DNA TESTING
Dr Beningfield believes in holistic health, and the prevention of disease rather than cure. Understanding your unique DNA and how your lifestyle can influence your genes, is an incredibly useful healthcare tool. DNA analyses allow us to identify which skin, dietary, general health, hormone and cancer risk factors you have. Using this information we are able to give individualised advice on topical skincare, diet, supplements, exercise, lifestyle and environmental exposures in order to optimise your overall health and prevent aging and disease.
At Fraiche we use the cutting edge technology developed by Optiphi and their team of experienced geneticists, who provide us with ongoing support in your wellness and longevity journey. We want you to be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself!
Common Questions
What genetic testing can I have done?
• Skin test
• Health test
• Diet test
• Hormone test
• Breast, ovarian and Prostate Cancer risk test
What is epigenetics?
The study of epigenetics has absolutely transformed the way we think about our DNA, and how that affects our health. Each of us is born with a set of DNA which we inherit from our parents. Although our genetic make up does not change, our gene expression is largely dependent on our lifestyle, diet, exposure to environmental toxins and exposure to stressful and traumatising situations.
For example you may inherit a genetic risk, or
potential, for a certain disease, but if you manage
that risk through healthy diet, supplementation and exercise, you may never develop that disease!
This ends the debate of nature vs nurture - it is almost always a combination of both. DNA testing allows us to identify those genetic predispositions and vulnerabilities.
We can then use this information to guide us with further health tests and monitoring, and alter our diet, lifestyle, supplementations, in a way that optimises our genes and improves our health, aging and longevity!
Common Questions
What is the process of DNA collection?
A swab is used to collect a sample of your DNA from the inner lining of your cheek. Dr Beningfield recommends avoiding foods, all drinks other than water, gum and cigarette smoke for at least 3 hours before your test. An ideal time to do the test may be first thing in the morning. You can either do the sample collection at home and drop it off at Fraiche, or come to Fraiche in a fasted state for sample collection. Sample collection is pain free and quick (approximately 2 minutes).
Your sample will be carefully labelled. The Optiphi laboratory will be informed to expect your sample’s arrival, your sample will be collected by a courier and transported to the laboratory in Pretoria for analyses. The sample is transported in sterile breathable tubes in cool dry condition to ensure DNA remains intact. The highly skilled genetics decode and analyse your DNA. Turn around time is 14 days or less. The results will be sent directly to Dr Beningfield, and you will be contacted to come to Fraiche to discuss the results and a recommended actionable approach to improving your overall health and vitality. Following your consultation you will receive your personal results.
What does DNA testing not tell me?
While our DNA tests are able to pick up certain vulnerabilities or risks, the tests will not tell us if you have certain diseases, cancers, hormone imbalances, dietary intolerances etc. We then use the information to guide us as to whether further health related testing or monitoring is advised. Information is power, and DNA testing allows us to know what to look out for and what areas of our health and lifestyle to prioritize.