Genetic Testing for Nutrition

Genetic Testing for Nutrition made its debut in the early 2000’s with the promise of helping people refine their health habits with more personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations. These tests search for SNP’s (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within your genetic code. We have millions of SNP’s in our code and most of them don’t actually make an impact on how our body works, but some do. These tests look at the SNP’s that are associated with variations nutrient metabolism, health, weight management, physical activity, and much more! There is much more research now to back up the recommendations given through these genetic results and I just love helping my clients sort through them.

If you have had Ancestry or 23 and Me done you do not need to do an additional genetic test. All you need to do is request the “RAW data” from the company you had your test done through. I have access to a database where I input the raw data and it translates the data into usable personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations for you! It can be super motivating to know that the recommendations you are following are specific for your body! Now that is what I call taking care of yourself well.

Read more about the science behind genetic testing for nutrition.

What you will learn

Vitamins and Minerals

Do you have genetic variants that require more of certain nutrients or different forms of nutrients (vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, iron, zinc, folate, choline, and omega-3’s)?

Detoxification

Does your body’s detox systems work as they should or is there a variant that limits detox (environmental, estrogens, caffeine)? What foods should you increase to help your body detox?

Weight Management

Do you have a trait causing you to enjoy snacks between meals? Knowing this can help us understand if we should include snacks in your plan. Does your metabolism do well with a high protein diet or a more plant-based diet? Do you have a variant that makes eating more monounsaturated fat beneficial for weight management? Do you have decreased adiponectin? This is a hormone that maintains healthy glucose and fat levels. If so, a Mediterranean diet may be beneficial for you. I can also help you find yummy recipes to help support this goal, like these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls.

Heart Health

Do you have a variant that makes you more likely to have heart disease with high saturated fat (animal fat) intake? Are you salt sensitive? What impact does exercise have on your HDL levels?

GI Health

Would a low-histamine diet benefit your gut health or lower inflammation for you? Do you have higher risk of lactose and gluten intolerance? Are you at high risk for microbial imbalances in the gut? If so, there are some recommendations with diet that will be helpful. For example: limiting added sugars and consuming probiotics daily.

Cognitive Health and Memory

Are you sensitive to stimulants? Does your brain function differ in stressful situations? Do you have variants that would put you at risk for serotonin deficiency? If so, there are some foods higher in serotonin that you can include before you sleep to help you relax. Do you have a variant that limits Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor? If so, an increase in mono and polyunsaturated fats will be beneficial. Do you have a variant in dopamine receptor function? If so, this can give us clues in how to change your diet to use this to your advantage to get more satisfaction from your food choices.

Immune Health

This section checks immune activator genes to see if you have any compromised immunity. If so, there are specific foods that can help you increase your immune function like cruciferous vegetables.

Energy and Fitness

What exercises are best for your body? Strength and power, endurance or aerobics? A Combination? Do you have increased risk of tendon or ligament injury? How does your exercise influence your body fat? How likely are you to be sore after a workout? Does exercise help your body metabolize glucose?

Glucose metabolism

Does your body struggle to metabolize glucose? If so, increased fiber and healthy fats can help.

If any of these questions and answers sound intriguing to you, don’t wait! The information you will get in our consultation visit will be well worth it. I hope to see you soon!