Why We Use Integrative Genetics
At Avra Health, we believe in eliminating guesswork. Your symptoms tell part of the story, your labs tell another — but your genetics reveal your blueprint. By understanding how your body is wired to function, we can create the most precise, effective, and lasting plan possible.
That’s why integrative genetic testing is now strongly recommended in nearly every patients plan - its the foundation.
What Is Integrative Genetics?
We combine cutting-edge genetic testing with functional medicine interpretation to see not just what genetic SNPs (think - genetic misspellings) you have, but how they’re being expressed in your body. This isn’t about “disease prediction.” It’s about personalized health optimization using environment and lifestyle (epigenetics).
Our approach looks at:
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How your body metabolizes hormones and neurotransmitters, and processes nutrients and toxins
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How your DNA influences weight, exercise response, and recovery
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Your genetic risks for inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic illness
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How to prevent future problems and extend your healthy years
Why Genetic Testing is Important
1. Estrogen Pathways Before HRT
Hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing — but only if it’s safe and personalized. Genetics can reveal:
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If you metabolize estrogen down protective or higher-risk pathways
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How your detox pathways handle hormone byproducts
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Which nutrients or botanicals can improve estrogen metabolism
This helps us decide if HRT is right for you, which form to use, and how to protect your long-term health.
2. Neurotransmitter Balance
Genetics can show:
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How you produce and break down serotonin, dopamine, and GABA
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Your natural stress resilience
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Which supplements or habits will work best for your brain chemistry
3. MTHFR & Methylation
Methylation genes like MTHFR influence:
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B vitamin activation
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DNA repair and inflammation control
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Hormone and toxin clearance
4. Detoxification Pathways
We assess how your liver processes and clears chemicals, medications, and environmental toxins — and how to enhance your body’s natural detox systems.
5. Genetic Macros & Nutrition
Your DNA can reveal:
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Whether you are a candidate for intermittent fasting
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If high-protein diets help or hinder you
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How sensitive you are to carbohydrates
6. Exercise Response & Recovery
Some people thrive with high-intensity training; others see better results with endurance or strength work. Your genetics tell us:
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Optimal workout type and intensity
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Recovery time your body truly needs
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Injury risk factors
7. Thyroid Function
Certain gene variants can influence:
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How you convert T4 to active T3
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Risk for thyroid conditions
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Nutrients critical for thyroid hormone production
8. Vitamins & Minerals
Your need for additional:
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Vitamin D
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B vitamins
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Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc
9. Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
Your DNA can reveal tendencies toward:
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Chronic inflammation
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Slower tissue repair
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Increased oxidative stress
10. Cortisol & Stress Resilience
Genetics can influence:
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How your body responds to chronic stress
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Risk for adrenal burnout
11. Dairy Intolerance
We can see if you have the genetic variants for:
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Lactose Intolerance
12. Longevity & Healthspan
Certain genetic markers influence:
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Cellular repair and anti-aging pathways
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Risk for age-related diseases
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How to extend your healthspan — the years you live well
How It Works
1.
Simple At-Home DNA Swab
We send you a kit to collect your sample.
2.
Lab Analysis
Your genetics are processed in a medical lab.
3.
Integrative Report
We overlay your genetics with your lab work, symptoms, and health goals.
4.
Personalized Plan
Nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and, if indicated, safe medication use — all based on your unique code.
Why This Matters for Your Health
Without this information, healthcare is educated guesswork.
With it, we can:
Reduce trial-and-error in your treatments
Prevent future health risks
Personalize every supplement, medication, and lifestyle change
"With so much working against us in this era - toxins, viruses, stress, etc. - it is a blessing to have the technology to understand our DNA - in order to gain the upper edge on our health and wellbeing."
-Dr. April