The Power of Genetic Testing: A Roadmap to Optimal Health

Written by Lisa Tamati

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Posted on November 24 2025

In the ever-evolving world of health optimization, genetic testing has emerged as a cornerstone for crafting personalized wellness strategies. Dr. Sam Shay, a renowned functional medicine practitioner, shares his insights on the transformative power of genetic testing and its role alongside functional medicine testing. By understanding your unique genetic makeup, you can unlock a tailored approach to health that works in harmony with your body's natural blueprint.

Understanding Genetic Testing: Your Permanent Health Guide

Genetic testing provides an unparalleled glimpse into your biological makeup. Unlike functional tests, which offer a snapshot of your current biochemistry, genetic tests provide a lifelong roadmap. These tests reveal your inherent strengths and vulnerabilities, allowing you to tailor your lifestyle for optimal health.

With genetic testing, you acquire a "user manual" of how to operate your personal physiology best. This permanent resource allows you to adapt your lifestyle, diet, and exercise based on your genetic predispositions, staying one step ahead of potential health risks.

The Synergy of Genetic and Functional Testing

While genetic testing reveals your ideal lifestyle and dietary needs, functional testing provides the current state of your biochemistry. Functional tests detect immediate issues like nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or gut microbiome status, helping address specific health concerns as they arise. Together, these tests offer a comprehensive framework for optimal health, revealing both the "what" and the "where" in your wellness journey.

Methylation Mysteries: A Deeper Dive

Methylation plays a crucial role in bodily processes, but recent oversimplifications have overshadowed the complexity of its genetic components. While many focus solely on the MTHFR gene, it's imperative to consider other methylation-related genes such as MTR, MTRR, SHMT1, FUT2, and MTHFD1.

Understanding methylation in its entirety, including how it interacts with inflammation and detoxification pathways, is essential for crafting an effective strategy to optimize health.

From Blueprint to Action: Empowering Your Health Journey

Dr. Shea emphasizes the practical application of genetic data in everyday life, demonstrating how knowledge of your genetic predispositions can steer dietary and lifestyle choices. Whether you're genetically predisposed to prefer keto, Mediterranean, or a carbohydrate-rich diet, aligning your choices with your genetic makeup can resolve persistent health challenges.

Dr. Shay's insights highlight how combining genetic testing with functional assessments can dismantle metabolic barriers and steer you towards health practices that genuinely resonate with your body's needs.

The Future of Health: Genetic Testing as a Lasting Legacy

Investing in genetic testing provides a solid foundation for health that lasts a lifetime. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate life's various health challenges with a personalized strategy grounded in your unique genetic makeup. As we continue to decode the language of our DNA, the path to longevity, vitality, and optimized health becomes clearer and more accessible.

Conclusion: Start Your Genetic Discovery Today

Genetic testing offers a profound opportunity to customize your health journey. By understanding the intricacies of your genetic code, you can make informed decisions that support your wellness goals. Start your genetic exploration today and lay the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Embrace the power of informed health choices and give yourself the gift of a personalized wellness blueprint. Explore genetic testing options and consult with Lisa today. You can reach out at support@lisatamati.com, Lisa has been a genetics practitioner for a decade and watch the full interview with Dr Sam Shay on LIsa's youtube channel here