You know that old saying “you are what you eat?” Well, turns out, it’s likely true! There is a whole new scientific study called nutrigenomics that essentially focuses on how the food we eat interacts with our genes, and how it can be used to treat and prevent disease. Interesting, right? So, how does nutrigenomics work, and what does it mean for you? Let’s explore.
The Basics of Nutrigenomics
We already know how our genes work in the obvious ways. She has blue eyes, he has brown. She has dark skin, his is fair, and so on. When you stop to think about how the slightest difference in our genetics can drastically change how we look on the outside, it’s easier to understand how we can be so different on the inside as well. That’s the basis of nutrigenomics, our unique genetic makeup, how it pertains to our health, and how the food we eat affects it.
Nutrigenomics and Your Body
Understanding your genetic makeup through nutrigenomics can tell you a great deal about yourself and what you need to be the healthiest, best you. It helps identify which foods help fuel your body, and which foods slow it down, and even harm it.
Nutrigenomics can reveal:
- Food intolerances and allergies
- Metabolic efficiency (how we lose and gain weight)
- Nutrients you need to protect you against genetic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
- What type of diet you should be eating
How to Use Nutrigenomics
You can find out your unique genetic nutritional needs by taking a simple blood test. Companies like Pathway Genomics will do the genetic testing and send you a detailed report about what your DNA says about you and your nutrition. They’ll also send diet guidelines so you can use nutrigenomics to your advantage. You’ll find out what foods work best for your body type, how much exercise you need, which vitamins and nutrients you need more of (such as the ones in convenient supplement forms from Metagenics), and which foods you should avoid.
Nutrigenomics and Your Health
Learning more about how diet can affect your unique genetic makeup can be a powerful tool when it comes to disease prevention. It’s not a cure, though, you have to put in the effort and use the knowledge to your advantage. But, knowing more about how your body reacts to certain foods, and the rate at which it metabolizes them, can give you a real leg up in the quest to be the healthiest you.