The Benefits of Genetic Testing for Health
Would you love to personalize your health and nutrition through DNA testing?
Do you get scared off by the fear of the potential of disease diagnosis?
I’m hoping this blog will officially put your fears of DNA testing to rest.
DNA testing is super popular these days.
I know there are plenty of folks out there who are too scared to try it.
The main concern I hear is that people couldn’t endure knowing if they have a disease or illness, based on their genes.
Well, good news!
DNA testing for personalized health, fitness, and nutrition is not meant to diagnose disease.
Glad that’s over with. Do you feel better? Good.
Now, let’s dig into what DNA health testing actually does.
DNA health testing focuses specifically on “modifier” genes.
These relate to the interaction between diet and the genome (our DNA).
When we dig into these genetics, we can unlock a ton of information about our health.
The science of how specific genes change in our body in response to dietary components enables us to use nutrition to its fullest potential.
This information helps us enhance our nutrition to prevent, manage, or improve various risk factors and health issues.
It’s been shown that personalized diets can optimize an individual’s nutrition and empower them to focus on preventing conditions linked to diet.
Different versions of a gene can make us respond differently to certain components in food.
All bodies respond differently to things like lactose in milk (hello, lactose intolerance!), the gluten in bread, and the caffeine in our morning coffee.
You might have already known that if you’re the person at the table who orders cauliflower crust pizza.
But, did you know that everyone’s body also reacts differently to carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals found in various foods?
Yes, we are all that different.
In fact, a few years ago, I wrote a blog all about coffee.
The most interesting thing I discovered was that coffee is really good… for some of us.
That morning cup of joe is NOT great for others.
There was so much contradictory evidence out there, and now I know why.
Because of our CYP1A2 gene and the type of variant that each of us carries.
What does science say?
The CYP1A2 gene produces an enzyme called the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), which is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down caffeine in your body.
So what about it?
Well, variations in the CYP1A2 gene affect the rate at which caffeine is broken down, which determines the impact of caffeine on heart health.
Individuals who possess the GA or AA variant of CYP1A2 metabolize caffeine more slowly and may be at greater risk of high blood pressure and heart attack when caffeine intake is too high.
If you have the GG variant, you actually have a lower risk of heart disease if you consume a moderate amount of coffee compared to drinking no coffee at all.
Wild, right?
So, yes, there are those who benefit from an everyday morning coffee!
There you have it.
Coffee can be good or bad for you, depending on your specific genetics.
You can either be a slow or fast caffeine metabolizer.
This is important! Why?
Well, if your body isn’t suited for high caffeine intake it’s unwise to drink more than two small cups per day.
Wouldn’t you love to know which category you fall under?
Fun fact: I know I’m a slow metabolizer, thanks to DNA testing.
Now, I’ve adjusted my coffee intake to improve my overall wellness.
I get to enjoy my cup of joe while maintaining my cardiovascular health.
And the best part? I sleep like a baby now!
Can you say “winning”?
Another great example is the vitamin B12:
B12 is important for normal brain and nervous system functioning.
It also helps to keep blood cells healthy and prevents a specific type of anemia (megaloblastic anemia), which can make you feel very weak and tired.
Being deficient in B12 is also associated with pale skin and irritability (hello, mood swings!)
Research shows that some individuals are at a greater risk than others for B12 deficiency, based on the FUT2 gene.
Since animal products are the primary sources of B12, those following a vegetarian diet are at a greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Knowing this information helps us understand when B12 supplements may be beneficial for improving health!
Lastly, what about weight management?
The FTO gene is also known as the “fat mass and obesity-associated gene”.
This gene can impact weight management and body composition.
This gene controls the metabolic rate, energy expenditure, and energy balance.
With certain variants of the FTO gene, research shows that specific dietary and physical activity recommendations can substantially help with weight loss and weight maintenance.
Have you ever tried a diet or exercise routine and felt like you’ve gotten nowhere?
That’s because one-size-fits-all dieting is a complete guessing game!
You need to know your individual body and genetics to truly succeed!
If you have the TT or TA variant of the FTO gene, you’ll benefit from consuming a moderate to a high amount of protein to help with weight management.
Is there evidence to support nutritional changes based on genetic testing results?
All science points to yes!
Research shows that unveiling genetic information for personalized nutrition does, in fact, lead to more beneficial changes in dietary habits when compared to general dietary advice.
THE REALITY IS: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!
It doesn’t work with clothing (we’ve all been there) and it definitely won’t work when it comes to your health.
But you knew that already, didn’t you?
You just needed to re-affirm your beliefs, which is why you’re still reading!
So, now what?
Wouldn’t you love to know which type of activity and nutrition will yield the best possible outcome for you, based on your individual genetics?
You might be wasting your time running on the treadmill for 45 minutes when your body would actually benefit more from short bouts of 10-minute activity.
What about fat consumption? Or carbs?
Some folks metabolize carbs better and don’t have to worry about a low-carb diet, whereas some do better with a higher fat intake!
If you’d like to learn more with no strings attached, I encourage you to book a FREE call with me here.
I can walk you through the process and explain everything you need to know!
If you’re already convinced and ready to truly understand your body and your personal needs, let’s get started!
Check out my Genetic Testing and Personalized Nutrition Service package to get started on personalizing your nutrition plan!
“Positive health requires a knowledge of man’s primary constitution and the powers of various food, both natural and resulting from human skill”
– Hippocrates (480BC)
Even Hippocrates understood the importance of genetic testing!
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