Let me start by stating that this image doesn’t exactly correlate to genetics but this is about my testing and my experience.

I am absolutely fascinated by genetics so when I was invited to a talk with Dr Yael Joffe RD PhD FACN and the 3×4 Clinics team I was ecstatic. When they offered me a free testing I was even more so. The costing is roughly R5000 but get in touch if you are interested. The whole team so helpful.

The test itself seems so simple, just a minute long swab of your inner cheek and off to the lab it goes. I was really quite nervous about my results and what insight they would provide.

3X4 offers pathway-based analysis, not single gene-variant based analysis, meaning it looks at how genes interact with one another and work together to impact key metabolic processes.

” This approach is based on systems biology, which more accurately reflects how the body functions – in systems, not in separate parts. Conventional genetic testing looks at the impact of single gene variants, independently, regardless of their interaction with other genes or pathways. 3X4 is changing the paradigm of genetic translation.

Yael Joffe, PhD, RD is a Translational Nutrigenomics expert with over two decades of clinical experience as a practitioner and educator. The 3X4 test is the product of extensive research and practice, backed by both clinical validity and scientific validity. Genes were selected from peer-reviewed scientific publications and the analysis is rooted in systems biology.

3 of each: Metabolism, Diet, Lifestyle, Supplements / Behaviour.

Recommendations on the 3X4 report are summarised into 3 key metabolic areas, 3 diet changes, 3 lifestyle suggestions, and 3 possible supplements or behaviour adjustments, helping the practitioner to put complex genetic data into a clear plan of action.”

The test is broken down in a way that is easy to understand but I still highly recommend that you meet with one of their practitioners to get the full benefit of the test and better understand your results.

I met with Head of Nutrition Annelie Smith to discuss mine. Annelie read the genes like a language and went into great detail, happily answering all of my questions along the way. I left feeling informed and quite grateful.

Now since this is deeply personal and personalised, I won’t go into too much detail regarding my own results but will highlight a few to give you a better understanding.

They focus on Five main aspects of the body cellular, systems, energy, nutrients and activity.

Cellular which focuses wasn’t my best and I am highly prone to oxidative stress, however, I have one “Supergene” that helps with inflammation. This was a relief as most cancers stem from inflammation, in fact, most diseases do.

Systems; Even though I have a heart condition, it is “electrical” so my heart health as far as heart attacks, stroke, blood clotting it’s actually super low. My genes manage to process fat very well. So that was a plus. Also, this is genetic testing so it is what one is pre-disposed to and can be from generations back. So even if one’s parent passed away from a heart attack, they could have not passed a single gene onto you that increased the likelihood of the same happening to you. Also, my genes that help to process insulin and glucose were good too. Which is why I don’t crave sugar or suffer from low blood sugar levels ever.

Energy; Oh I loved this category! My body is not designed to exercise extensively, a park run is as far as I should push it. I’ve never enjoyed exercise or sport and it turns out that’s because I don’t get that endorphin high others get from exercise. Also apparently I have a super low chance of being overweight and not likely to ever become obese. I’m using this excuse for my pizza addiction. I’ve always consumed three to four times my daily recommended calories and haven’t been one to go to the gym, yet always remained in the healthy spectrum. Thanks to these genes! Of course, some form of exercise is important for the bones and to tone etc.

Activity; Even though I’m never going to be a super athlete I have great recovery and endurance genes.

Nutrients; Oh another category I loved. Apparently, I have no addictive genes, salt doesn’t affect me nor does caffeine. I’m also able to absorb vitamin D easily. This all explains why I can have an espresso and head to bed.

Some negatives though were two “deleted genes” but aside from my Inflammation “supergene”, I have another “supergene” that counteracts the one “deleted gene”. The other “deleted gene” is one that processes estrogen. Which is why shouldn’t be on the pill and should stick to a mini-pill.

So now that I have a breakdown of what is good and what is bad, my report then gives me guidelines on how to combat the effects from the genes that cause me oxidative stress and detoxification issues. They also offer supplement suggestions but always consult a doctor before taking anything as if you are on certain medications they can interact.

One interesting fact that Annelie told me was that my genes showed that I could handle “new” toxins such as alcohol, medications very well but struggled a bit with processing “old” toxins such as hormones. By old, I mean before we invented all these toxins. Obviously this in layman’s terms. However, this meant that taking Milk Thistle would actually be bad for me!

Overall I am happy with my report and my genes (thanks family!) and found the report to be very insightful. I know I need to handle stress better and this just made me be so much more pro-active about how I handle stress daily. Having a report like this is a tool to be pro-active in taking care of one’s health and guiding you to a longer life.

Disclosure Ranking: 2