Another Unpopular Opinion: Genetic Testing Isn’t Your Best Investment

anti-aging balance body analysis data food life balance functional medicine functional medicine lab testing genetic testing hair tissue mineral analysis healthy living lab work longevity organic acids test May 19, 2025

Okay, hear me out before you come for me.

Yes, genetic testing can be interesting… even helpful in some cases. And yes, I’ve had mine done. But if we’re talking about bang for your buck when it comes to understanding your body and improving your health? It’s not where I’d recommend you start.

Even as a practitioner, when I got my genetic results back, I found myself going, “Okay... cool... now what?”
The results showed me what I was potentially predisposed to, but not what was actually happening inside my body—or how to truly support it.

Here’s the deal: genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.

You might be genetically predisposed to sluggish detox pathways, hormone imbalance, or inflammation. But that doesn’t mean those things are happening right now—or that they’re guaranteed to happen at all. It’s the daily choices you make (food, stress, sleep, supplements, environment) that determine whether those switches get flipped.

And that’s where functional medicine testing changes everything.

I Assume You Have the MTHFR Gene Mutation… and I Act Accordingly

Let’s talk about MTHFR for a second (no, it’s not just a funny acronym). Roughly a third of the population has this mutation and most people don’t even know it. So what do I do?

I assume it’s there—and make sure my clients are using methylated, highly absorbable forms of nutrients like B12 and folate. That way, we’re supporting the body proactively without needing to confirm a mutation. It’s smarter, safer, and way more efficient.

So What Is Worth Your Investment? Real-Time Functional Lab Testing

Instead of spending hundreds to confirm something you can’t change, why not test what’s actually going on in your body right now—and do something about it?

Here are a few at-home functional labs I recommend to clients that offer real insight and actionable steps:

1. Organic Acids Test (OAT)

This powerhouse test looks at your gut health, detoxification pathways, neurotransmitter levels, B vitamins, and more. If your energy is off, mood is funky, or digestion is a mess—this is your go-to.

2. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

Think of this as your body’s mineral blueprint. It reveals mineral deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and metabolic imbalances. Plus, it’s non-invasive and incredibly insightful when it comes to stress and thyroid function.

3. Thyroid-Adrenal-Hormone Test (TAH)

This test gives you a full picture of your hormones and cortisol rhythms throughout the day. It’s ideal for anyone dealing with fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or burnout. It uses saliva, not blood—making it much more accurate for cortisol tracking.

These Tests Do What Genetics Can’t: They Show You What To Do

With functional lab testing, we can find the actual root causes behind your symptoms—like toxicities, deficiencies, imbalances, or gut dysfunction—and create a plan to remove the stressors and restore balance. This is where real healing begins.

Final Thoughts: Stop Guessing, Start Testing

Genetic testing might give you clues. But functional testing gives you answers—and a clear roadmap to better health.

If you want to ditch the guesswork and finally get to the root of your fatigue, anxiety, hormonal chaos, or digestive drama, I’m here for it.

Lets talk to learn more about my at-home functional medicine testing and personalized healing plans. Your body knows how to heal—we just need to give it the right environment to do it.