Your DNA test results allow you to get to know yourself better and take charge of your health. You\u2019ll be able to view your report and take preventative measures wherever there is a heightened risk of health issues and relax a little where your genes are stronger in other categories.<\/p>\n
For example, it might be in your DNA to have great skin, yet you also have a higher likelihood of sleep issues based on your genetics. Again, your genetics aren\u2019t the sole factor in determining these qualities, but they do factor into the likelihood, and that\u2019s why DNA tests can be helpful because knowledge is power.<\/p>\n
Becoming aware of your genetic predisposition towards certain natural gifts, talents and personality traits can help you to hone in on your natural strengths and harness them.<\/strong> Similarly, knowing you have a genetic risk of certain nutritional deficiencies is an example of a weakness highlighted by your CircleDNA report that you can counteract with preventative measures.<\/p>\n Below is a list of some qualities you might not know are genetic, and traits that your genes can (in part) be responsible for:<\/p>\n Are you a night owl, while your partner is a morning person? Our genes strongly influence the functioning of our circadian rhythm<\/a>, which controls the sleep\/wake cycle. They push around our preferred times to wake up and go to bed by changing the way we respond to light, hormones and neurotransmitters.<\/p>\n You could be genetically more likely to have a late chronotype<\/strong>, which means it could be in your DNA to be a night owl.<\/p>\n How well you bounce back from stress \u2013 whether you\u2019re a worrier or warrior \u2013 is affected by your genes as well. Serotonin, dopamine, and the stress hormone cortisol influence our ability to respond to or bounce back from, challenges, so we test genes that control their production and removal from the body.<\/p>\n Based on your DNA test results, you might find out that you\u2019re more likely to be a \u2018worrier\u2019 with low stress tolerance or a \u2018neutralist\u2019 with average stress tolerance. If you\u2019re lucky, it could be written in your DNA to be a \u2018warrior\u2019 with a high tolerance for stress.<\/p>\n When it comes to worrying, know that the personality trait of being <\/strong>neurotic<\/strong><\/a> is influenced by your genes<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re always covered in mosquito bites after a night of camping or a day of hiking in the wilderness, it could be in your DNA to be more vulnerable to mosquito bites. Approximately 85% of your vulnerability to mosquito bites is genetic<\/strong>, as is your blood type, sweat levels of ammonia, lactic acid and uric acid which can repel or attract the pesky bugs.<\/p>\n Your sensitivity to taste is mostly genetic, which can open you up to a more varied diet (if it\u2019s in your DNA to be a non-taster<\/a>). It\u2019s rare to have it in your genes to be a non-taster. However, it is quite common for you to be genetically more or less likely to have a sweet tooth. <\/strong>Do you have it in your genes to likely have a sweet tooth? Knowing this about yourself helps you take preventative measures, such as avoiding keeping too many sweets in the house and stocking your cupboards with healthy snacks<\/a>, instead.<\/p>\n It could be in your DNA to have a higher or lower appetite control.<\/strong> Genes that deal with the production and metabolism of leptin, ghrelin and insulin can affect your appetite control. While insulin lets sugar into cells and leptin reduces appetite, ghrelin increases the desire for food and affects body weight. Don\u2019t despair if your DNA results come back with poor appetite control, however. Eating more slowly and mindfully, alongside choosing foods that improve insulin sensitivity, can help. You have the power to control your appetite, regardless of genetics, if you have the willpower.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t disregard supplements or superfoods if you aren\u2019t responding to what you\u2019re currently taking. Your genes affect how well you absorb and metabolize certain nutrients,<\/strong> including omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and magnesium. You may need a higher dose, for example, or an emphasis on different nutrients entirely.<\/p>\n Whether you have asthma that flares up, or your airways just feel irritated after hanging out with smokers, now you know why. Some genes affect your lungs\u2019 response to the toxins in cigarette smoke<\/strong>, so don\u2019t hesitate to leave the room if one of your friends decides to light up.<\/p>\n A large number of genes affect how well your skin deals with oxidative stress<\/strong> from pollution and UV radiation; and how well your skin maintains collagen, cell division and water content. If your genetic skin profile is a more mature skin age, it\u2019s more important for you to avoid environmental toxins and excessive alcohol, while taking good care of your skin.<\/p>\n Your genes can determine your risk of injuries<\/strong>, and the CircleDNA report can be quite specific. My DNA report indicated that I have an especially high risk of Achilles tendon injury, for example.<\/p>\n We have several different types of collagen, and Type V collagen holds a significant influence over our risk of soft tissue injuries. If your Type V collagen production isn\u2019t as naturally high as those with lower injury risk, it\u2019s best to take a collagen supplement and develop the right warmup and cool-down stretches for you to avoid injuries throughout your life.<\/p>\n Ever wonder what sports you should be playing? Your genes can significantly affect which sports your body performs best<\/strong>, depending on the combination of power, endurance and strength involved. For example, if your genetic makeup indicates that you have medium power abilities, low endurance and high strength, that could mean you should consider weight lifting, boxing or gymnastics.<\/p>\n Creativity is all about divergent thinking. While your environment and personal choices can boost your creativity, creativity comes more naturally with a certain genetic makeup <\/strong>that affects serotonin processing. A larger corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibres that connects each brain hemisphere, is linked to heightened creativity as well.<\/p>\n Similar to creativity, music ability is affected by the corpus callosum, which is larger in musicians. Gene variations that influence inner ear development and the brain\u2019s auditory centres can improve your ability to perceive or perform music.<\/strong><\/p>\n However, individual and environmental factors can override genetic predictions. Some of the best musicians and dancers simply practised and rehearsed enough to be professionals. If it\u2019s written in your DNA to be gifted at music or dance, perhaps you\u2019d have to rehearse less than your peers.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re an introvert or extrovert is about 50% determined by your genes.<\/strong> Extraversion is associated with feeling energized by social groups, increased assertiveness, and the need for stimulation. Introverts<\/a> typically prefer to recharge alone and choose quieter interests while being very into self-reflection.<\/p>\nSleeping Patterns<\/h3>\n
![\"circlemagazine-circledna-your-dna\"](\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/3807738\/pexels-photo-3807738.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500\")
<\/figure>\nStress Tolerance<\/h3>\n
Mosquito Bites<\/h3>\n
Taste Preferences (Such as a Sweet Tooth)<\/h3>\n
Appetite Control<\/h3>\n
Response to Supplementation and Nutrient Absorption<\/h3>\n
Second-Hand Smoke Sensitivity<\/h3>\n
Skin Age and Skin Appearance<\/h3>\n
Injury Risk<\/h3>\n
![\"circlemagazine-circledna-your-dna\"](\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/4024914\/pexels-photo-4024914.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500\")
<\/figure>\nLikelihood of Excelling in Sports<\/h3>\n
Creativity<\/h3>\n
Musical Ability<\/h3>\n
Introversion and Extraversion<\/h3>\n
Altruism<\/h3>\n
![\"circlemagazine-circledna-your-dna\"](\"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/1486036\/pexels-photo-1486036.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500\")
<\/figure>\n