Unlock the secrets of your genes
Your DNA is a unique instruction manual containing the information your body needs to perform all the intricate fascinating processes required to maintain your health and wellbeing.
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There is no such thing in life or health as "one size fits all". Traditional medicine is designed for populations, but negates our unique genetic make-up and individual responses to medication and disease. Genome testing reveals your personalised "handbook", vital to make decisions about your health and wellbeing.
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Genetics is the study of individual genes. Genomics is the study of ALL of a persons genes, their interactions with each other and their environment. One of the challenges of genomic testing is that it produces an enormous “deluge of data” to be captured, curated and analysed. This data needs to be communicated and applied by experienced clinicians who are trained in genetics and understand how dynamic networks perform. Most importantly they have to be able to distill this data for clients into relevant, meaningful and practical advice. ​
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Our genes are fixed at birth, but we can support them and make positive lifestyle changes that align with our genome to optimise our health and wellbeing. You do not need to be defined by the genetic hand you have been dealt.
"Knowledge is power." - Sir Francis Bacon, (1597)
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Genomic testing opens the door to ...
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PERSONALISED
PREVENTATIVE,
PROACTIVE,
PREDICTABLE
and PARTICIPATORY
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approaches to health and wellbeing.
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Where we can help
Weight Managment
Unexplained weight gain, difficulty with weight loss or weight loss maintenance.
Hormone Imbalance
Menopause, infertility, polycystic ovaries, thyroid imbalance, low libido, mood swings.
Food Intolerances
Lactose intolerance, caffeine sensitivity, gluten sensitivity, poor vitamin absorption.
Migranes
Allergies, histamine intolerance, mast cell activation symptoms, brain fog.
Chronic Fatigue
Energy regulation, unexplained medical symptoms, neuro diversity, long covid.
Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, ADHD.
Neurodiversity
ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning difficulties, auditory processing disorder, tics, Tourette's
Hair growth
Hair loss, excess hair, hirsutism
Dermatology
Rashes, acne, poor healing, psoriasis, eczema.
Hereditary conditions
Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sudden unexplained death, cancer, high cholesterol, mental illness.
Healthy Aging
Osteoporosis, longevity, health span, exercise tolerance, healing, susceptibility to inflammation and infection.
Insomina
Early wakening, short sleep span, fatigue.
GENOMIC PROFILES
We provide ten different genetic tests listed below. When you get in touch with Decode Your Genes, you will have a initial consultation with Dr Sturridge to assess which tests are most relevant for you. We analyse each gene variant for you and give you easy to read, personalised, colour coded genotype results. Links to research evidence are included. For patients wishing to purchase five or more tests (all tests must be for the same person) we offer a 12% discount. Our most popular Methylation DNA Test made famous by Gary Brecka includes the main 5 Methylation Genes in his 10X test, plus 22 others to give you more information on other nutrients requirements such as Zinc, Manganese and Choline.
Nutrition
Investigating your unique food response (gluten, lactose intolerance and caffeine) microbiome diversity, vitamin absorption, conversion and activation, metabolism (appetite, sugar and fat response, blood pressure, circadian rhythm and inflammation).
Gene expression can be influenced by diet, physical activity, sleep and psychosocial factors.
Metabolism
How your body absorbs and metabolises nutrients and the factors that support metabolic flexibility leading to dysfunction.
Metabolic dysfunction can often present itself as excess weight, insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular/neurodegenerative diseases.
This test looks at appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar and fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile synthesis and mitochondrial function and inflammation.
Hormones
This test looks into the effect of how genes impact steroid hormones such as progesterone, oestrogens, androgens (testosterone, DHEA) and cortisol, adrenaline and insulin.
Imbalances of these hormones can affect both men and women causing fertility issues, endometriosis, low libido, acne, hair loss, low sperm count, excess facial hair, PCOS, PMS, mood swings, substance misuse, poor memory, weight gain and hormone sensitive cancers.
