Eating for Your Genes

‍

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Power of Personalised Nutrition
3. Optimising Health with Personalised Nutrition
4. A Step-By-Step guise to eating for your genes
5. Conclusion
   ‍

In 30 seconds.. The blog highlights the importance of understanding your genetic blueprint for making informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, and supplement choices. By taking a DNA Health Test, individuals can uncover potential gaps in nutrient intake, tailor their meal plans and choose the right supplements based on their unique needs. The blog provides a step-by-step guide on how to start eating for your genes and optimize your health, emphasizing the importance of regularly monitoring progress and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in personalized health.

‍

Discovering Your Unique Genetic Blueprint

It's no secret that each person is unique, and our individuality extends far beyond our appearance and personality. Deep within the cells of our bodies lies our genetic blueprint - a set of instructions that determines everything from our eye color to our predisposition to certain health conditions. By taking a DNA Health Test, we can unlock the secrets of our genetic code and use that information to make more informed decisions about our nutrition, exercise, and supplement choices.

However, it's not just our DNA that influences our health. Epigenetics, the study of how external factors can affect gene expression, plays a crucial role in our well-being. The interplay between our DNA and our environment creates a highly personalised picture of our health, making a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and fitness obsolete.

‍

The Power of Personalised Nutrition

The field of nutrigenomics, which explores the relationship between our genes, nutrition, and health, has made significant advancements in recent years. This has led to a greater understanding of how our genetic makeup can impact our dietary needs and preferences.

For example, the LCT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lactase, which is important as it helps us digest lactose. Some people have a certain variation of the LCT gene which causes issues when digesting lactose making it essential for them to seek out alternative sources of calcium. 

Another example is the TF and TMPRSS6 gene, both play a role in regulating iron levels in the body. Certain variations of the TF and TMPRSS6 genes can make it hard for an individual to absorb iron from their diet. By taking a DNA test, individuals can uncover these nuances in their genetic code and adjust their diets accordingly.

Another factor to consider is how your body can react to certain food groups, carbohydrates being just one of them. The gene of interest here is the ADRB2 gene which is involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism, certain variations in this gene can impact how sensitive your body is to insulin, which is quite important to know as insulin resistance i.e insensitivity can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Without understanding your genes you may formulate a meal plan which neglects to take your unique genes into account, possibly leaving you deficient in certain areas. If meal plans aren’t your thing then just understanding your unique genes can help you make more educated decisions at meal time.

‍

Optimising Health with Personalised Supplements

Our genetic code can also offer insights into which supplements might be most beneficial for our overall health. Some people may have genetic variations that lead to lower levels of specific vitamins or minerals, making supplementation necessary to avoid deficiencies.

By analysing their DNA, individuals can identify these potential gaps in their nutrient intake and choose supplements that cater to their unique needs:

For example the CYP2R1 gene helps the body convert vitamin D to its active form within the body, certain variations of this gene can be linked to reduce activation and increase risk of deficiency. Armed with this information someone with this variation may benefit from supplementation.

The NBPF3 gene plays a role in regulating vitamin B6 in our bodies and certain variations of this gene have been shown to have lower levels of B6 in their blood compared to those without. This could prompt the use of a vitamin B6 supplement.

‍

Putting It All Together: A Step-By-Step Guide to eating for your genes

Below is a step by step guide on how you could start eating for your genes, and begin the journey to improved health.

Step 1: Take a Kokora DNA Health Test 

The first step in your journey to personalised health is to take a DNA Health Test. Our tests look at risks of deficiencies in 13 key vitamins, covering, iron and B6. We analyse multiple different genes and use existing research to provide a risk of deficiency level in each area. We can also provide a better understanding of how your body responds to certain food groups such as protein and sugar. The results are sent straight to the Kokora app where you can find them in our easy to use dashboard.

Step 2: Analyse Your Test Results

Once you receive your test results, take the time to review them carefully. You may wish to consult with a genetic counselor or a qualified health professional to help you interpret the findings, however the Kokora app provides a comprehensive breakdown of each result so you’ll left with more answers than questions.

Step 3: Create a Personalised Nutrition Plan

Included with the test is a personalised meal plan which is generated from both the results of your DNA test and your personal preferences and health goals. This can be used as your guide moving forward when considering what meals to cook and what food to order at the restaurant.
‍

Step 5: Choose Personalised Supplements

Its easy to get bogged down in supplement advice and make you feel like you need every supplement you can find which can end up in taking a handful of tablets a day out some of which you may not need. The results of your DNA test can provide you with the information you need to start tailoring your supplement regime instead of grabbing everything your bank account can handle. But always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate supplements, dosages, and forms to meet your unique needs.

Step 6: Monitor Your Progress and Adjust as Needed

As you implement your personalised nutrition plan, regularly monitor how you’re feeling and if what you are doing is sustainable, remember it's a lifestyle not a crash diet. If you find yourself getting bored of your meals, consult the Kokora app and choose a new meal to cook or take a look at your results and create one yourself! Keep in mind that your genetic and epigenetic information is just one piece of the puzzle, and it's essential to consider other factors, such as stress levels, sleep quality, and overall lifestyle, when evaluating your health and making adjustments.

Step 7: Stay Informed and Up-to-Date

The field of genetics and epigenetics is constantly evolving, with new research and discoveries emerging all the time. Stay informed about the latest developments in personalised health and be open to adjusting your approach based on new information and insights.

Conclusion

By following these steps and incorporating your genetic and epigenetic information into your health plan, you can unlock your full potential and optimise your well-being. Remember, the journey to personalised health is a lifelong process, and it's never too late to start making changes that align with your unique genetic blueprint. So, embrace the power of your DNA, and take control of your health today!

‍