DNA Testing and Analysis for Disease Prevention and Health Optimisation with Kashif Khan

Health optimisation often involves a good diet, sleep, and exercise. But do we know how to implement practices that are compatible with our bodies? For some people, intense exercise can lead to more oxidative stress and inflammation! Not only that, some of us take medication and pills to treat pain and hormones, but are these really helping?  

Small actions today can lead to big problems in the future.    

Kashif Khan from The DNA Company joins us in this episode to talk about how understanding our DNA can help us make better choices for our health. Diseases can be prevented with healthy habits. But before you try any DNA testing, you should understand the nuances within the genetic industry. With Kashif’s advice, you can learn to choose a provider that can help you take actionable steps.

If you want to know more about the science behind DNA testing for health optimisation, then this episode is for you!

 

Get Customised Guidance for Your Genetic Make-Up

For our epigenetics health programme, all about optimising your fitness, lifestyle, nutrition and mind performance to your particular genes, go to  https://www.lisatamati.com/page/epigenetics-and-health-coaching/.

 

Customised Online Coaching for Runners

CUSTOMISED RUN COACHING PLANS — How to Run Faster, Be Stronger, Run Longer  Without Burnout & Injuries

Have you struggled to fit in training in your busy life? Maybe you don't know where to start, or perhaps you have done a few races but keep having motivation or injury troubles?

Do you want to beat last year’s time or finish at the front of the pack? Want to run your first 5-km or run a 100-miler?

​​Do you want a holistic programme that is personalised & customised to your ability, goals, and lifestyle? 

Go to www.runninghotcoaching.com for our online run training coaching.

 

Health Optimisation and Life Coaching

If you are struggling with a health issue and need people who look outside the square and are connected to some of the greatest science and health minds in the world, then reach out to us at [e-mail], we can jump on a call to see if we are a good fit for you.

If you have a big challenge ahead, are dealing with adversity, or want to take your performance to the next level and want to learn how to increase your mental toughness, emotional resilience, foundational health, and more, then contact us at [e-mail].

 

Order My Books

My latest book Relentless chronicles the inspiring journey about how my mother and I defied the odds after an aneurysm left my mum Isobel with massive brain damage at age 74. The medical professionals told me there was absolutely no hope of any quality of life again, but I used every mindset tool, years of research and incredible tenacity to prove them wrong and bring my mother back to full health within three years. Get your copy here: https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books/products/relentless.

For my other two best-selling books Running Hot and Running to Extremes, chronicling my ultrarunning adventures and expeditions all around the world, go to https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books.

 

Lisa’s Anti-Ageing and Longevity Supplements 

NMN: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, an NAD+ precursor

Feel Healthier and Younger*

Researchers have found that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide or NAD+, a master regulator of metabolism and a molecule essential for the functionality of all human cells, is being dramatically decreased over time.

What is NMN?

NMN Bio offers a cutting edge Vitamin B3 derivative named NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) that can boost the levels of NAD+ in muscle tissue and liver. Take charge of your energy levels, focus, metabolism and overall health so you can live a happy, fulfilling life.

Founded by scientists, NMN Bio offers supplements of the highest purity and rigorously tested by an independent, third party lab. Start your cellular rejuvenation journey today.

Support Your Healthy Ageing

We offer powerful, third party tested, NAD+ boosting supplements so you can start your healthy ageing journey today.

Shop now: https://nmnbio.nz/collections/all

• NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 250mg | 30 capsules
• NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 500mg | 30 capsules
• 6 Bottles | NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 250mg | 30 Capsules
• 6 Bottles | NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 500mg | 30 Capsules

Quality You Can Trust — NMN

Our premium range of anti-ageing nutraceuticals (supplements that combine Mother Nature with cutting edge science) combats the effects of aging while designed to boost NAD+ levels. Manufactured in an ISO9001 certified facility

Boost Your NAD+ Levels — Healthy Ageing: Redefined

• Cellular Health
• Energy & Focus
• Bone Density
• Skin Elasticity
• DNA Repair
• Cardiovascular Health
• Brain Health 
• Metabolic Health

 

My  ‘Fierce’ Sports Jewellery Collection

For my gorgeous and inspiring sports jewellery collection, 'Fierce', go to https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/lisa-tamati-bespoke-jewellery-collection.

 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Discover how our bodies are a whole system of processes and how our genes can be affected by many factors such as lifestyle and behaviour.
2. Learn the differences in DNA testing companies and how you can get the best value out of your reports.
3. Understand how to boost your immunity and prevent diseases!   

 

Resources

• Gain exclusive access and bonuses to Pushing the Limits Podcast by becoming a patron! 
• Harness the power of NAD and NMN for anti-aging and longevity with NMN Bio. 
• A new program, BoostCamp, is coming this September at Peak Wellness!
• Past episodes with Dr Mansoor Mohammed:
• • Episode 181 - Understanding Your Genetic Hormone Pathways
  • Episode 160 - Understanding Your Own DNA  
• Connect with Kashif: LinkedIn I Twitter I Facebook     
• Know how you can change your lifestyle based on your genes. Learn more on The DNA Company. 
• Tiny Habits by Dr. BJ Fogg
• Books by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler
• • The Future Is Faster Than You Think 
  • Bold
  • Abundance 

 

Episode Highlights

[04:09] Understanding What Your DNA Means

• Every process in your body is being driven by genetic instructions.
• Kashif’s company set out to make these instructions more actionable for their clients.
• You can do a quick online search of ‘DNA testing near me’ and get many hits, but you won’t get the results you want out of these.
• Many of our diseases are preventable; consistently making the wrong choices can lead us to develop these illnesses.    
• Those choices will not be the same for everyone. You can look at your genetics to see what the right choices are for you. 

