Ilse Justus DNA Driven Wellness

31/01/2025

The DNA Hormones test is here!! 👏👏👏

I am so excited about this test which is not only an enhanced version of DNA Oestrogen (including more genes (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs)) aimed at WOMEN but also includes genetic variations associated with prostate cancer in MEN.

Unbalanced hormone metabolism has been associated with increased risk for breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, as well as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fertility issues, heightened pre-menstrual symptoms, bone health conditions and early onset of, and heightened symptoms in menopause.

With hormone-driven cancer statistics on the rise (men and women) and women looking for answers to address all the symptoms that can accompany MENOPAUSE, this test really is a gift!🎁

Read more about s*x hormone metabolism here:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=exploring-s*x-hormone-metabolism

Read more about the DNA Hormones test here (includes Sample Report):
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test #4

Book your test here:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Contact-Us

Price: R3300 or R900 alongside another test

08/12/2024

I have attended many CPR classes over the years, but was never told this…..
When you are alone and have a heart attack. What are you gonna do then?
A rarely good post that can't be shared often enough:
1.
Take a 2-minute break and read this:
Let's say it's 5:25 pm and you're driving home after an unusually hard day's work.
2.
You are really tired and frustrated.
All of a sudden your chest pains. They are starting to radiate in the arm and jaw. It feels like being stabbed in the chest and heart. You're only a few miles away from the nearest hospital or home.
3.
Unfortunately, you don't know if you can make it..
4.
Maybe you've taken CPR training, but the person running the course hasn't told you how to help yourself.
5.
How do you survive a heart attack when you're alone when it happens? A person who is feeling weak and whose heart is beating hard has only about 10 seconds before losing consciousness.
6.
But you can help yourself by coughing repeatedly and very strongly! Deep breaths before every cough. Coughing should be repeated every second until you arrive at the hospital or until your heart starts to beat normally.
7.
Deep breathing gives oxygen to your lungs and coughing movements boost the heart and blood circulation. Heart pressure also helps to restore a normal heartbeat. Here's how cardiac arrest victims can make it to the hospital for the right treatment
8.
Cardiologists say if someone gets this message and passes it on to 10 people, we can expect to save at least one life.
9.
FOR WOMEN: You should know that women have additional and different symptoms. Rarely have crushing chest pain or pain in the arms. Often have indigestion and tightness across the back at the bra line plus sudden fatigue.
Instead of posting jokes, you're helping save lives by spreading this message.
❤️ COPY (hold your finger, click on the text, and select copy, go to your own page and where you normally want to write, select finger again, and paste)

28/10/2024

The DNA tests I do in my practice, using DNALYSIS Biotechnology’s tests and laboratory, relate to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA, inherited from parents and previous generations.

Our genes contain all the instructions necessary to keep our bodies running in tip-top shape. These instructions come in the form of a ‘code’ made up of a sequence of nucleotides represented by the letters A, T, C and G. Small variations in genes (SNPs) can slightly change this 'code'.

A change in the ‘code’ is usually a deletion, substitution or addition of one of these letters. This means that the protein your body makes from the code will be slightly imperfect, and may not perform its function in the body as effectively. The function could be upregulated, downregulated or non-existant. For example, mutations in the MTHFR gene can affect how effectively vitamin B9 or folate is processed in the important methylation cycle. A CYP1A1 variation can result in a phase 1 detox upregulation, meaning that toxins enter phase 2 at a very quick rate; these need to be quickly neutralised to prevent re-circulation back into the body or could mean that toxic agents have upregulated effects. A GSTM1 gene deletion, and/or a slow COMT variation can result in a sluggish phase 2 detox pathway. There are many variations that can affect all the metabolic pathways as well as vitamin absorption and transport.

The benefits of doing these tests are to ascertain where your body needs help in terms of diet, lifestyle and supplements to bridge the gap between inefficiencies and the ideal "code" required, for optimal health and to heal where necessary.

In other words, while we cannot change our DNA, we can change how these genes are expressed by adapting our environment to best support our genes.
Read more about all the available tests:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test

DNA Health is the basic and logical place to start.
DNA Core will provide all the information regarding physical performance and weight management, including everything provided in DNA Health. 3 tests in 1!

A popular choice is DNA Core plus DNA Mind. If you want to add stress management to that, you can also opt for DNA Resilience.

Knowledge is power.

24/10/2024

Having your DNA tested is like being given your personalised key to optimal health.
People come to me to obtain this key for weight loss, optimal health (from surviving to thriving), to ‘fix’ problems with their health like inflammation, detoxification, PMS, exercise strategies, etc.
However, they need to be prepared to change areas of their day-to-day lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements, where necessary, to experience the fruits of the process and money spent on doing this. And that takes discipline and consistency.
Those that do this are amazed at the results!
If you want different results you need to use a new key…your own personalised key…consistently 💪

21/10/2024

Just as the earth’s core is largely responsible for the gravitational pull that governs life on this planet, so DNA sits in the nucleus, the core of our cells, to govern cellular health.

