Search Weight Loss Topics:

Home » Diets that Work » How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Choosing what to eat and the steps you need take to achieve your health goals can be overwhelming. With so many diets out there and numerous experts who all have different opinions, how can you determine whatll work for you? Nutrigenomics provides some clarity.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy

Nutrigenomics is a way to zoom in on what will help you reach your goals based on what we know about your genes and how they interact with the food you eat, says registered dietitian Devon Peart, MHSc, BASc, RD.

Peart explains how the latest in personalized nutrition works and how it may help promote weight loss, disease prevention, athletic performance and more.

Nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics is the study of how genes and nutrition interact, Peart says. Variants (differences) in your genes predict how your body will likely respond to certain nutrients.

For instance, variants on your FTO gene are related to metabolism, energy expenditure and energy balance; they impact weight management and body composition. Your FTO gene variants reveal how your body metabolizes fat and protein. With guidance from a dietitian, you can use that knowledge to choose an eating plan that works well with your genetic makeup.

The results from nutrigenomic testing can help inform your everyday decisions. For example, your genetic variants may signal that youre more likely to:

The DNA test for nutrigenomics is a simple swab of the inside of your mouth. Thats sent off to a lab for analysis, and you get the results a few weeks later. Labs may analyze 70 or more different genes.

Nutrigenomic testing is based on science and is very accurate, Peart says. Keep in mind that the results show your potential for health conditions or how your body will likely respond to nutrients. But just because youre genetically prone to something doesnt mean its a given.

Several companies sell direct-to-consumer genetic tests, but Peart says you really need to work with a professional. Registered dietitians with training in nutrigenomics can explain the relevance of the results: what they mean for your health and how to choose foods that minimize your risk (and optimize your health) based on your specific variants.

For example, lets say you have the genetic variant associated with high levels of triglyceride (circulating fats in your blood). A dietitian can help reduce that risk by looking for ways to add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Theyre proven to lower triglyceride levels.

Nutrigenomics lets you pinpoint the parts of your diet that have the most impact on your health and can reduce disease risk factors, says Peart. Research also shows that when people have genetic information about themselves, it strengthens their motivation to work on health goals.

Take high blood pressure. Its one thing to know it runs in your family, and its another to see the solid, genetic evidence of risk. But just because you have the variant for it doesnt mean its inevitable. And thats where the empowering part of nutrigenomics comes into play. Working with a dietitian, you can create an actionable plan like looking for ways to lower sodium to live your healthiest life.

Genetics is one part of the health picture, but factors like your lifestyle and environment are key influencers, too. How much does each component contribute to how your body responds to food? Thats a question tackled in the PREDICT 1 Study.

The study gathered data from 1,000 participants, more than half of who were twins. They ate specially designed muffins, and afterward, researchers measured the levels of sugar (glucose), insulin and fat in the participants blood. They also collected information about each participants amount of exercise and sleep. From stool samples, researchers analyzed each persons gut bacteria (microbiome), too.

Here are the findings:

The bottom line: Genetics plays one part in a complex dance among factors that vary from person to person. And its possible to change many of those factors, including:

Personalized nutrition recommendations based on your genetics, preferences and predispositions may well replace one-size-fits-all advice in the future.

As people learn more about their genetic makeup, I think nutrigenomics will become a routine part of making nutrition choices, Peart says.

Genetic tendencies are forecasts, not guarantees. And nutrigenomics cant eliminate all of the trial-and-error when it comes to diet, supplements and workout routines. But nutrigenomics does give you a more targeted approach to figuring out what steps you can take to feel your best.

See the article here:
How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Your Full Name
Your Email
Your Phone Number
Select your age (30+ only)	30313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120
Select Your US State	Select Your StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington,DCWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Program Choice	Select Your ProgramInjectable HGHInjectable TestoteroneInjectable SermorelinInjectable Weight LossInjectable HCG DietInjectable Vitamins
Confirm over 30 years old	Yes
Confirm that you resident in USA	Yes
This is a Serious Inquiry	Yes
Message:

Home » Diets that Work » How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic