When health challenges later entered my life, that same curiosity turned toward the human body. What started as a personal search for answers gradually evolved into the work I do today. In hindsight, I can see that the investigative side of my personality was always there — I just didn’t yet know where it would lead.
You have a very powerful story of a time in your life that appeared without warning and shifted your focus. Can you share briefly about that time?
Several years ago I began experiencing a noticeable decline in my health — persistent brain fog, fatigue, and a sense that my body simply wasn’t functioning the way it used to. During that same period I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and underwent number surgeries and extensive radiation treatments. It was obviously a difficult time, but it also forced me to start asking deeper questions about what might have been happening in my body long before that diagnosis.
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One of the internal medicine specialists on my medical team explained that in my case the cancer was likely not the beginning of the problem, but rather the result of a body that had been under biological stress for quite some time. That was an eye opener and changed the direction of my curiosity and ultimately led me into the work I do today.
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What led you to have Medical DNA Health testing and what was the first year like? What was the most crucial thing you learned about yourself that led to a better state of health?
I wanted to understand how my body actually functioned — not just what symptoms I was experiencing. DNA health testing looks at how the body processes nutrients, handles inflammation, detoxifies, and responds to stress. When I received my results, I began to see patterns that helped explain things I had struggled with for years. The most important realization was that my body wasn’t broken — it was simply responding to how it was designed. That insight shifted my perspective completely. Instead of guessing what might help, I could begin making changes that supported how my biology actually works.
Somewhere along the way you shifted from client to helping others. What led you to embrace this new career? What exactly is a Certified DNA Health Optimization Practitioner, and how do you get certified?
After receiving my own results I became deeply curious about the science behind them. I enrolled in a certification course to learn how to properly interpret DNA health data.
A Certified DNA Health Optimization Practitioner is someone trained to analyze genetic information related to how the body functions — things like nutrient metabolism, inflammation pathways, and recovery responses — and translate that information into practical lifestyle strategies.
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I wanted to understand how my body actually functioned — not just what symptoms I was experiencing. DNA health testing looks at how the body processes nutrients, handles inflammation, detoxifies, and responds to stress. When I received my results, I began to see patterns that helped explain things I had struggled with for years. The most important realization was that my body wasn’t broken — it was simply responding to how it was designed. That insight shifted my perspective completely. Instead of guessing what might help, I could begin making changes that supported how my biology actually works.
Somewhere along the way you shifted from client to helping others. What led you to embrace this new career? What exactly is a Certified DNA Health Optimization Practitioner, and how do you get certified?
After receiving my own results I became deeply curious about the science behind them. I enrolled in a certification course to learn how to properly interpret DNA health data.
A Certified DNA Health Optimization Practitioner is someone trained to analyze genetic information related to how the body functions — things like nutrient metabolism, inflammation pathways, and recovery responses — and translate that information into practical lifestyle strategies.
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At first I was simply applying what I learned to my own health and sharing insights with friends and family. Over time more people began asking for help in getting their own DNA for Health tested, and interpreting their results, that gradually grew into the work I do today.
Can you share about the process for anyone interested in pursuing Medical DNA Health testing. How long does it take to get your results, and what happens after they arrive? How costly is this?
It’s important to understand that this kind of work is an investment. The testing itself is typically several hundred dollars, and depending on the individual, supportive nutrition or lifestyle changes may involve additional costs. But for many people the value lies in having clearer information about how their body functions.
Readers would be interested in how you have found a way to create your own system of information to help you with your work, and to keep you updated on legitimate research findings from respected sources. What is this system and how does it help you with your work?
About three years ago I began developing what I often describe as the “engine” behind my work. The reason was simple — I needed more precision. First for myself, then for my family, and eventually for the clients, practitioners, and clinics I work with. Even after years of studying my own DNA and making meaningful lifestyle changes, I was still struggling with aspects of my health. That frustration became a powerful motivator. I wanted to understand more deeply how my genetics, daily habits, and health patterns interacted, and why progress sometimes felt inconsistent.
Readers would be interested in how you have found a way to create your own system of information to help you with your work, and to keep you updated on legitimate research findings from respected sources. What is this system and how does it help you with your work?
About three years ago I began developing what I often describe as the “engine” behind my work. The reason was simple — I needed more precision. First for myself, then for my family, and eventually for the clients, practitioners, and clinics I work with. Even after years of studying my own DNA and making meaningful lifestyle changes, I was still struggling with aspects of my health. That frustration became a powerful motivator. I wanted to understand more deeply how my genetics, daily habits, and health patterns interacted, and why progress sometimes felt inconsistent.
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Rather than looking at each piece in isolation, I began developing a structured way to analyze several layers of information together — DNA results, detailed intake information, lifestyle patterns, family history, and in some cases additional testing such as inflammation balance markers. I often describe this framework as an analytical “engine.”
Its purpose is to translate complex biological information — together with lifestyle and supporting test data — into practical, highly personalized insights that people can actually apply in their everyday lives. It also helps keep my work grounded in credible research and evolving science so that the guidance I provide remains thoughtful and evidence-aware.
From this process I’m able to create structured reportsand guides, including our Signature Quick Start Guide and Precision Supplementation Guide, which translate the science into clear next steps for individuals and into actionable insights for the practitioners and clinics I collaborate with.
Anything else I didn't ask that you would like to share — where you see this heading in the future, thoughts on health, something new you have in the works?
Anything else I didn't ask that you would like to share — where you see this heading in the future, thoughts on health, something new you have in the works?
What excites me most is the potential for this kind of biological insight to reach more people. I believe understanding how your body functions should become a foundational part of how we think about health — ideally starting much earlier in life. As this field continues to evolve, I’m excited to work with more practitioners and clinics so that more people have access to this kind of information and support.
What do you do outside of your career to help you find balance and support your own health journey?
Curiosity is really the thread that runs through everything I enjoy — whether that’s food, health and wellness, different cultures, or the technologies and systems that help people live and work better. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me close to the ocean. I love sailing and cruising — being on the water has a way of resetting everything and bringing a sense of perspective that’s hard to find anywhere else.
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Movement is also a big part of my daily rhythm. Most mornings start with 20 minutes on my rebounder, fasted, just to get everything moving and set the tone for the day. I also enjoy kettlebell movements, resistance training, and getting out for long walks in the fresh sea air whenever I can.
Cooking is another passion of mine. I love discovering new recipes, sourcing great ingredients, and preparing everything carefully. The process of mise en place — organizing and preparing the ingredients before cooking — feels almost like meditation to me. Put on a little music and the whole process just flows.
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Travel has always been a big source of inspiration as well. I’m less interested in being a tourist and more interested in experiencing places through the local culture — meeting people, exploring food traditions, and becoming part of the rhythm of a place for a while.
And of course, some of the best moments are the simplest ones — spending time with John, family, and friends, sharing a good meal or going for a walk together.
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And of course, some of the best moments are the simplest ones — spending time with John, family, and friends, sharing a good meal or going for a walk together.
Is there anything else you'd like to share in closing?
When things start to feel heavy or overwhelming, that’s my signal to step away for a moment — take a breath, go for a walk, meet a friend for coffee. Those small pauses have a way of restoring clarity, and with clarity, everything feels possible again.
Link -
- Instagram - @marinagiokas
- Facebook - www.facebook.com/marina.giokas/
- Linked - www.linkedin.com/in/marinagiokas/
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