Curious about genetic testing? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that over 26 million people have undergone genetic testing worldwide, and for good reason. Your DNA holds the blueprint to your health—and genetic testing can help unlock its secrets.

While powerful, it does have its downsides. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of genetic testing and what it can tell you. That way, you can decide if it’s right for you.

What is Genetic Testing?

A doctor with a surgical cap and face mask sits at a table while looking through a microscope. This could represent the process of looking at genetic screening results. Learn how a holistic doctor in Orland Park, IL can help you understand the results of genetic health testing in the Chicago area today.

Genetic testing analyzes your DNA: the genetic material that acts as an instruction manual for your body. Your DNA is the “blueprint of life” that makes you unique. It determines traits like eye color and height—but it also influences how your body functions.

Genetic testing pinpoints changes or mutations in your genes, known as genetic variants. Each variant affects different processes in your body. Some influence detoxification, while others may play a role in metabolism, cognition, or hormones.

Knowing your unique genetic makeup can be incredibly empowering—and goes way beyond assessing disease risk. That’s because your environment and lifestyle influence how your genes are expressed. Nutrition, exercise, stress, and toxin exposure all play a role in whether genes turn ‘on’ or ‘off.’ This is known as epigenetics.

That’s where genetic testing comes in. Genetic testing helps you understand your body better. That way, you can tailor your nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, and supplements to your body’s unique needs.

What Can I Learn From Genetic Testing?

It all depends on the test. Some genetic tests assess the risk of certain diseases like cancer. Others are used to diagnose medical conditions or assess a baby’s health during pregnancy.

But in this article, we’ll focus on the 3×4 Genetics health panel we use at Anchored in Health, which covers a broader range of genes. This test assesses over 157 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

SNPs (pronounced “snips”) are genetic variants that play a role in your overall health and chronic disease risk.

The SNPs included in the 3×4 genetic panel affect:

A graphic showing a double helix DNA close up. Learn more about your genetic makeup through genetic health testing in the Chicago area. Search for a holistic doctor in Orland Park, IL and how testing can benefit detoxification in Orland Park, IL today.

Detoxification
Metabolism
Blood sugar regulation
Cognitive health
Fitness
Hormones
Heart health
Inflammation
Oxidative stress
And much more…

Want more details about what you might learn from genetic testing? Here’s a peek at some of the genetic markers covered in the 3×4 genetic screening:

APOE: Impacts cognitive health. Having this gene variant puts you at an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
MTHFR: Affects methylation, enzyme production, folate metabolism, and detoxification.
COMT: Impacts dopamine levels and can affect mood and stress resiliency.
IL-1: Plays a role in inflammation and immune health. Having this gene variant can increase the risk of chronic inflammation.
ACE: Crucial for blood pressure regulation. This gene variant increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
LEPR: Affects leptin, the hormone that regulates appetite and body weight. Having this gene variant can lead to leptin resistance and increase the risk of obesity.
SIRT1: Protects your cells from oxidative stress. This gene variant can increase inflammation and affect mitochondrial function and aging.

This is just a snippet of what’s included. But it should give you an idea of the insights a genetic panel can provide.

While genetic testing can be a game-changer for your health, it does have its pros and cons.

Pros of Genetic Testing

Preventative health

One major perk of genetic testing is that it can help you reduce your risk of chronic conditions. Thanks to epigenetics, you have more power over your health than you think. Having a gene marker for a particular illness doesn’t mean you’ll develop it!

For example, say you have the APOE variant, which is linked with dementia. Taking preventative steps now may help reduce your dementia risk down the line. Playing brain games, taking fish oil, and keeping your blood sugar balanced are all simple ways to support your cognitive health.

The more proactive you are now, the more it’ll benefit your health in the future.

Personalized treatment

Knowing your genetic blueprint helps you customize your lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and supplements to your body’s unique needs. Instead of one-size-fits-all protocols, you get a personalized health plan based on your genetics–and yours alone.

A top down view of hands holding a pile of fruits and vegetables in the shape of a heart. Learn more about genetic health testing in the Chicago area and specific foods that can support your body's nutritional needs. Search for a holistic doctor in Orland Park, IL for genetic screening in Orland Park, IL today.

Discover your body’s unique nutritional needs

Genetic testing gives you insights into what nutrition serves your body best. It can help you understand how your body responds to certain foods like gluten, caffeine, or salt. But it can also pinpoint your unique nutritional needs–whether that’s extra folate or omega-3s, more fat, or less carbs.

Only need to do it once

Unlike other health tests which must be repeated to track progress, genetic testing results never change. This means a genetic screening can deliver a lifetime of health benefits—from one test.

May offer peace of mind

Genetic testing may offer peace of mind for some people. If you have a family history of illness and discover you’re not a genetic carrier, this may help you rest easy.

Cons of Genetic Testing

May increase stress for some

If you have a genetic marker for a particular illness, your results could be upsetting. But remember: your genes are just one piece of the puzzle. Your lifestyle impacts whether genes turn on or off—and you have control over that.

Not a guarantee

Not having a genetic variant for a particular illness doesn’t mean you’ll never develop that disease. Lifestyle matters too. Stress, toxin exposure, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can increase your risk of chronic illness—no matter what your genes look like.

Cost

Genetic testing can be expensive if done by a medical professional. It can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on your health plan. At-home test kits (like 3×4 testing) are a more affordable option, but not all cover the same genes.

Confusing results

A close up of an open, blank notepad with a pen and question marks above the paper. This could represent questions that may come from the results of genetic health testing in the chicago area. Search for a holistic doctor in Chicago, IL and how genetic screening can benefit you today.

While genetic testing is powerful, the results can be confusing. And unless someone with the right know-how interprets your results, it won’t do you much good. For the best results, you’ll want to consult with a health professional who has experience with genetic testing.

How is Genetic Testing Done?

Some genetic tests collect a small blood or saliva sample. But the 3×4 Genetics test kit we use involves a simple cheek swab.

Once the sample is collected it’s sent to a laboratory. The lab technicians then analyze your DNA and identify any genetic variants. You’ll receive an in-depth report with personalized recommendations based on your results.

How Long Does Genetic Testing Take?

It depends on the test. Some take as little as 2 weeks, while others may take a few months. If you go with the 3×4 Genetics panel we use in our clinic, expect about 3-4 weeks to get your results.

Uplevel Your Health With Genetic Testing in Orland Park, IL

Ready to optimize your well-being, get to the root of health challenges, or reduce your risk of disease? Genetic testing can help.

At Anchored in Health, our functional medicine doctor uses genetic testing to help you understand your body’s unique needs. Based on that, you’ll get a personalized health plan tailored to your genetics.

Live in the Chicago area and want to take control of your health? Follow these steps:

Contact us with questions.
Book your genetic testing assessment here.
Learn how to optimize your lifestyle to your genes—so you can live a healthier, happier life!

Other Holistic Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in the Chicago Area

Anchored in Health offers a wide range of services to support your health and well-being. This includes functional medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture. We also offer thermography and the Shape ReClaimed program. If you live near Chicago, contact us to find out how we can help you feel your best!

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and Anchored In Health or any of its practitioners. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. For medical concerns, always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know