Oestrogen Balance
Investigating the genes involved in the sex steroid hormone lifecycles and identifies nutritional and lifestyle interventions that protect against the risk of imbalance.
Hormone imbalances can contribute to fertility problems, weight gain, dry or oily skin, poor memory, dry or thinning hair, mood changes (depression, anxiety, anger or brain fog), painful periods, PCOS, and risk of hormone sensitive cancers. This test can be taken at any time and will not be effected by HRT, contraceptives, pregnancy or any other environmental factors.
Athlete
The athlete report is designed to enable a personalised more intelligent approach to training, recovery and performance. In this report we present elements of your unique DNA profile that have been shown to affect athletic performance.
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You will be able to tailor a programme that will be most effective for you to support cardiovascular adaptation, strategic fuelling and strength. You can build resiliance and reduce your risk of injury and illness to achieve your personal best.
Nervous System
Looking at the impact of your genetics on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, glutamate and GABA and including interactions with endoCannabinoids (eCBs).
Symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance include anxiety, depression, migraines, ADHD, OCD, lethargy, addictive behaviours, poor memory and sleep disturbances.
Thyroid Function
Examining genes involved in the thyroid hormone lifecycle alongside those that create susceptibility to inflammation or auto immunity.
Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can include weight gain, fatigue, low libido, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, depression, fertility issues, menstrual irregularities (in hyperthyroidism), anxiety, heat intolerance, heart palpitations, insomnia, and weight loss (in hyperthyroidism).
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is a chemical that is released by white blood cells into the bloodstream as part of the immune system defence against potential allergens. It is also a neuromodulator. Histamine release can result in an allergic reaction to triggers such as pollen, mould, NSAID pain medication, a range of foods, and alcohol. Histamine intolerance is the body's reaction to an imbalance between accumulated histamine and the body's ability to break it down. If your body is unable to break it down quickly enough, it can become toxic.
Symptoms of histamine toxicity may include skin irritation, breathing difficulties (mimicking an allergic reaction) digestive problems, bladder sensitivity, painful periods, headaches, insomnia and anxiety. Because of its multifaceted symptoms, histamine intolerance is frequently underestimated, or mistaken as a food allergy or gastrointestinal disorder.
Detoxification
Detoxification is the physical removal of toxic substances from the body and brain. It is mainly carried out by the liver.
Poor detoxification can cause headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, allergies, skin disorders, weight gain, bloating, acid reflux/ heartburn, sweating, infections, fertility issues, low libido, reduced mental function and low stress tolerance.
Methylation
Methylation is the chemical process that regulates your gene expression. It involves the transfer of a methyl group from a methyl-donor to another molecule, which changes its function and activity. Almost every metabolic process is affected by Methylation and it contributes to most crucial functions.
Over or under-expression of methylation can increase risk of heart disease, circulatory issues, fatigue, infertility, mood disturbances (anxiety, depression and anger, memory loss), allergies, food/chemical sensitivities, autoimmunity and DNA instability.
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"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."
Aristotle
Dr Frances Sturridge
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MBBS, MRCOG, MRCGP, MSt (Cambridge) Genomic Medicine, (GMC. 3279289)
Dr Frances Sturridge is our lead clinician and founder of "Decode Your Genes". She has a Masters Degree from Cambridge University in Genomic Medicine including training in bioinformatics, machine learning, analysis of biological networks and computational strategies to handle big data. Her masters dissertation investigated the genetics of neonatal deafness caused by antibiotic toxicity. Today this test is available in neonatal units across the NHS and prevents at least 180 cases of life long deafness in premature babies per year in the UK.
She has over 20 years clinical experience as a GP in North London specialising in women health and family medicine. Dr Sturridge is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, The Royal College of General Practitioners and is a trauma informed trained Life Coach with One of Many.
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This combination of skills and training is ideal to interpret genetic testing results, effectively communicate the medical relevance of the results and apply them to optimise your health and wellbeing to predict and prevent future health problems.
