Genetic Testing Isn’t Just for Rare Diseases (or Finding Out You’re 2% Viking)

If you’ve ever thought, “Genetic testing? Oh, that’s just for ancestry kits or diagnosing rare conditions,” you’re not alone!

In past years, it seemed genetic testing has lived in this little box tucked away for scientists, rare disease experts, or the occasional family curious about their roots. But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough: genetic testing has stepped out of that narrow box and into the everyday world of proactive health.

And honestly, it’s about time!

Where We’ve Been

Remember when 23andMe first became a household name? Suddenly everyone was spitting in a tube to see if they were part Irish, part Neanderthal, or carried a rare gene variant they’d never heard of.

But in the clinical world, genetic testing mostly stayed focused on diagnosing rare syndromes or hereditary conditions like BRCA1/2 (linked to breast and ovarian cancer) or Lynch syndrome (related to colon cancer). These are important, of course, life-saving, even but they only scratch the surface of what your genes can tell you at this point. 

For years, the broader potential of genetics sat on the sidelines.

Where We Are Now

Fast forward to today: genetic testing has become a proactive tool, not just a diagnostic one.

We now have access to clinical-grade tests that look much more in your body, many more cancer genes for example have been identified, and even genes that look at how your body processes nutrients, medications, or  your risk for common chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s. This is the power of preventive or proactive genetics, and it’s reshaping how we think about healthcare.

Think about it:

• Are you at higher risk for cancer and need a personalized screening and prevention plan? 

• Are you more sensitive to saturated fats, increasing your cardiovascular risk?

• Are you at a higher lifetime risk for memory decline?

These aren’t just fun facts; they’re actionable insights that can guide your nutrition, lifestyle, screening choices, and medical decisions long before any symptoms appear.

It’s Not Either/Or Anymore

Here’s where I get especially passionate: this isn’t about throwing out everything we know from Western medicine, nor is it about replacing it with natural health trends.

It’s about integration.

You can absolutely take a proactive, genetics-informed approach and work closely with your doctor for regular screenings. You can use genetic insights to guide your diet, exercise, and stress management and rely on conventional treatments when needed.

Genetics isn’t some mysterious, abstract science anymore, it’s a tool we can all use to make smarter, more personalized health choices.

Why This Matters

Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and dementia don’t develop overnight. They build over decades, influenced by both genes and environment.

By understanding your genetic tendencies early on, you can:
✅ Adjust your diet for your body’s needs
✅ Prioritize the right kind of exercise
✅ Choose the most effective medications (if you ever need them)
✅ Get the right screenings at the right time
✅ Focus your energy on prevention, not just waiting for problems

This isn’t just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding good years, the kind where you’re healthy, active, and living on your terms.

So, What’s Next?

If you’ve been thinking, “Genetic testing doesn’t apply to me,” I gently challenge you to rethink that.

It’s no longer a niche tool reserved for rare cases or ancestry trivia. It’s a proactive, empowering piece of your health puzzle that can help you and your healthcare team make smarter decisions, today and for the long haul.

And if you’re curious where to start? That’s where I come in! Together, we can look at your genetics and create a plan that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and your future.

Because at the end of the day, you deserve to know what’s written in your body’s instruction manual and how to use it wisely. 💛