Is my variant good or bad?

After going through your results, you might be sitting there, scratching your head, and thinking, "What in the world do all these genetics mean? And hey, are they good or bad?" Well, you're in the right place to unravel these genetic mysteries!

How do Genetics Influence my Health?

It's useful to think of genetics as an instruction manual for your body, and it's made up of many parts called genes. Imagine each gene as a sentence in a book, and each word in that sentence is a part of the gene. These words (or parts) are called variants.

Are my Genes Good or Bad?

Now, here's the key thing to remember: no single word (or variant) is good or bad by itself. It's all about how these words (variants) come together to create sentences (genes), and, even more importantly, how those sentences (genes) fit into the story of your health!

Some sentences (genes) might be linked to a higher risk of one health condition, like a chapter in a book that's a bit more suspenseful. But the same sentence (gene) could be linked to a lower risk of another condition, like a happier chapter in the same book.

So, when we talk about these variants, we're looking at each one in relation to a specific part of your health, such as your weight or blood pressure. And most importantly, remember that these variants are just associated with health conditions. They're like clues in a detective story – they don't necessarily cause or contribute to any health problem.

That's why we refrain from slapping a simplistic "good" or "bad" label on your genetic variants in terms of your overall health. Your genetic makeup is more like a unique story, and we're here to help you understand how it fits into the grand narrative of your well-being.

Understanding Your Risk Score

At SelfDecode, use a very advanced process called polygenic risk scoring (PRS), which takes into account a broad spectrum of genetic variants rather than fixating on just a handful. It's a more comprehensive approach that considers the bigger picture of your genetic health.

In your DNA Health Reports, you'll find which genes you possess that have associations with specific conditions and symptoms, all based on scientific research. We then offer tailored recommendations to mitigate those risks.

Key Takeaways

It's essential to grasp that genes alone don't hold all the cards. They're not the sole predictors of your destiny. Many people carry high-risk genes for certain conditions but never develop them. That's because there are other important factors to consider, such as lifestyle, environment, and overall health.

This is what sets SelfDecode apart from other companies. By identifying your genetic predispositions and understanding the "why" behind them, you gain the power to shape your destiny. You can modify your diet, lifestyle, and supplement strategies to influence how those genetic factors express themselves. It's like taking the reins of your genetic story.