MTHFR Genetic Testing Australia

MTHFR gene testing and the testing our complete human genome has become a simple and easy option for those wishing to understand their genetic variations that can cause certain biochemical pathways in the body to be either upregulated or downregulated.

Genetics play a big part in how we function internally however we now know the main thing that influences our genes is the environment.  Meaning your diet, amount of sleep you get each night, lifestyle factors, access to available nutrients, positive and negative thoughts, exposure to toxins and other environmental influences.

We all have genetic variations that influence the function of our biochemical pathways.  This can be both beneficial in some cases and potentially detrimental in others.

There has been a great deal of research on a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (snps), these are enzymes that process a variety of biochemical reactions in the body.  These enzymes, or snps, can block important pathways of the body that produce energy, regulate methylation, control detoxification and processes hormones and neurotransmitters.

The importance of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing allows us to understand our genetic susceptibility, allowing us to support the pathways in our body that are naturally prone to dysfunction when we become run down, stressed or our immune system is under attack.

Patients with chronic disease, a history of health problems, mental health conditions or other long standing health concerns will always get great insight into their underlying causes of their health problems through genetic testing.

Genetic Testing options

There are a number of genetic testing options available.  The easiest way is to get your full genome tested, 2 companies that offer this service are www.23andme.com and www.ancestry.com.  In my opinion, currently ancestry.com is offering better deals and easier access in Australia.

Getting you full genome tested is as easy as ordering a basic test kit online, usually for around $129.

You will be sent a kit that requires a saliva sample, once returned your data will be available in your registered online account usually within 4 weeks.

Once your genome raw data is received, the raw data needs to be analysed with specific software to extract relevant data on certain snps that have been medically researched.  There are a number of different medical software applications you can use, these include nutrahacker, Xcode, genetic genie and Strategene.

Personally I like Dr Ben Lynchs Strategene the best, it has the most relevant snps, is easily reported with only information that is solidly backed by medical research.  It can be purchased for around $95USD.

Strategene Report

At our Perth clinic of Advanced Functional Medicine we specialise in methylation and optimising the expression of your genes.  We regularly provide detailed analysis in consultation to our patients regarding their Strategene report and also other genetic reporting.

The Strategene reports provides information on the most medically researched and relevant snps.  These include the following snp’s and relevant variants;