[08:11] Know What You’re Testing For

• Most companies offering DNA testing tend to make conclusions based on a single gene. However, the body is more complex than that. 
• Many of these DNA tests don’t really dive deep into your health.
• To make their business model profitable, many businesses in the genetic industry sell their patient’s data to pharmaceutical companies.
• The genetic industry has been used as a data collection machine. Kashif’s vision for their company is to turn this situation around and derive key insights for their consumers. 

[12:35] The Role of Hormones in Health 

• Kashif observes that their company has had the biggest impact on women's healthcare. 
• This is due to the massive gap between what women need and what is provided by traditional healthcare. 
• There is a widespread belief that women are supposed to have hormone-related issues like PMS. However, this should not be the case.
• Tune in to the full episode to find out how Kashif helped pinpoint his niece’s hormone issues using DNA testing and analysis.

[19:26] Covering Up the Symptoms

• The healthcare industry tends to look at a problem in isolation and try to treat it with medication. 
• Treating hormonal issues is not as simplistic as prescribing pills for the hormones a patient lacks. Listen to the full episode to hear more insights on this topic!
• For instance, we’re led to believe that women are prone to breast cancer when they reach menopause. However, this condition is preventable.     

[24:01] Applying AI to DNA Testing

• Kashif’s company found it challenging to train clinicians to interpret results from DNA testing. 
• To remedy this problem, they are using AI technology to create personalised reports and recommendations. 
• As a result, their reports are now much more comprehensive. It even analyses your mood and behaviour—crucial factors when it comes to dealing with your health.

[30:05] Understanding Your Mood and Behaviour  

• Lisa’s high adrenaline and lack of dopamine receptors manifest in an action-oriented behaviour. 
• Kashif shares that having low dopamine receptors can also lead to addiction or depression. That's because you are predisposed to not experience reward and pleasure. 
• Curious to know how your genes affect your mood? Find out how DNA testing can shed a light on this in the full episode! 
• You can view your gene expressions two-fold: a weakness and a superpower. For instance, you may think that you are irritable. But that also makes you detail-oriented.

[35:50] Change Takes Effort

• Kashif’s company is focused on solving and preventing problems. 
• People may get great recommendations, but the real challenge lies in implementation and change. 
• Community and accountability are important to help people stay on track.
• Group accountability with people in similar situations can increase motivation and persistence. 

[42:21] Prevention is the Key

• The current healthcare system is based on a reactive model rather than a preventive one. 
• Diseases can be prevented; we don’t need to reach a point of crisis until we take action. 
• In the US, the Center for Disease Control created a Diabetes Prevention Program, the first of its kind in the country. 

[47:31] Health at the Cellular Level

• Diseases are born from inflammation, which is based on cellular health. Cellular health depends on the body’s capacity for detoxification and oxidative stress. 
• Simple activities like golfing can have long term effects. Kashif shares that golfers may be in danger of inhaling pesticides in golf courses. 
• Exercise may work for some people. However, people with weaker SOD2 are prone to oxidative stress and more toxicity in the blood. 
• Your genetics will dictate what kind and how much exercise you should do. Listen to the full episode to learn more!

[56:34] The Future of Healthcare 

• Beyond DNA testing and analysis, it’s important to have someone knowledgeable on your end. They can help patients get the most value out of the reports.
• New technologies tend to go through different phases. These involve deception, disruption, dematerialisation, demonetisation, and democratisation. 
• The technology in the genetic industry is becoming more accessible. It is now near the latter phases of technology development. 

 

7 Powerful Quotes

‘We didn't go study DNA. There's enough science out there already. We studied people. We said, “Let's start at what's wrong with this person? What are they expressing as a symptom? Let's drill down genetically to see where is the system failing.”’

‘Of all the things we do, female hormone health is where we had the biggest impact. Not because we're the greatest, but because it's the worst experience in current healthcare.’

‘The DNA world looks at things in terms of disease. So you can speak at it that way. But there's so much more to it than that if you know how to interpret it.’

‘We believe coaching is primarily around accountability. So we have coaches we train that understand the reports, that can help.’

‘We're all coming out of the same model, I suppose this reactive healthcare model. Really, we're inventing the future of healthcare.‘

‘That's only then when you have that persistence and the resilience to actually go through with these changes that you're actually going to get new results.’

‘This reactive system that we're living in at the moment and the current model is just bloody bandaids on festering wounds.’

 

About Kashif

Kashif Khan is the founder and CEO of The DNA Company, a functional genomics company. They help people understand their unique genetic code and how to unlock their physical potential. If you’re looking for ‘DNA testing near me’, their company is the one to call. They ensure actionable advice through a comprehensive genomic profile. 

Kashif is also the co-founder and CEO of Younutrients. Their company provides supplement formulations personalised to people’s unique needs. In addition, he is also an investor and serial entrepreneur. He has helped build, scale, and run several businesses across different industries. He has advised early-stage startups and Fortune 500 companies including the Royal Bank of Canada and Cirque du Soleil. 

Interested in Kashif’s work? Check out The DNA Company. 

You can also reach out to Kashif on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.       

 

Enjoyed This Podcast?

If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can be inspired to search for ‘DNA testing near me’ and optimise their health. 

Have any questions? You can contact me through email ([e-mail]) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

For more episode updates, visit my website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts.

To pushing the limits,

Lisa

The information contained in this show is not medical advice it is for educational purposes only and the opinions of guests are not the views of the show. Please seed your own medical advice from a registered medical professional.