Precision Medicine: Test Not Guess, Part 2

In In Part 1, we explored the concept of the 'bucket with holes', a state where the body is constantly compensating but never quite restored (read it HERE). We began to look at the key systems that can become imbalanced and drive various dis-eases.

In this part 2, we continue that journey, exploring further systems and the functional tests that help us assess what is going on beneath the surface.

Epigenetics: DNA testing (SNPs)

DNA testing is often misunderstood. It is not about predicting your future or labelling your health, nor is it about “fixing genes” with supplements.

Rather, it is about understanding how your body is wired and how this influences the way you respond to the world around you.

These variations, known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are small genetic differences that can influence how efficiently key biological pathways function.

However, not all DNA testing is equal. The key questions are:

• Are the SNPs being tested clinically relevant?

• Is there a hierarchy being applied?

• Is the data properly analysed and interpreted?

There is no value in testing if the results cannot be translated into daily life. Too often, we see DNA reports followed by a long list of supplements, without a true understanding of what the data is actually showing. Our focus is different. We prioritise depth, context, and understanding — so that the information can be used in a way that is both practical and meaningful.

Using clinically relevant DNA panels, we are able to assess where specific pathways may require additional support, including:

• reduced efficiency in methylation pathways

• increased demand on detoxification pathways

• heightened inflammatory responses

• differences in metabolic regulation and insulin sensitivity

• susceptibility to toxins (including dietary carcinogens)

• variations in how nutrients such as vitamins A and D are processed

• individual responses to diet and lifestyle

This allows us to move from a generic approach to one that is tailored to your individual biology.

In addition, DNA testing can provide insight into susceptibility to environmental exposures, including toxins and dietary compounds. It can also be extended further to gene–drug interaction testing. This allows us to assess how your body may respond to certain medications, including potential side effects, increased toxicity risk, and reduced effectiveness. This becomes particularly relevant when making informed decisions around medications. And the gene-drug interaction panel is used on the NHS in certain psychiatric clinics.

Such testing may be indicated or considered when there is:

• a family history of cancer, dementia, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes

• unpredictable responses to diet, supplements, or medications

• chronic health issues that are not resolving despite appropriate interventions

• a desire to take a more personalised, preventative approach to health

• questions around how your body may respond to environmental or medical exposures

• making informed choices around whether to delay vaccinations, have them or not.

In today’s world, DNA testing is not a luxury; it is becoming essential.

---

Hormonal system (endocrine function)

Hormones are not just about how much hormone is produced, but also about how it is metabolised, detoxified, and cleared from the body. Hormones are constantly being broken down and processed. If this is not happening efficiently, they can accumulate or be converted into less favourable metabolites and symptoms of oestrogen dominance can manifest, such as PMS (irritability, mood swings, weepiness), breast tenderness or swelling, fibroids, endometriosis, weight gain around hips/thighs, to name a few.

In today’s world, many factors can disrupt hormone balance:

• chronic stress

• environmental toxins acting as endocrine disruptors

• poor detoxification capacity

• nutrient deficiencies affecting methylation

• gut imbalances impacting hormone clearance

• HPA axis dysregulation

We use tests that look at urine metabolites, which give insight into how your hormones are being metabolised, including:

• oestrogen detox pathways

• methylation efficiency

• markers linked to cancer risk

• oxidative stress

• circadian rhythm

• neurotransmitter activity

Remember, hormones are not just about levels, they are produced, transported, metabolised, and cleared. Blood tests can give a snapshot, but they rarely provide the full picture, particularly if you have been 'going around the houses' with hormonal symptoms and repeatedly offered the pill, the coil, or other suppressive approaches.

This comprehensive hormone testing may be recommended when there is:

• PMS, fibroids, PCOS

• Acne, infertility

• Perimenopause and menopause

• Breast cancer risk

• Decision-making around HRT or the contraceptive pill

  (DNA oestrogen test can be paired with this for deeper insight)

  
  

  

  
  

---

Cell membrane health and fatty acid profiling

Every cell in the body is surrounded by a membrane. This membrane is not just a barrier… it is a living-talking membrane. It determines what enters and leaves the cell, how signals are received, and how the cell responds to its environment. The quality of this membrane is directly influenced by the types of fats we consume and absorb.

