Whether you believe in the divine creation of life or prefer the neo-Darwinian explanation, one undeniable truth is that we are all essentially a set of codes. Just like computers utilise endless combinations of 0 and 1, humans are shaped by four proteins: A, C, G, and T, which form our DNAs. These four proteins combine in intricate ways to make us unique yet connected.
As someone with an engineering and science background, I find it exhilarating to contemplate this structured blueprint because it holds the key to problem-solving: when something breaks, we have the potential to fix it. In this century, the field of medicine is also advancing into Medicine 4.0. Let me explain what this means and how you can benefit from it.
The history of medicine.
Let me break down quickly about how medicine has evolved over time. Back in the day, we had Medicine 1.0, which was all about that ancient pagan style of diagnosing and healing. But then, the Greeks and Romans stepped up their game using their heads and common sense. They found herbal cures, did surgeries, and set the groundwork for the medicine we still use today, like olive oil for dry skin, honey to fight germs, and morphine for pain relief.
Later on, Medicine 2.0 came along with the scientific method, and it brought a whole bunch of remarkable discoveries. They found out about bacteria, viruses, made the first vaccines, and taught us to keep things cleaner. It was all about fixing what was wrong and making people feel better.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and Medicine 3.0 hit the scene. That's when we got fancy stuff like computerised imaging, precise surgeries, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. But then, the big breakthrough happened when they discovered DNA and decoded the human genome. Welcome to Medicine 4.0!
In Medicine 4.0, your genes and how they interact with your environment play a significant role in how you feel, what you get sick with, and how you stay healthy. With this genetic knowledge, you can take control of your health like a boss. You can use precision methods to improve your well-being, prevent diseases lurking in your genes, and keep yourself in top shape.
So, get ready to dive into Medicine 4.0 - it's all about knowing yourself on a genetic level and taking charge of your health like a pro!
Where do you start?
To take charge of your destiny, you need to know your genetic code. It's super easy! Just hop online and order a saliva test from sites like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or a specialised lab. They'll hand you this cool table with around 20,000 numbers and letters – that's your whole genome! This info lets you make some seriously smart moves regarding your lifestyle and health. It's like having your guide to living your best life! You'll know what works for you, what to steer clear of, and how to keep on top of your game.
Why do you need to know your genome NOW?
I see four primary benefits of getting to know your genome. The first reason is related to the future: you'll discover your risks of developing four major killer diseases - diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular events. Changing your lifestyle and improving your metabolic health markers, like blood pressure, fasting sugar, lipids profile, body weight, and waist circumference, could completely change your life.
The second reason is all about feeling better and having more energy right now. Your genes can guide you on which vitamins and supplements you might consider taking. They'll also help you determine if you can tolerate lactose or need to cut back on fat or carbohydrates. For instance, not everyone needs Vitamin B complex; some people have too much folic acid, vitamin B9, due to fortified wheat flour. Others may require a specific form of vitamin B12, like methylcobalamin, due to issues with methylation processes.
The third reason is connected to your lifestyle. Your genome can provide insights into your circadian rhythm, how your metabolism responds to coffee, whether you're better suited for endurance or strength training, and how quickly your body can recover after a workout. With this knowledge, you can maximise your sports performance, avoid injuries, and improve cardiovascular health.
Last but not least, you can even get to know your character traits. Yep, you heard me right! Your genes play a part in shaping your personality across five traits: openness to learning and creativity, impulse control or aggressive behaviours, assertiveness and sociability, kindness and affection, and emotional instability and worries about various things. Understanding why you might have difficulties with certain behaviours can help you recognise and address them, avoid depression, improve your learning, and even choose a profession that aligns with your strengths, making you happier.
How and where can you learn about how to decode your genome?
You can dive into the world of your genome all by yourself using PubMed and the Genome Database - both public websites ready to help you out. Or, if you want a more detailed report, plenty of companies out there specialise in decoding your unique genome. Just search Google for "decode my genome," and you'll find them.
Seriously, don't wait around! Take the plunge and discover your gene profile. It's a game-changer that can level up your life and health. Trust me; you won't regret it. Your future self will thank you for it!
