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CHENNAI: Are you likely to succeed or fail on a ketogenic diet? When it comes to losing weight, is exercise more effective than diet choices? Your genes may hold the answer to these questions. Genetic analysis contributes to a growing field of nutritional medicine that offers personalized nutrition plans based on nutrigenomics to help people make more informed choices about their lifestyle and health.
What is nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the study of how genes and diet (nutrients) interact. Gene variants (genetic differences) predict how a person’s body will respond to certain nutrients. For example, variants of the FTO gene directly affect your metabolism, energy expenditure and energy balance, and weight. FTO gene variants determine how your body metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Knowing this in advance, under the guidance of a nutritionist, you can select an eating plan that works well according to your genetics. Nutrigenomic test results help us make better daily nutritional decisions. For example, your genetic variant may indicate that you are more likely to:
- Develop high blood pressure or cholesterol: Knowing this can help prevent these conditions from occurring. For example, you can reduce your intake of sodium and saturated fat.
- Candy Cravings: Make a game plan to control your cravings and avoid overeating. You may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes by following these results.
- Shaking When You Drink Caffeine: You now know why you feel shaky after drinking caffeine. You may feel inspired to ignore it forever.
- Lose weight with a high-protein diet: Knowing how your body responds to macronutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates gives you the confidence to follow a personalized nutrition plan.
- Burn More Fat With Strength Training or Cardio: Focus on the most efficient fat burning system for faster results.
How do nutrigenomic tests work?
Nutrigenomics DNA testing is done by swabbing the inside of your mouth or your saliva. These are sent to a lab for analysis, and you get the results a few weeks later. There are 70 or more genes that can be analyzed at once.
How can nutrigenomics affect your diet?
With nutrigenomics, you can determine which parts of your diet can impact your health and reduce risk of disease. An example is high blood pressure. It’s one thing to know if it runs in your family, but it’s another to see a strong genetic sign. Even if you have the variant, that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. This is where nutrigenomics can be empowering. With the help of a nutritionist, you can develop an actionable plan, such as: B. Lowering sodium levels to lead a healthier life.
Is nutrigenomics the future of nutrition?
Personalized nutritional advice tailored to your genetics, preferences and disposition may replace one-size-fits-all advice in the future. Genetic tendencies are predictions, not guarantees. Nutrigenomics cannot eliminate all trial and error, nutrition, supplementation, and exercise routines. But the benefit of nutrigenomics is that it gives you a more targeted approach to determining what steps you can take to start feeling better.
(The author is the preventive healthcare specialist and joint managing director at Indus Health Plus)
