What Genetic Testing Can (and Cannot) Tell You About Your Health: A Genetic Counselor Explains | EP239
You eat the yogurt, take the probiotic and sit in the sauna. You still feel off. Genetic testing may help explain why some of the healthy habits you trust may be working against your body.
Amy Sherman sits down with Natalie Samson, a Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor and founder of Golden Genetics, on this week’s Wellness Junkies. Natalie shares the story of a patient who spent thousands of dollars on gut specialists and supplements before genetic testing revealed a possible reason for her symptoms. Some of the habits she counted as healthy were part of the problem. Natalie also walks through her four-P framework and how it can support better health and quality of life as you age.
If you live with vestibular migraine, Natalie describes the genetic patterns her clinic has observed and the research she has underway. She breaks down why mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and POTS so often show up together, and why other connective tissue disorders belong on the list to rule out. Amy and Natalie then get into the MTHFR gene, the B12 timing mistake that kept one patient awake at night and why a single test can guide your choices for years.
Press play for wellness tips built around your own DNA. You will hear what genetic testing can tell you, what it cannot, and the three supplement basics Natalie suggests most people consider before they chase the next trend.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Meet Genetic Counselor Natalie Samson
01:29 How Her Father’s Diagnosis Shaped Her Practice
06:21 How Genetic Testing Works From Home
08:51 The Four Ps and a Probiotic Surprise
13:07 Proactive, Preventative and Precise Care Explained
19:52 Vestibular Migraine, hEDS, MCAS and POTS Patterns
26:03 Can Your Genes Change Over Time
31:28 Nature Versus Nurture in Your DNA
33:33 Supplement Basics, MTHFR and Methylated B12
39:57 Iced Matcha, Detox Patches and Micro Breaks
About Natalie Samson:
Natalie is an integrative board-certified genetic counselor dedicated to advancing healthcare through personalized, proactive, and integrative genetics-care. She earned her master’s degree in human genetics and genetic counseling from Keck Graduate Institute and has completed additional certification programs in integrative healthcare, nutrigenomics, and functional medicine. She founded her private practice, Golden Genetics, to bring a holistic, evidence-based approach to genetic counseling and testing. Her work focuses on whole-person, deeply personalized care, using genetics as a starting point to guide prevention, lifestyle, and long-term health planning for her patients.
Connect with Natalie Samson:
Natalie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneticswithnatalie/
Golden Genetics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengeneticshealth/
Website: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/
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About Wellness Junkies:
Wellness Junkies is a relatable wellbeing, beauty, and lifestyle brand founded by sisters-in-law Amy Sherman and Katie Chandler. They explore and explain beauty, skincare, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and more with an approachable style aimed at helping everyone achieve a lifestyle to help you feel your best.
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