The fundamental insights that can be gained from the DNACore test will give you deep understanding of how your body is functioning, and its requirements to reach new peak levels of performance.

DNACore (combination of DNA Health, DNA Diet and DNA Sport) simplifies your health journey without detracting from the complexity and significance of your DNA results.

05/10/2024

https://maps.app.goo.gl/frPMBCs2DwFKio526

This is the first time an ex power lifting winner of multiple competitions has come to see me. 34 years old. Done with experimenting with diets after having to use extreme diets in the competitive space. The experience with this individual shed light on how competitive sports leaves the person with an all or nothing attitude to dieting and exercise, and even some confusion about what is actually right for their bodies. DNA testing, specifically, the 3-in-1 DNA Core test can help you find the overall physical wellness path meant for you since it covers all your metabolic pathways (Health), appropriate diet for weight management (Diet) and ideal exercise guidelines (Sport) based on your inherited strengths (endurance vs. cardio and even both).

★★★★★ "Full star rating for the amazing service. As a young athletic individual, Ilse Justus has taken valued care and is thoughtful in understanding my reason for using her services. You are not treated like an ordinary client, Ilse is very meticulous in her work to guarantee successful r...

02/10/2024

Weight loss (perimenopause and menopause):
Many clients come to me because they are losing the weight loss battle, having tried every diet. Or there are some ladies who, now in their 40’s find that the weight has crept on without eating significantly more and are being told that it is hormonal and just to accept it.
These clients are keen to just consider going on a new diet and to do the DNA Diet test which is great at providing insights into how you metabolise carbs, fats, exercise requirements, providing your perfect weight management plan, all else being equal.
However, weight management goes beyond food in and out. Detoxification (of toxins and hormones), Inflammation, methylation, insulin sensitivity, vitamin absorption (D. B12), gut health all feed into weight management which is why I always recommend doing the DNA Health test in addition to the DNA diet test to provide the full picture, coupled to bloodwork (what is actually going on in the body) so that we take a holistic approach.

Hormones do play a role in weight management but specific to how you DETOX them, namely, if you are not excreting the metabolised endogenous and exogenous oestrogens efficiently. In addition, other hormones like insulin, cortisol also come into play and can result in a crackly orchestra of hormone fluctuations and imbalances.

One size truly does not fit all, especially with women who are peri-menopausal and menopausal. At this stage of our lives hormones are changing, sure, but in addition, the environment we have provided for our bodies catches up with us and pulls the proverbial triggers on the genetic variations we have inherited.

If nothing is working for you, you need to look at your overall health, beginning with all your metabolic pathways. DNA testing is the only effective departure point.

Click on links for more info and sample reports:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test #1

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test #2

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test

DNA testing & analysis for optimised mental and physical performance, improve vitality, prevent chronic disease. Call Ilse Justus on 082 465 0387

17/09/2024

Studies have shown that dietary intake and nutrition knowledge is greatly improved in individuals who received personalised nutrition advice as compared to generalized dietary advice.

The selection of genes included in the DNA Core test have multiple peer review studies examining how variations in these genes may contribute to differences in health, diet and exercise interventions.

Read more about DNA Core and view a sample report here:

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test

04/09/2024

Proper detoxification and metabolism of environmental toxins, xenoeostrogens and endogenous oestrogen metabolites post Phase 1 of the detox process is very important. We want to avoid these toxins and very active, unfavorable oestrogen metabolites from re-circulating back into the body during Phase 2 of detox, and also prevent constipation. Insufficient detox can also lead to weight loss resistance and just feeling ‘blah’. It also feeds Oestrogen dominance (bad PMS symptoms/unfavorable menopausal symptoms).
Women require at least 28g of fibre daily and men, 30g.
It takes careful thought to get to these numbers but can be done as per the example.
I find it easier to try and get the high fibre foods in by incorporating them into breakfast oats, or in a smoothie. It provides a good foundation for the rest of the day.

22/08/2024

Your liver is more than just a detox organ:
The liver can be regarded as the most important organ in relation to women’s health. It is viewed as the commanding general of the body.
In the context of Chinese medicine it is important to remember that each organ in the body has a physiological and psychological aspect and role.
The liver’s main responsibilities are:
- the regulation of emotions (and emotions hugely influence the degree to which the liver does and can carry out its fuctions)
- the promotion of digestion and absorption of nutrients from food
- maintenance of smooth circulation of Qi (life force; the energy that flows through you and everything; that which gives you life), blood and body fluids
- it stores blood, regulating the volume during physical activity, rest and during menstruation
- it governs hormonal balance and cholesterol.
Signs that signal imbalanced liver energy include:
-pain
-dizziness
-anger
-depression
-eye problems and redness or itchiness
-irritable bowel syndrome
-brittle nails
-gallbladdder problems like gallstones
-stiffness of tendons, decreased mobility
-springtime allergies
-headaches
-irritability, frustration
-indecisiveness
-mood swings
-nightmares, excessive dreaming and/or waking up between 23h00 and 03h00, when the liver and gallbladder are most active.

Some things to do to support the liver:
-Eat lots of green foods and vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Allium vegetables are also excellent.
-Stretch often for tendons and sinews. It helps the flow of Qi and blood throughout the energy meridians.
-Do creative things like music, painting, dancing, writing, etc.
-Let go of always wanting to be in control of things and try to go with the flow. Change is the only constant in life and, when we practice being more fluid than rigid, we are less angry, irritable and stressed, all emotions that disrupt liver flow.
-Goji and schisandra berries have been known to be very healing for the liver.
-Support your detoxification pathway. Read here: https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=detoxification-support-and-the-role-of-your-genes
-Go to sleep before 23h00 so that the liver system can focus on repair and detox.
-Know your Detoxification and Methylation genetic variations by taking a DNA test to establish whether you require focused diet, lifestyle, supplement support. Genetic variations of MTHFR, COMT, GSTM1, GSTT1, NQO1, CYP1A1 are examples of genetic influencers.

17/07/2024

6 surprising causes of anxiety ‼️ While it's perfectly normal to have some anxiety from time to time, it's not normal for it to wreak havoc on your day-to-day life. What triggers one person's anxiety may not even register on the radar for another, so it's important to learn what may or may not provoke your anxiety. It's also useful to know how your body genetically reacts to stress and anxiety, so you can put measures in place to combat this. Take a DNA Resilience. Find out more about the test:

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Choosing-A-Test #10

05/07/2024

QUICK WINS FOR YOUR HEALTH!

Remove the following from your diet:
* Refined sugar in foods and drinks
* Refined flours
* Vegetable and seed oils (canola, sunflower, etc.)
* Alcohol
* Sugar/fat combinations like cakes, puddings made with butter, sugar.

Moderate:
* Saturated fat (go easy on the cheese platters!)
* Calorie consumption (don't make a habit of overeating in one sitting or over a period of days, months).
* Hours during which you eat to allow for proper digestion and insulin reset. Remember to give the digestive system a break, e.g. at least 12 hour fast; between dinner night before and breakfast the next morning for example.

Add the following to your lifestyle/diet:
* Water (2 litres a day); include lemon or electrolytes so aid cell hydration
* Daily exercise (30-minute walk minimum a day)
* Replace vegetable and seed oils with Olive and Avocado oil (don't heat olive oil)

Following the above protocol has been shown to positively influence your lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. (Note that most people associate too much saturated fat with cardiovascular health but it is imperative to remember that Inflammation and sugar/refined grains also affect cardiovascular (and vascular) health in a big way!)

25/06/2024

25/06/2024

Re-consider eating burnt or charred meats. Think of red meat, bacon, poultry, fish, etc. We South Africans do so enjoy our ‘braais’.
Charred meats contain carcinogens (heterocyclic amines), and create Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), causing inflammation and oxidative stress which not only age us faster but impact negatively on our health if consumed regularly.
The best cooking techniques for minimizing AGEs and heterocyclic amines are boiling, steaming, slow-cooking and low-to-medium heat baking.

13/06/2024

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can creep up on us as we age. People often get confused about which is which, and also the nutrients required to prevent and support these respective conditions.
Read more here:

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=osteoarthritis-and-osteoporosis-in-context

06/06/2024

Flaxseeds (also known as as linseeds) are little gems of gold for women’s health. Benefits relate to
⭐️ Hormonal balance
⭐️ Bone health
⭐️ Heart health
⭐️ Digestive health
⭐️ Breast health
⭐️ Mood

Grind them to ensure proper absorption. 2 tablespoons a day.
Read more:

https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=flaxseeds-and-womens-health

19/05/2024

Metabolic Transformation - you can transform your health and weight landscape.
The human metabolism process plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Metabolism is more than just burning calories for energy to move (and keeping excess weight off). Metabolism refers to the complex set of chemical reactions that occur within our cells to sustain life. It is therefore at the heart of our health landscape.
For a long time, it was believed that our metabolic landscape was fixed and unchangeable. However, with advancements in scientific research, human genome (DNA) mapping and a deeper understanding of the human body, it has become evident that we have the power to influence and even alter our metabolism. This is empowering, allowing you to take control of your health and transform your metabolic landscape. Definitely an exciting prospect and offers hope to everyone, despite existing health susceptibilities and obesity challenges.
Read more:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=metabolic-transformation-you-can-transform-your-health-and-weight-landscape

30/04/2024

Oxidative stress can be compared to “human rusting” and affects how we age visibly, and invisibly. Our lifestyles and genes directly impact on how well our bodies deal with and sometimes come to exist in a constant state of oxidative stress.

Besides causing visible aging, damages from oxidative stress can accumulate over time and contribute to the development of health conditions (like gastrointestinal, body pains in muscles and joints, chronic inflammation) and various diseases such as cardiovascular, kidney, neurodegenerative diseases and some cancers.
Read more about oxidative stress here, and how you can prevent it:
https://dnadrivenwellness.co.za/Article?Article=manage-oxidative-stress-anti-aging-longevity