From these cell membranes come the signalling molecules (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, maresins, lipoxins etc) that govern immune health, both anti-inflammatory and inflammatory. The balance between these signalling molecules is crucial.

Healthy, fluid, well-functioning cell membranes can be the difference between a measured immune response and one that escalates out of control, think cytokine storm.

In today’s world, many diets are low in essential fatty acids, high in processed and oxidised fats, imbalanced in omega-3s, omega-6s, omega-9s, etc. Over time, this can lead to reduced membrane fluidity, impaired cell signalling, increased inflammation and poor communication between the systems.

This can lead to various conditions such as:

• skin issues (eczema, dry skin, dermatitis)

• mood disorders (depression, anxiety)

• ADHD or difficulties with focus and cognition

• hormonal imbalances and fertility challenges

• cardiovascular risk

• chronic inflammation and pain

• fatigue and poor recovery

The comprehensive fatty acid profile test assesses the balance of fats in the cell membrane, allowing us to take a more precise, targeted approach to conditions where membrane health may be one of the 'holes in the bucket'.

---

Minerals

Minerals are fundamental to every aspect of physiology.

They act as the spark plugs of our biochemistry, driving enzyme reactions, supporting cellular communication, and enabling the body to function efficiently.

Without the right mineral balance, systems begin to slow, compensate, or become dysregulated.

In today’s world, mineral imbalances are increasingly common due to:

• chronic stress depleting key minerals such as magnesium and potassium

• poor soil quality reduces mineral content in food

• high intake of processed foods

• environmental toxins interfering with mineral balance

• gut dysfunction affecting absorption

Over time, this can lead to, fatigue and low energy, poor stress tolerance

blood sugar imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances

sleep disturbances, muscle cramps or tension and so much more. Because physiology runs on minerals.

Minerals never work alone, they work in relationships. For example, an issue with iron can impact copper. A disruption in copper can affect zinc. And once zinc is out of balance, other systems begin to follow. It is a cascade, not a single deficiency or two. This is one of the reasons we use the Hair Tissue Minerals Analysis (HTMA), but the obvious reason is that we are electric beings and 'run on minerals'.

Using Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis we are able to assess mineral status over time, rather than a single snapshot. This allows us to evaluate:

• levels of key minerals

• ratios that reflect adrenal and thyroid patterns

• the presence of toxic elements such as lead, mercury, and arsenic

• patterns that indicate how the body is responding to stress

This allows us to move beyond simply asking 'are minerals low or high?' To understanding how the body is regulating and utilising them. In addition, HTMA can highlight the impact of toxic elements, which can displace essential minerals and interfere with normal physiological processes. This provides insight into both nutritional status and toxic burden.

HTMA testing may be indicated/suggested when there is:

• chronic fatigue or low energy

• poor stress tolerance or burnout patterns

• blood sugar instability

• thyroid or adrenal concerns

• hormonal imbalances, including infertility

• sleep disturbances

• ADD/ADHD

• muscle cramps, tension, or headaches

• a history of toxin exposure or high fish consumption

Two individuals may have similar diets…but very different mineral patterns and without assessing this, we may be supporting the body, but missing a key piece of the puzzle

---

Other tests: Additional tests may be recommended depending on the individual, including:

• Lipogram

• Full thyroid panels

• Targeted SNP testing

• Specific blood tests such as homocysteine, Apolipoprotein B, SHBG etc

If you have a condition or symptoms that are not resolving, guessing is no longer enough

The 'precision' in nutritional medicine means:

• Understanding your unique biology

• Identifying where the system is under strain

• Supporting the body in a targeted, personalised way

  
  

By the way, this is not about doing every test.

It’s about doing the right test, at the right time, for the right person.

Book with Khush's team of practitioners

Returning/current clients book with Khush

If you are ready to move beyond guesswork and understand what is happening in your body:

Start with a consultation. From there, we can decide what testing, if any is appropriate

Healing begins with understanding you first.

To Health!