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Dr Sturridge's approach combines complementary and traditional medicine training. She is a Reiki Practitioner, qualified Western Medical Acupuncture practitioner, studied Natural Horsemanship techniques and is a trustee of the London Horseplay Center offering equine behavioural therapy. During Covid she opened an inclusive dance studio offering dance movement therapy as well as social and professional dance classes. She speaks English, French and a little Russian.
How it works
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Get in touch
Email us at Decode Your Genes to arrange an initial consultation via video call or phone call.
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You will be asked to give a brief history of your current diet and lifestyle, health concerns and current medications.
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You will be recommended the tests that will be most suitable for your needs.
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Patients can be any age for this test.
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Genetic tests
We are affiliated with LifecodeGx and The Doctors Laboratory. A testing kit will be sent via post or you can book a face to face appointment.
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The DNA test is a simple non-invasive cheek swab. The only requirment is to abstain from eating/drinking at least one hour before testing. It is returned with a signed consent form in a pre-paid envelope and results are available between 2-3 weeks.
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All patients receive a laboratory report, and our clinician reviews reports with the personal information you have provided.
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Consultation
Our team are very experienced in reviewing and explaining your results, providing you with either a detailed written summary OR a 45 minute video call OR both. All options include your original lab report and ensure that you have actionable personalised advice.
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The video call is ideal if you would like to have your results faster or are new to DNA testing. It also allows you to ask your clinician about your gene variants.
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Both options will give you the same information, just in different formats.
Genomic Medicine Consultations from £220.00
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Genomic Testing from £396.00
Why Choose us?
Quick, Easy and
Affordable Testing
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We pride ourselves on being affordable, accessible and accurate.
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The test is non-invasive and simple with no needles. As long as cheek swabs are stored within the tubes in the kit provided, samples remain viable for up to 6 months.
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Cheek swab DNA collection is convenient and painless to collect and samples are easily transportable and stable. The quality of DNA collected is as good as, and the results as accurate as the results from blood or saliva. Cheek cell DNA samples are 99.9% accurate.
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As we are testing your genetic code which is fixed, the test is not impacted by illness, medication, infections the food you eat or supplements you take. You should continue to take all prescription medications and supplements as normal.
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Our testing offers the most comprehensive genome data avalible. In addition to your lab report we offer the choice of one-to-one video video consultations and personalised written reports. Both summaries have personalised next steps.
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We offer a discount for multiple tests for the same person and your DNA is like your fingerprint, your results will never change. So you only have to do the test once.
Professional and
Passionate team
Our lead clinician and founder Dr Sturridge has a wide clinical knowledge base and experience in clincical medicine.
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She is passionate about how DNA sequencing or genomics is changing the face of healthcare and wellbeing. She has always advocated personalised medical care and now has the means to make this available, accessible and affordable for everyone.
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It is Dr Sturridge's vision, to empower everyone to make informed choices for themselves about their health and wellbeing. She believes strongly that knowledge is power, and shared knowledge is power multiplied.
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Dr Sturridge has personally witnessed the successful impact the results of these tests have on her patients. Her wish is to share this information with all her patients and other health practitioners. The great thing about DNA testing is that you only have to do it once in your lifetime. Like your fingerprints, it never changes.
Expert Laboratories and complete Confidentiality
Your data will never be shared with third parties for research or any other purpose.
Our DNA extraction and genotyping is done by LGC Biosearch Technologies. The research analysis and reporting is done by Lifecode Gx. They are both market leaders in genomics in the UK. They ONLY do DNA testing making them specialists in this field. The laboratories are ISO accredited for quality checks. All reports and results are released via their secure portal.
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All physical samples/DNA are destroyed after three months and client genotyping electronic data is destroyed after six months. The client report, the data and the DNA sample is never (and will never be) shared with , or sold, to third parties.
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Our results are reliably reproducible and at least 99.9% accurate. We are compliant with UK Data Protection laws and guidelines.
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Contact us
decode-your-genes@outlook.com
Practice Manager, Debbie: 07432 135 483