DNALabs News

Going Gluten Free Has Never Been So Easy!

We hope everyone is continuing to stay healthy, happy, and safe during these times.
National Gluten Free Day was recognized this past month on January 13th.
 
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, spelt, rye, and any products made from these grains. While many gluten-containing foods are considered good sources of whole grains, some people are unable to digest gluten. In its milder form, gluten intolerance can lead individuals to experience gastrointestinal issues and headaches when they consume gluten. It is estimated that approximately 5-10% of people worldwide suffer from some form of gluten intolerance and 1% of the population is diagnosed with celiac disease. Celiac is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten causes damage to the villi in the small intestines. The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia, and can lead to more serious complications. A group of genes called the HLA complex are largely responsible for the genetic basis of gluten intolerance. 
 
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Moni Lustig, 
President & Chief Executive Officer

Mental wellbeing is a key component of, and inseparable from, our overall health. Our mental wellbeing is not only affected by our life experiences, family history, and socioeconomic condition, but it is also influenced by our diet, biological factors and brain chemistry. And of course, genetics plays a big part as well. Many genes play important roles in influencing various aspects of mental wellness. This month, I provide an overview of two genes that impact our stress and memory. You may have heard about the “Worrier/Warrior” gene, COMT. Some people carry a version of the COMT gene which means they’re more likely to be a worrier who thinks things through, but can also stress out dwelling on things. Other people carry the version of this gene that makes them more likely to be a risk-taking warrior, that resists stress, but can also have issues with memory or cognitive performance. I also review the DRD2 gene, which acts in the dopamine pathway to help regulate memory. Both of these genes (and many others) are tested as part of our LoveMyHealth™ DNA panel, so check out your report to see what your DNA says about you, and what actions you can take to work with your genes to achieve a healthy balance.

Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Regulated by the nervous system, it helps us respond to any form of external or internal stressor, including acute stress, trauma, or more chronic adversity. Some stress can be healthy, even beneficial, in moderate amounts. However, when stress resilience is poor, it can interfere with both physical and mental wellbeing, including our cognitive performance. Genetics plays a role in altering our ability to respond to stressful situations. For example, The COMT gene, often referred to as the “warrior/worrier” gene, encodes the COMT enzyme, which metabolizes and detoxifies neurotransmitters and other catecholamines (like estrogen). Those with lower COMT enzyme activity tend to have higher dopamine levels, and the ‘worrier’ phenotype. 

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Aaron Goldman, PhD 
Chief Science Officer

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin critical for immunity, eye health and vision, and healthy skin. Vitamin A binds the retinoid X nuclear receptors (RXR), responsible for the expression of hundreds of genes that influence hormone metabolism, cellular differentiation, and reproduction.
 
For immunity, vitamin A is especially critical. Retinol and retinol derivatives regulate a broad range of immune processes, such as the adaptive immune response, cytotoxicity and T-cell proliferation through influences on cytokine release and expression of receptors. Vitamin A metabolites also modulate T_H1–T_H2-cell balance and the differentiation of T_Reg cells and T_H17 cells. Vitamin A deficiency correlates with decreased T_H2-cell responses and is associated with impaired intestinal immune responses and increased mortality associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

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Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND
Scientific Advisory Board Member

Happy February!

Take the opportunity this month to not only love yourself…but to love your health! This past month, we began the New Year with National Gluten Free Day, Blue Monday, along with Bell Let’s Talk Day. Within this upcoming month, there is Superbowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Family Day (to our fellow Canadian friends), National Eating Disorders Week and more.

Blue Monday has come and gone for the year, but the lessons from Bell Let’s Talk Day are here to stay. Let’s not forget how crucial it is now more than ever to take care of our mental health. Now more than ever, every action counts when it comes towards mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on many individuals’ mental health. Taking care of yourself and others is one of the many important ways to help you cope as your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

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  Elana Lustig, 
  Director of Marketing

 

Our passion for consistent innovation has continued unrelenting even during these past two years of the pandemic.  We have struck some amazing and trusted relationships with leading health institutions and hospitals that have validated our philosophy, that we want our company to be known as a standard of quality and excellence for customer service.  Quality for us means that we will develop and sell tests that are cutting edge, authentic and practical, and offered at fair prices.   Customer service means delivering tests and reports in a timely manner that suits the needs of the customer.   We take customer service very seriously.   Taking care of customers may seem so obvious, yet day after day, it is defining our success because the reason we exist is to help everyone know more about themselves.

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