GENETIC TESTING IS HERE! ~The Answer May Be In Your Genes

Hello BLOGGERS!
I'm excited to share that I will be rolling out genetic testing March 1, 2019.   For almost 2 decades, I've offered testing of all kinds (hormones/adrenals/thyroid/heavy metal toxicity/metabolites/neurotransmitters/iodine/fertility), but there was a gap in my client offerings when it came to getting down to the literal "DNA" of health and wellness matters.  That was until I discovered a world-renowned research team, testing data providing robust scientific evidence, and a way for people to conveniently and affordably obtain a genetic testing profile (45 genetic markers) from the convenience of their own home.   I took the leap personally and sent off my own sample for genetic analysis so that I could understand the process, costs, and personal discovery involved in offering this to others.
I've posted screen shots (below) of a few pieces of my final report for you to see.

My final report is 40 pages long, displayed in an easy to read color brochure that goes with me now.... for life.  My DNA is not going to change and that's what I love about this testing.  It's a roadmap for my entire life on nutrient metabolism, eating habits, injury risk, physical activity, food intolerances, and more.  The human genome is simply fascinating and definitely helpful as a guide.

You might be reading this blog and find yourself doing all of the right things, or best things, yet hitting some barriers.  What if I told you that the reasons for those barriers may be in your genes.  Your DNA sometimes requires you to do things differently compared to others and in doing so, you have a more identifiable method and plan for your personalized healthcare.  We now know that specific variations in our genes can explain how we will respond to foods, beverages, and supplements that we consume.  But not only that! Here is a list of the contents that are included in the genetic testing.  I provided a summary using a screenshot from my own personal booklet.

Genetic and Personalized Nutrition testing provides answers to some of the big questions that people are concerned about.  Should I limit salt intake?  Should I limit caffeine?  Do I have a gluten intolerance? Do I have a sugar preference? Am I prone to Vitamin D or Calcium deficiency? Am I motivated to exercise? Do I have a high pain tolerance?  Genetic variation determines not only the color of our eyes and hair, but how we metabolize and utilize the foods, nutrients, and supplements we ingest. The one-size-fits-all approach is definitely not the personalized approach when we consider the technology that is now available to us.  Genetic testing is certainly the way of the future, but thankfully it already exists now for those that want to discover more about themselves in their quest to live, look, and feel better.  Why wait?

 Mention this blog and get a 15% discount on the genetic consultation/testing kit fee through March 31, 2019.


To your good health,
Dr. Sonja

Is Stress Affecting Your Health?

Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of those living in today's high paced, fast food, deadline driven world and interruptions in a persons schedule can make seizing the day near impossible.  I'm not sure what the statistic would be of those coming my way for help, but I'm guessing that >90% of those that I interview will express fatigue as a noticeable concern.  What about you?  How are you feeling in the area of stress and fatigue?  Not sure?  In this blog, and because stress and fatigue seem to be so prevalent, I want to simply cover a little background to help you determine if something can be done to help you get "back on your game".

If you have symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, inability to lose weight, anxiety, or depression, then you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.  This clinical condition dates back as far as the medical texts of the 1800's, and the prescription for treatment then was simply to "relax".  That's about as helpful as telling someone who is depressed to "cheer up" while you softly pat them on the shoulder.  It just doesn't quite work like that.  Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment regimens, most clinicians are not informed or prepared to treat adrenal fatigue as a significant concern to health.  I personally wonder how often there are car accidents, falls, illnesses, and diseases that can be connected to long term fatigue, insomnia, poor focus and mental exhaustion, anxiety, etc.  After all, stress is really the underlying reason as to why people go to the doctor in the first place. 


Does this list describe you?

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:
Tendency to gain weight and inability to lose it
High frequency of illness and difficulty getting well
Tendency to tremble under pressure
Reduced sex drive
Lightheaded upon rising
Lack of concentration and mental sharpness
Need for coffee or stimulants
Depression
Dry and thin skin
Low body temperature
Nervousness
Unexplained hair loss
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
Upset stomach
Emotional behaviors and expressions
Rapid Aging


The reality is that stress is no longer a mystery to treat and our body has a built is mechanism to give clinicians diagnostic identifiers.  The mission control center of our body are the adrenal glands and when they get short circuited due to stress, the whole body can go somewhat haywire and physical manifestations can present (see list above).  The good news is that hormones produced by the adrenals can easily be tested, and if out of range, can be treated through natural and restorative therapies.   It's rare that I recommend only an adrenal hormone panel because the sex hormones and thyroid hormones are also intricately connected to everything in the endocrine system as well.  Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone along with T3 and T4 can have a significant impact on well being, energy, weight, emotions, mood, etc. 

If this hits home with you, then certainly give my team a call or send an email to get the process started for testing. drsonjaobryan@gmail.com



Dr. Sonja O'Bryan, Pharm. D. ABAAHP
Board Certified Health Practitioner Diplomate
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine