Your DNA contains the blueprint for how your body functions — influencing everything from how you metabolise nutrients and detoxify toxins, to how you respond to stress, store fat, regulate hormones, and recover from physical activity. Through modern DNA analysis, we can now decode parts of that blueprint and use the information to support personalised, preventative health strategies.

But what exactly does DNA analysis look at? And how can it help you take control of your wellbeing?

In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of how DNA works, the difference between nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, how gene expression is influenced by your choices, and how DNA testing can empower you to take more informed, proactive steps toward long-term health.

Genes are specific segments of DNA that act as instructions for making proteins. These proteins play a key role in virtually every biological process in the body — from cell repair and hormone production to immune function and metabolism.

Although we all share the same basic set of genes, small differences in the DNA sequence — called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) — make each of us genetically unique. These SNPs can affect how well a gene functions, which in turn influences how your body responds to nutrients, stress, exercise, medications, and environmental exposures.

Understanding your individual SNPs doesn’t tell you whether you will develop a certain condition, but it can indicate where your vulnerabilities or tendencies lie — and give you the information needed to support those areas proactively.

While your DNA sequence stays the same throughout your life, the way your genes are expressed can change depending on your environment, habits, and lifestyle. This process is known as gene expression — and it determines how and when your genes are activated. Gene expression is influenced by many factors, including:

• Nutrition Physical activity

• Stress and sleep

• Environmental toxins

• Hormone levels

• Gut health

In other words, your genes are not your destiny. You can influence how they behave.

This is where the field of epigenetics comes in — studying how external factors can "switch on" or "silence" genes. For example, someone may have a gene variant that increases their risk for inflammation, but through diet and lifestyle choices, they can suppress that gene’s harmful expression and reduce their overall risk.

These two areas of science are often discussed together, but they focus on different — though closely related — aspects of how genes and nutrition interact.

Nutrigenetics examines how your unique genetic makeup influences your response to nutrients. For example, some people may need more omega-3s or vitamin D than others based on how efficiently they process them. Others may be more sensitive to caffeine or carbohydrates. Nutrigenetics helps tailor your nutrition plan to your inherited biology.

Nutrigenomics looks at how your nutrition, lifestyle, and environment affect gene expression. While your genetic code doesn’t change, the foods you eat, how much you exercise, how well you sleep, and what toxins you’re exposed to can influence whether certain genes are active or inactive. This plays a powerful role in determining your health outcomes over time. Put simply:

• Nutrigenetics helps you understand what your body needs.

• Nutrigenomics helps you understand how your choices affect your genes.

Together, they form the foundation of personalised and preventative healthcare.

These DNA tests use a small blood sample collected using a sterile lancet — a simple finger-prick process that is quick, minimally invasive, and can be done in a wellness clinic or at home.

The sample is sent to a certified laboratory where your DNA is extracted and analysed. The lab looks at specific SNPs known to influence various biological systems. Once your genetic data is processed, we receive a comprehensive report detailing your results and what they mean for your health.

We then interpret these findings and guide you through practical, actionable steps.

These may include:

• Personalised dietary recommendations

• Supplement strategies tailored to your needs

• Exercise and recovery plans

• Hormonal and detox support

• Mental wellness approaches

• Risk reduction plans based on genetic vulnerabilities

The goal is not to diagnose or treat, but to empower you with information so you can make better decisions and take proactive steps toward optimal health.

At Synk Wellness, we offer several focused DNA panels that provide insight into different aspects of health and performance:

DNA Health

Explores core biological systems including detoxification, methylation, inflammation, oxidative stress, bone health, and insulin sensitivity. Ideal for those seeking a broad overview of their genetic health foundation.

DNA Diet

Analyses your body’s ability to process and respond to macronutrients and micronutrients. Includes markers related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism, nutrient absorption, eating behaviour, and weight management tendencies.

DNA Sport

Assesses athletic potential, injury risk, muscle composition, recovery ability, and training response. Helpful for both athletes and active individuals seeking to optimise performance.

DNA Mind

Looks at the genetic factors influencing mood regulation, stress response, neurotransmitter function, and cognitive performance. Useful for mental wellbeing support and emotional resilience.

DNA Hormone

Focuses on hormonal balance, oestrogen and testosterone metabolism, and hormone detoxification. Beneficial for addressing PMS, menopause, PCOS, and hormone-sensitive health issues.

DNA Core

A comprehensive package combining insights from DNA Health, Diet, and Sport. A great starting point for those new to genetic testing.

DNA Ancestry

Provides insights into your ancestral origins, ethnic composition, and migratory patterns — offering a broader understanding of your genetic heritage and its influence on your health.

To learn more about each test, download the overview here - SYNK DNAlysis Overview

Traditional healthcare often reacts to symptoms once they appear. DNA testing shifts that model by identifying potential imbalances or risks before they manifest.

For example:

• If you have reduced detox capacity, you can support your liver more intentionally.

• If you’re predisposed to poor methylation, targeted B-vitamin support can help.

• If you’re more prone to inflammation, an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can be protective.

• If your genes indicate reduced bone density risk, early dietary changes and weight-bearing exercise may make a major long-term difference.

By identifying where your system needs more support, you can reduce the guesswork, personalise your wellness plan, and take preventative action that aligns with your body’s unique biology.

Your DNA is not a diagnosis — it’s a roadmap. By understanding your genes and how they respond to your environment, you gain a deeper insight into your body’s needs, risks, and strengths. This knowledge empowers you to take a proactive role in your health journey, improve outcomes, and make lifestyle changes that truly work for you.

Whether you're interested in nutrition, fitness, mental health, hormonal balance, or simply taking control of your future health, DNA analysis is a valuable and powerful tool.

To learn more about which DNA test may be right for you or to schedule your sample collection, get in touch with us today. Personalised wellness begins with understanding yourself.