What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics is an exciting and rapidly evolving field of science that explores how lifestyle and environmental factors influence gene expression. Unlike genetic changes, which are permanent and inherited, epigenetic changes are reversible and can be influenced by various external factors such as diet, exercise, stress and toxins . These changes can switch genes on or off and thus influence the gene expression of the cells without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
What are epigenetic tests?
Epigenetic testing analyses these changes to gain insights into a person’s biological age, stress levels and overall health. Genknowme, a leading Swiss company in this field, offers state-of-the-art epigenetic tests that measure the impact of lifestyle on DNA. In collaboration with Genknowme and our Well-Being partners, we offer highly personalized preventive and corrective solutions. Our service includes a biological age assessment and an epigenetic stress profile for various physiological systems such as cardiovascular, metabolic, immune and neuroendocrine systems, as well as profiles related to smoking and air pollution, alcohol, diet and exercise. These profiles are designed to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being and track the results of interventions over time.
Biological age vs. chronological age
While your chronological age simply counts the years since your birth, your biological age provides a more detailed picture. This scientifically validated measure reflects the actual age of your body based on epigenetic markers and essentially predicts your life expectancy and overall health. With a healthy lifestyle, your biological age can be lower than your chronological age, making you functionally younger. A balanced diet, regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and managing stress are the basic tools to slow down the biological clock. Genknowme’s Biological Aging Assessment measures the short and long-term effects of lifestyle choices on your DNA and allows you to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. This test can help you make informed decisions to reduce your biological age and improve your life expectancy. Through longevity interventions in collaboration with our Well-Being Partners, further improvements and a significant reversal of the biological clock are now possible. We not only measure your biological age, but also how stress and certain lifestyle habits affect your DNA and influence the delicate balance between health, disease and the ageing process.
The epigenetic lifestyle profile
The Epigenetic Lifestyle Profile assesses how certain lifestyle choices such as physical activity, diet, tobacco and alcohol affect your DNA and biological age using various epigenetic markers. These findings allow us, in collaboration with our Well-Being partners, to address and potentially reverse negative effects through targeted interventions. The Epigenetic Stress Profile assesses the effects of stress overload in various areas such as cardiovascular health, metabolism, immune function, mood and stress response. Prolonged stress can accelerate the aging process and impair health, often leading to chronic disease and diminished well-being. By identifying these molecular effects, we can enable tailored interventions to mitigate these effects.
How epigenetic testing works
The process of epigenetic testing is simple and involves several important steps.
Consultation
The journey begins with an online questionnaire focusing on lifestyle aspects, followed by an appointment with us.
Blood collection
A venous blood sample is taken and sent to the Genknowme laboratory.
analysis
The anonymised sample is processed and the DNA is analysed using advanced technology to identify specific epigenetic markers.
Result
The results are transmitted to us and shared with you.
Personalised program
A personalised health program is developed on the basis of the results.
Test repeat
The test can be repeated to observe changes and improvements over time.
Holistic approach
Although they are not (yet) directly measured with specific epigenetic markers, other factors such as pre-existing conditions, medical history, genetic predispositions, sleep patterns, mental health and the quality of interpersonal relationships are crucial for a comprehensive assessment. They can either diminish or enhance your overall youth capital. Our evidence-based approach helps you invest wisely in your youth capital and combat or reverse the effects of accelerated epigenetic aging. While we can’t change your genetic code or stop aging altogether, we can influence gene expression through informed and improved choices. By monitoring your epigenetic changes, we can observe how these choices affect you over time. Our ultimate goal is to improve your health, longevity and overall well-being.
Advantages of epigenetic testing
Epigenetic testing offers several benefits that can significantly improve your health management.
Personalised insights
By understanding how your lifestyle habits affect your DNA, you can make more informed decisions about diet, exercise and stress management.
Preventive healthcare
Early detection of adverse epigenetic changes enables timely interventions that can prevent the development of chronic diseases.
Longevity
Healthier lifestyle habits based on epigenetic findings can reduce your biological age and increase your life expectancy.
Stress management
If you recognise how stress affects your body, you can take specific measures to mitigate its effects and improve your general well-being.
If you would like to find out more about our Well-Being Partnerships, which include coaching, mental and physical wellbeing, exercise, relaxation, nutrition and much more, you can book an appointment here!