Trying to determine what foods to eat to help you reach your fitness goals can be overwhelming. With so many diets on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one will be best for you. Nutrigenomics may be the key to finding the best foods to eat.
Nutrigenomics is a science that helps you determine an optimal meal plan based on your genes and how they interact with nutrients. Read on to find out how it can help you with weight loss, disease prevention, and general wellbeing.
What is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics determines how your genes will react to certain types of nutrition. For example, You FTO gene is related to metabolism. Variants in the gene will be telling of your body’s metabolic processes.
You can work with a dietician to find a meal routine that works best with your genetic makeup.
Nutrigenomics can also be valuable in disease prevention. Here are some examples of how they can help boost your wellness:
- If you are likely to develop high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you may choose a diet that is low in fats and sodium.
- If you eat a lot of sweets, you can create a diet that counters sweet cravings lowering your risk of diabetes.
- You can find out how your body responds to macronutrients like fat, protein, and carbohydrates to come up with a diet that’s ideal for weight loss.
- You can determine a diet that’s optimal for fat burn.
Nutrigenomic Testing
Nutrigenomic testing is as easy as swabbing the inside of your mouth. The swab is sent to a lab for testing. The lab may analyze 70 or more genes. You will get your results weeks later.
Although nutrigenomic tests are available in drug stores, you will need to work with a professional to understand your results. They will help you come up with a diet that will minimize your risk of disease and optimize your fitness levels.
Other Factors in that Affect Your Health
Genetics play a key role in your health and fitness. But it is not the only factor that weighs in.
The PREDICT 1 Study gathered data from 1000 participants, more than half of whom were twins. They ate specially designed muffins. Afterwards, testing was done to measure fat, insulin, and glucose levels in their blood.
Researchers also collected information on the participants’ exercise and sleep habits. They used stool samples to measure their gut bacteria.
Findings showed that:
- Macronutrients play a major role in blood sugar levels.
- Gut bacteria has the biggest effect on blood lipid levels.
- Genetics has a bigger impact on blood sugar levels than lipids do, but not as great of an impact as the nutrients you consume.
This indicates that genetics is only one part of what helps you reach your fitness goals. They are also affected by diet, exercise, sleep, and gut bacteria.
Conclusion
While nutrigenomics is not foolproof, it allows you to pinpoint the foods that are best for your health. It helps you come up with a plan uniquely suited to your body’s needs. It’s an effective way to lose weight, prevent disease and improve quality of life.
