Ever since the successful discovery of the entire human genome sequence, scientists, doctors, and nutritionists have been able to come up with better ways to improve their patients’ health. Thanks to the Human Genome Project (HGP), people now have access to a more accurate information about their health—what they should and shouldn’t do. One phenomenal result of the HGP is the realization of nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics is the study of the relationship of one’s nutrition based on their DNA makeup. To put it simply, the goal of nutrigenomics is to help determine the reaction of your body to certain foods and drinks. With this knowledge, individuals can incorporate a personalized diet into their lifestyle.
Nutrigenomics uses your genes in order to tell which diet will work best for you. Believe it or not, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. Some people may respond well to a ketogenic diet, while others may have a higher chance of developing increased cholesterol levels while on the same diet. In most cases, people tend to lose more weight when they decrease their carbohydrate intake, but there can also be individuals who may lose more weight when they increase their intake of complex carbs.
With this revelation in fitness and nutrition, DNA testing, along with gut microbiome testing, has created quite a buzz, especially for people who desire to have a healthier lifestyle. At-home DNA and gut microbiome test kits, like the ones offered by My Psomagen, have been the go-to for many people to discover which types of foods are best for them to eat.
If you’re debating whether or not taking the test is right for you, in this article, you’ll discover how personalized nutrition through DNA testing can improve your gut health.
The Nature Of Your Gut
To gain a better perspective of how personalized nutrition works, you, first, need to understand how your gut works. The digestive tract is more than just a pipe that lets food pass through your body for nutrient absorption. In fact, the gut is such a complex system that it may as well be considered as your body’s second brain.
What makes the gut complex?
The main reason why the gut is so complex is because it houses trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. Collectively, these organisms are referred to as your gut microbiome.
You may think that to have that much bacteria in your system is bad for your health, but the truth of the matter is that there are bad bacteria and good bacteria. Bad bacteria are associated with aiding the development of diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or cancer. Good bacteria, on the one hand, are extremely important for many aspects of your health.
In the case of your gut microbiome, both good and bad bacteria can be found in your digestive tract. A healthy gut microbiome should have a diverse ecosystem of good bacteria, while an unhealthy one houses trillions of disease-contributing microbes.
Personalized Nutrition Through DNA Testing
DNA testing allows you to discover not only your heritage, but also your family’s health history. It can also predict your likelihood of acquiring certain diseases, as well as help reveal an individual’s health trait, such as the body’s metabolism.
So, what are the benefits of a DNA-based diet?
Generally speaking, adopting a diet based on your genetic makeup can provide you with a more customized and streamlined diet and exercise regimen. What this means is that your body is more capable of adapting to certain dietary changes.
A Word Of Caution
Although DNA testing can give you a better perspective of your health and allow you to take a well-informed action, nothing can ever take the place of the basics to a well-rounded health. If you want to stay fit and healthy, make sure you’re getting enough sleep—preferably six to eight hours a day—and eating your leafy greens and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals. Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your diet is also an excellent way to improve your gut health.
Regular exercise should always be a part of your diet and nutritional plan. Engaging in physical activities can reduce your risk of acquiring some of the most life-threatening diseases.
Takeaway
Over the years, DNA testing has revealed some of the most hidden secrets of the human race, including how to achieve optimal health. With this discovery, branches in biology, like nutrigenomics, have sprung out, which aims to explain how your body reacts to what you eat or drink. If you’re interested to find out which diet may or may not work based on genes, getting a genetic and microbiome test may be the right move for you.