You are a one-of-a-kind individual with one-of-a-kind health and wellness requirements. How do you know what to eat? A diet that works for someone else might not work for you (or vice versa). Nonetheless, you read so many “blanket” recommendations on what to eat or which supplements to take that you question how much of it pertains to you specifically. You may be able to drink coffee in the evening without experiencing any sleep problems, but you have a horrible sensitivity to gluten (a protein in wheat). Perhaps you require more folate (vitamin B9) than others, but sodium has less of an impact on your blood pressure.
What’s more, guess what? There are genes—and variants of genes—that can explain why you’re different. And today, thanks to recent scientific and technological advancements, there is a better approach to figure out what nutrition and lifestyle choices you need to thrive than the traditional method of following recommendations for the “average person” and seeing how it works for you as an individual. This possibility for tailored (or “precision”) nutrition is based on a rapidly growing field of research that looks for some of your special demands in your DNA. Imagine what you could do if you had the knowledge of which diets, foods, or nutrients you should prioritize and which won’t make a difference to you in the first place.
We’re discussing the field of nutrigenomics. It’s a mix of nutrition and genetics that helps you choose the meals and nutrients you need more of depending on your genetic profile.
What is nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is a fast-evolving field that studies the connections between nutrition (the foods and nutrients required for good health) and genomics (how the DNA encoded in your genes acts in your body). It’s a type of individualized nutrition that considers how your unique genetic makeup influences the nutrients you require. Nutrigenomics is a high-tech method of personalizing nutrition advice for a specific person based on their genetic makeup.
This is how your genes function. You were born with a set of genes that your parents passed down to you (half from each parent). Your “genetic code” is unique to you. Siblings (except for identical twins), from the same parents, share certain resemblances yet they are still genetically distinct individuals. You and your siblings may have different hair and eye colors, as well as varying heights. Your genes are responsible for all of these peculiarities.
Each gene is a strand of DNA that codes for a specific protein. That’s why you have thousands of genes: to keep you alive and healthy, your body needs thousands of proteins to perform all of its cellular and molecular functions. Each gene has a number of different variants. You may be genetically predisposed to high (or low) cholesterol levels or resistance (or easier ability) to losing weight, for example. Perhaps you have a lesser (or higher) ability to utilize folate (vitamin B9) but are susceptible to coffee or high sodium levels (or aren’t). You’re also highly unlikely (or quite probable) to get celiac disease.
What if you didn’t know? By undergoing a thorough genetic test to check for differences in all of those (and other) genes.
It doesn’t end there, though. Your genes control metabolism, inflammation, hormones, stress response, moods, detoxification, weight, fitness, cognition, and your ability to absorb important nutrients from foods and supplements, among other things.
Consider how you could adjust your eating and lifestyle choices if you understand which areas you, as a unique individual, should prioritize and which you shouldn’t.
How can nutrigenomics help improve your health?
Let’s look at some instances to demonstrate what you can achieve when you understand your unique gene profile and use precision nutrition.
Susceptible to elevated cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. This is due in part to the way your genes enable your body to metabolize fats. If you knew you had genetic variations that made you more susceptible to elevated cholesterol, you could eat more plant-based meals, heart-healthy fats, and higher-fiber foods.
Resistance to losing weight
Consider finding out if your genes play a role in your ability to reduce weight. If this is the case, you can be more flexible with your weight-loss objectives and use cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness to assist you.
Lower ability to use folate (vitamin B9)
Green leafy vegetables and beans are high in folate. Supplementation is frequently suggested for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If your genes code for a reduced ability to use folate, you may need to eat more folate-rich foods or take a supplement to ensure that you obtain enough folate to compensate for your reduced ability to use it.
Not very sensitive to caffeine
Caffeine can be metabolized (processed and eliminated) faster in some persons than in others. If you know you’re a “rapid caffeine metabolizer,” you may be able to enjoy caffeine without worrying about some of the usual negative effects that “slow caffeine metabolizers” experience more frequently.
Not very sensitive to high levels of sodium
Sodium is found in salt, and too much sodium can raise blood pressure. Some people, on the other hand, are more sensitive to salt than others.
Very unlikely to develop celiac disease
If you don’t have stomach symptoms and aren’t at risk of developing celiac disease, you may not need to avoid gluten (a protein commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley).
Remember, these are just a few examples of how genetic variants might affect your health and wellness, as well as how you can strategically address them to achieve your health goals.
Nutrigenomic testing is now widely available. It’s never been easier to answer the question, “What should I consume to optimize my health based on my genes?”
Bottom Line
Science is rapidly unraveling the mysteries of the human genome, providing you with a unique opportunity to achieve optimal health through a personalized strategy based on your genes. There is a genetic test that examines dozens of health-related genes to determine which portions of your body will be naturally healthier and which would require further attention. You are one of a kind.
Consult a registered dietitian if you’re interested in learning more about nutrigenomics and being smart about where to make targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes that will work for you. They can help you get your test done, go over the results with you, and work with you to develop a strategic plan to meet your personal health goals. In fact, I recently became a 3×4 Blueprint certified healthcare practitioner and would love to assist you in determining what’s going on with your body and assisting you in being the healthiest version of yourself that only you can be.
Are you perplexed as to why some of your health efforts appear to be difficult while others appear to be simple? Do you want to discover which meals, nutrients, or lifestyle changes will have the most impact on your life? Do you want a tailored nutrition plan based on your genes that you can be sure will be worth your time and effort? Make an appointment with me right now to see if my product, program, or service can assist you.
Or if you already know that you are ready to take the next step in your health journey, order your test today.
To join my mailing list to receive free recipes and nutrition tips, click here. You will also receive a free gift just for signing up!
Style Your Diet 