Discover how your genetics influence ageing

Why do some people reach their 70s full of energy, strength and quality of life, while others begin to experience health problems much earlier?

Lifestyle plays an essential role, but the answer is also written in our genes.

Thanks to advances in precision medicine, it is now possible to understand how certain genetic variants influence ageing and to use that information to make smarter decisions about our health.

At SHOMMA we understand genetics as a prevention tool, not as an inevitable destiny.

Genetics do not determine your future, but they can guide it

Our DNA holds information on how our body responds to nutrition, exercise, stress and environmental exposure. Knowing it allows us to identify predispositions and design personalised strategies to protect our health before symptoms appear.

We cannot change our genes, but we can influence how they express themselves through nutrition, physical activity, rest and other healthy habits. This concept, known as epigenetics, is one of the pillars of modern preventive medicine.

What aspects of ageing can a genetic analysis reveal?

1. Metabolism and fat accumulation. Some people have a greater genetic predisposition to visceral fat or metabolic imbalances. Knowing this allows nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to be adapted to reduce that risk and support a more efficient metabolism.

2. Liver detoxification capacity. The liver acts as the body's great laboratory, metabolising nutrients, eliminating toxins and processing many medications. Not everyone performs these processes with the same efficiency. Genetic testing shows how this detoxification capacity works and guides tailored nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.

3. Oxidative stress and inflammation. Ageing is closely linked to oxidative damage and low-grade chronic inflammation. Genetics influence the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant capacity, information that helps design nutritional strategies to protect cells and support healthier ageing.

4. Cellular longevity. Telomeres act as the natural protectors of our DNA and shorten progressively over time, a process associated with cellular ageing. Understanding your genetic predisposition helps reinforce habits that preserve cellular health.

5. Mood, stress and emotional wellbeing. Genes related to neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline can influence stress response, motivation, rest and emotional wellbeing. This information enables a more personalised approach to quality of life.

Much more than a result: a personalised plan

The real value of a genetic analysis lies not only in knowing the information contained in your DNA, but in turning that data into concrete actions.

From the results, individualised recommendations can be developed around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, personalised supplementation and preventive habits.

For example, someone with lower genetic capacity for liver detoxification may benefit from a diet rich in antioxidant foods such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, turmeric or green tea, along with reduced exposure to alcohol and other potentially toxic substances.

Likewise, specific genetic variants linked to the metabolism of certain medications provide valuable information for progressing towards increasingly personalised medicine.