): Diet Based on Your DNA

A theory proposed by the Director of the European Nutrigenomics Organization suggests that all diseases can be linked to imbalances in the body that impact four key biological processes: metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and psychological stress. Nutrigenomics aims to address these imbalances by modifying the individual’s diet. For example, a person struggling with obesity (a type of metabolic stress) is at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If that person changes their diet to include more nutrient-rich foods instead of the stereotypical “western diet” filled with high levels of sodium and sugar, they can reduce their weight and improve their health.

D.N.A Fact Five - Diet is not the only method of change used in Nutrigenomics. Behavioral changes such as quitting smoking can create a positive outcome on health by reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. 

Fitness Genomics: Exercise Strategies for Your Genetic Makeup

An up-and-coming sector of genomics is Fitness Genomics. This studies the correlation between a person’s genetic makeup and their response/recovery to exercise. While some studies have already been conducted, further research is needed to help scientists identify specific genes that can influence physical exercise levels. Several researchers have already concluded that larger-scale human studies, as well as animal cross-breeding, will aid in the success of Fitness Genomics as a method to uncover optimal health.

D.N.A. Fact Six - Our red blood cells do not store DNA. They need the extra space to carry oxygen to our tissues, muscles, and other areas of the body. 

Ethical Considerations and the Future of Health Genomics

Any type of medical advancement will likely have adverse side effects, including genomic research. All facets of genomics, including general genomic studies, pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics, and fitness genomics, are subject to several hardships. At the forefront of those challenges is the protection of health information.

Privacy, Consent, and Genetic Information

The primary concern surrounding health genomics is the ability to uphold HIPAA, a government-mandated law that protects patients’ privacy and requires their consent to share health information. Genetic information can be used to identify individual patients due to the uniqueness of a person’s genome, so anonymity is essentially impossible. Additionally, uploading genetic information into a database could lead to security violations. Patients’ genetic information could be leaked to the public or to health insurance companies, which could lead to discrimination based on the medical conditions the patient may have. For example, leaked genetic information may lead insurance companies to withdraw coverage from patients who desperately need financial assistance to cover their medical expenses.  

D.N.A. Fact Seven - Not everyone has a unique genome! Identical twins have identical genomes, which may assist future medical research studies that require participants to remain anonymous. 

The Evolving Landscape of Genomic Research and Clinical Use

The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and genomic research is no exception. The use of genetic screening can help prevent numerous diseases, whether caused by inherited genes or environmental factors. As more information is uploaded and more medical trials are conducted, we will learn more about enhancing our health at every point of life - from preconception to our elderly years.  

D.N.A. Fact Eight - Humans are 99.9% identical in their genetic makeup. Our differences (race, ethnicity, gender, etc.) only comprise 0.01% of our DNA!

What did you learn about genomics? Do you have any additional questions? Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

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