I learnt about MyHealthChecked through word of mouth. I also spotted the site when I was scrolling online for food intolerance tests.
 
The online testing journey was very quick and hassle-free, with regular emails to notify you once your test has been posted, received, and your results were ready to review.
 
I don't think there was anything that surprised me about my results - if anything I found it reassuring that certain things I sensed were affecting me. Caffeine consumption and excess salt were specifically confirmed as being medium or high risk, based on my genetic profile.
 
Following the tailored recommendations that accompanied my results, I've quit caffeine (it was the nudge I needed) and lowered my sodium intake by monitoring my diet more closely. I've even bought a blood pressure monitor for additional reassurance, particularly due to the potential impact of sodium on my blood pressure. I think it's fair to say that these changes to my nutrition and lifestyle have certainly played a part in a general improvement in my health and wellbeing.

Using at-home testing, I discovered my energy again. I felt my body evolve from lethargy to vitality.

I had been feeling tired pretty much most of the time - not exhausted, but just lethargic and lacking motivation to do much.

Before I did my DNA test, I had suspected that I could have an underlying intolerance to wheat and gluten, MyHealthChecked’s Intolerances and Sensitives DNA Test revealed that I actually had a low risk of developing either of these. I was extremely surprised to learn that my risk factors were high for sodium, caffeine, and lactose. I’d spent all my time focused on attributing my bodily discomfort to one cause, I was headed in the complete wrong direction.

Although I don’t have a high-salt diet and have been avoiding caffeine, after two days of reducing lactose, I felt an immediate change.

Since altering my diet, I’ve been able to get up early to walk the dog, something I’ve never had the energy to do. Understanding my body's needs and my genetic make-up has also transformed my fitness journey. I have lost nearly a stone in a month through a combination of diet and moderate exercise.

Finally, I was surprised that my eyes have felt a lot clearer. Previously they’d felt rather dry and gritty, which I attributed to feeling tired all the time. Since reducing my lactose intake, my eyes feel a lot clearer, no longer irritated and I seem to be able to focus better.

About ten years ago I watched a TV programme which explained how some people couldn’t digest regular milk but could drink filtered milk. It was a turning point for me. I didn’t know why, but filtered milk became my go-to for tea, coffee or milkshakes.

However, when I moved in with my boyfriend - a regular full-fat milk lover, he was convinced that filtered milk was a myth, and that it didn’t benefit me. Something didn’t feel right when I’d drink the regular full-fat milk, and I could never put my finger on why.

Fast forward to doing the Intolerances and Sensitivities DNA Test and I learnt that I have a moderate risk of Lactose Intolerance. The filtered milk claims were right all along!

The feedback and advice I received on lifestyle and dietary changes were easy to understand and simple to not just try, but keep as part of my daily and dietary routines. Most importantly, I was able to settle on having two types of milk in the fridge. Filtered semi-skimmed for me, and full fat for my boyfriend. And now I understand why.