The human genome while it composes exactly who each and every individual is, a portion of it is completely malleable. Lifestyle contributes drastically to the change in an individual's genome. In 2003, scientists and researchers completed the first ever complete human genetic sequencing. "The Human Genome Project (HGP) was the international, collaborative research program whose goal was the complete mapping and understanding of all the genes of human beings. All our genes together are known as our "genome"" (Human Genome Project). The Human Genome Project detected around 20, 500 genes in the human genome. Further research discovered that these genes can be located within the human body at specific locations. The Human Genome Project was a scientific endeavor designed to decode the genetic make up of the human genes. It focused not on single individuals but rather the generic human genome. Later on, the basis of the human genome and the Human Genome Project was then used to kick start the epigenetic movement and focus on individual genetic make up and personal diagnosis of chronic illness in individual human beings (An Overview of the Human Genome Project). 

Epigenetics is the study of how genes have the ability to change or be altered based on the environment surrounding an individual as well as the individual's diet and lifestyle. Genes can be turned on and off depending on an individual's environment and/or lifestyle. For example, the gene that controls oral fixation can be directly influenced by the mother's breast feeding patterns. If the mother weans a child off of breast feeding too early, meaning before the individual child is ready, the child's gene sequences actually become altered. The gene that controls oral fixation is altered and the child may become more focused on things such as eating, drinking, thumb sucking, etc. Not only does an individual's environment affect her/her genome, but an individual's lifestyle and/or diet can also have a huge impact on his/her genome. New research is being completed regarding certain dietary actions and its effect of genomic mutations. Candida, for instance, is a condition in which the body has trouble processing sugars, gluten, and dairy. The sugars, gluten, and dairy all breakdown the important and necessary chemicals in the stomach and intestines. In turn, foods such as sugar, gluten, and dairy destroy the intestines and digestive tract creating divots of holes which negatively affects digestion. Candida can cause other acute diseases such as diverticulusous which often must be repaired with surgery and extraction of the colon. As a result, the genes that aid in digestion are altered in a negative way. The genes that control digestion are turned off and the individual struggles to properly process and digest food. Clearly, an individual's diet can drastically effect his/her genome in turning genes on and off. "The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving forms of the vitamin folate (also called vitamin B9)" (MTHFR). There are about forty mutations that have been associated with a disorder that does not allow the body to properly process amino acids. Genes were not made to be altered and are not supposed to fluctuate. The body is made to stay in homeostasis. The turning on and off of genes indicates that the body is not in homeostasis which means it is not balanced. 

The process to get a personal human genome sequenced includes multiple steps. The DNA sample must first be sent in to a lab that has the ability to analyze the genome. There are individual companies and organizations that have the ability to analyze the genome. The company 23andMe is one of the more popular companies linked to personal genetic sequencing. Once the genome is sent to the laboratory, it is analyzed and the company sends back a scientific reading of the individual's genome. This reading includes the base pairing nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) in an extremely long list. The average human being does not have the ability to interpret this information, so it must be sent to a certified naturopathic doctor that has the ability to read and analyze the information. There are only about 200 doctors in the United States that have the ability to read and interpret the genome as a whole. Finding a certified naturopath is half of the battle. The naturopaths then turn the list of the base pairing nucleotides into a list of mutations and variants that is more easily understood. The genome is grouped based on different mutations and variants are detected based on whether the individual has those respective mutations. The variants usually include a green, yellow, or red coding. Green means that the individual does not have the mutation, yellow means that the individual has the mutation with moderate severity, and red means the individual has the mutation in a severe form. This information is then readable and understandable to the individual and general population. The naturopath doctor then uses the variant and mutation information to determine the course of treatment in order to reset the body's imbalances and heal the mutations. 

Different people have different mutations. Personal genome sequencing is just that, personal. Personal genetic sequencing relates specifically to the individual. There is absolutely no way to argue whether or not an individual has a certain mutation or condition because the diagnosis is completely biological and directly related to the individual and the individual's genetic make up (The Epigenome Learns from Its Experiences).

The Genomic Medicine Institute speaks directly about DNA methylation and epigenetic modification. DNA methylation is extremely important when it comes to developmental processes and the state of diseases. Specifically, the article discusses DNA cytosine methylation and the biological processes and how methylation effects them. Methylation is an extremely important because it is necessary for the cell's normal developmental processes (Serre). It also discusses the fact that the dysregulation of DNA methylation happens when the cells are in diseased states (cancerous states). 

