The future of healthcare needs to shift towards a model that considers the uniqueness and complexity of the human body. There is now a considerable amount of science showing just how integrated and complex we really are.
Each of us has a unique set of genes that have been inherited from our parents. These are ‘programmed’ by our life experiences, environment, nutrition and lifestyle.
We are a 'whole body system’, not made of parts stuck together. This system has a strong need to balance itself and survive and our biology is designed to heal itself. This ’system’ is not just human either. There is an extremely large number of microbes, especially bacteria, with whom we live with. They out number our cells by quite a margin, and they also have genes of their own. What we do also sends signals to the bacteria within us and this alters their activity and what substances they produce. The main place that bacteria live is in the gut although there are substantial populations elsewhere such as the nose, sinuses, vagina and skin.
Health is all about trying to achieve a harmony in the body. There are many ways to encourage healing; nutrition and lifestyle choices are often vital components of achieving optimal health and wellness.
At Healthspace, we attempt to provide healthcare that addresses the individuality and complexity of each person. Our philosophy is based on the P4 system: Personalised, Predictive, Preventative and Participatory.
Private Pathology Laboratory Options.
At Healthspace, we offer a range of private laboratory testing options. The main tests and assessments we consider to be most helpful in developing individualised nutritional, lifestyle and medication programmes are the following:
myDNA pharmacogenomic profiling
This test looks at gene variances that affect the functioning of a range of enzymes that metabolise medications such as antidepressants, statins, analgaesics (eg codeine), proton pump inhibitors etc. Knowing the results of these gene variances helps us to choose the right medication and the right dose to try and minimise side effects and improve how well they work. www.mydna.life
Theranostics
'Predict your Coronary Artery Disease Risk' test. This was developed in Auckland by Cardiologist Dr Patrick Gladding. www.theranostics.co.nz
FITgenes Health and Wellbeing Genomic Profile
This looks at a range of gene variances affecting important enzymes in the areas of inflammation, cell defence (oxidative stress, detoxification), methylation, oestrogen metabolism, vitamin D, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and fats/weight/exercise. A detailed Vitamin D panel can be added on. www.fitgenes.com
FITgenes CARBCHOICE (AMY1)
This looks at the copy number for the amylase gene which greatly affects our ability to deal with carbohydrates. Low copy numbers are associated with increased risk of obesity and diabetes. www.fitgenes.com
Microbiome Assessments
These are stool tests using a small stool sample that looks at the diversity and balance of different sorts of bacteria that may affect health. These tests also include measuring a number of substances that are made by bacteria. At Healthspace, we commonly use Metabiome (www.metabiome.com.au), GI 360 (www.doctorsdata.com) and GI Stool Effects 2200 (www.gdx.net).
Options for Personalised Nutrition and Lifestyle
These include body composition, 'body type' (phenotype) assessments, selected blood results and Ph360 workups (www.ph360.me). Ph360 is a personalised health platform that is based on epigenetics. An annual subscription provides an amazing array of information on nutrition, eating patterns, exercise, circadian rhythms and other lifestyle factors.
It also gives access to shaefit, an advanced personalised health-fitness app.
Please contact our clinic [email protected] for more information, or details of the many other tests we can offer.