The best and most progressive form of health care is tired to personal genetic sequencing. Genomic sequencing is personalized to the individual and provides an exact biological reason for a person's medical problems. The genome is written in an unfamiliar language. Decoding a genome does not mean that all the information on an individual is readily available. Scientists must continue to gather information to learn what exactly the different variants of a genome mean and how they are related and work in the body. Personal genetics is very progressive, but it takes time to research and gather information on the thousands of variants (Genome News Network). Personal genetic sequencing is the absolute best way to provide health care. Personal genetic sequencing is specialized for the individual and there is no room to interpret what signs and/or symptoms the individual may or may not have. The diagnosis is clear and accurate because of the information being completely biological. 

Another reason why personal genetic sequencing is the best and most progressive form of health care is that personal genetic sequencing has the ability to address acute and chronic illness. Acute illnesses such as mood disorders (like depression and anxiety) can be supported and eventually cured through personal genetic sequencing diagnosis and treatment. There is never one treatment style identical to another treatment style because there is never one human being that is identical to another human being. An individual may be forced to make a lifestyle or dietary change (ie cut out gluten consumption) because his/her mutation may cause a certain reaction that affects mood. On the other hand, a different individual may need to cut out gluten for a completely different reason because gluten consumption causes a negative dietary effect. Neither of the two individuals can have gluten but for two completely separate reasons and separate mutations. Through personal genetic sequencing, individuals can also determine the likelihood of developing chronic illness. For instance, mutations within genes that assist in digestion can lead to chronic digestive diseases such as Chron's Disease. Personal genetic sequencing can prevent this disease as well as disease like it by locating the mutation and providing the course of treatment regarding the individual's specific mutation or mutations, illness, and needs to combat that illness or prospective chronic disease.

Contrary to popular belief, depression, mood disorders, and other mental illnesses do not need to be lifelong battles. Personal genetic sequencing targets the exact mutation or mutations that cause the biological and genetic defect. Disorders such as depression and other mental illnesses do not usually have one single mutation, rather a combination of factors that combine in order to create the disorder or condition. The diagnosis of possible chronic diseases is very similar. Another reason personal genetic sequencing is such a great new form of health care is because it can predict possible diseases and then work to provide a course of treatment to help combat the onset of the disease as well as to limit the risk factors involved in the onset of chronic diseases. For example, I completed the process of getting my personal genome sequenced. After addressing the acute mental illnesses I was struggling with, the doctor informed me that my body was attacking itself and that I was on track to have organ damage as a result of the iron in my body oxidizing and destroying my organs. The doctor told me that by the age of thirty, my brain, liver, and kidneys would suffer damage due to the iron oxidation. I had too much iron in my body because of multiple genetic defects that prevented me from having the ability to properly synthesize a chemical that synthesizes iron in order to get rid of it. The genetic mutations I was facing for years were finally able to be corrected. All I needed to do was stop eating certain foods (gluten, dairy, and red meat) and take supplements to support the chemical processes in my body. If it were not for personal genetic sequencing, I would have never known exactly what was causing my mood problem, nor would I have known that the problem with my mood was destroying my organs. Countless individuals suffer from biological problems that could be addressed with dietary changes and supplement regiments based on the information provided through personal genetic sequencing. 

The Personal Genetics Education Project writes an article that describes the health benefits, social connections, and consequences regarding personal genetics and personal genome sequencing. The article includes both pros and cons to the debate as to whether or not personal genome sequencing is beneficial and it discusses that early discovery of possible diseases can be beneficial or detrimental depending on whether or not the individual actually ends up acquiring the disease (Personal Genetics Education Project). 

Although there is scientific evidence that proves the credibility of personal human genome sequencing, there are still sources and doctors that argue its credibility. The majority of opposition arguments stem from those who are directly linked to pharmaceutical companies. Usually, those arguing against the clear health advantages and credibility of personal human genetic sequencing are either psychiatrists whose diagnoses brings revenue to the pharmaceutical companies or the pharmaceutical companies themselves who profit from the purchase of psychiatric drugs. VIDEO CITATION

Clearly, the best form of health care is personal genetic sequencing. Personal genetic sequencing allows individuals to develop a health care plan specific to his/her needs and genetic composition. Personal genetic sequencing allows individuals to discover ways in which to alleviate their acute illnesses and provides a permanent solution. Personal genetic sequencing also provides individuals with insight as to how susceptible they are to chronic diseases and doctors are then able to point individuals in the right direction and create a health care plan to help prevent the onset of the chronic illnesses. Personal genetic sequencing takes away the need for medication by replacing traditional medication with a more natural way of health care by utilizing dietary and lifestyle changes as well as natural supplements to aid in a holistic health care. 

