Nutrigenomics, The Future of Personal Health

Have you ever noticed that certain diets work differently for different people? For example, one person may see great results from a certain diet, while their friend doesn't experience any weight loss on the same plan. Or perhaps one twin has difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, but the other does not. The reason for these differences lies in our DNA and the lifestyle choices we make.

Our DNA plays a significant role in our individual characteristics and traits, including how we respond to different diets and lifestyles. Thanks to advances in genetic research, we now have the ability to use this information to our advantage, particularly when it comes to our diet. It's important to remember that we are all unique, even down to the cellular level, and this uniqueness can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.

To understand this concept a little better, here are a few definitions to know:

• Genome means the genetic material that you’re born with: your DNA. This cannot be changed -think "written in pen."
• Epigenome means the network of chemical compounds that interacts with the genome by directing which genetic material to activate or which to leave inactive—the mechanism that “turns on” or “turns off” your DNA. The epigenome is affected by personal health, diet, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle choices - think "written in pencil" - thus affecting which genetic material is active.
• Nutrigenomics is a field that combines the study of nutrition and gene expression. Scientists working in this field investigate how nutrients and other bioactive components in food affect important metabolic and physiological processes by "turning on" or "turning off" certain genes.

The ability to turn genes on and off may seem like something out of a science fiction novel, but it is a very real concept in the field of nutrigenomics. Nutrigenomics is the study of how the nutrients in the foods we eat interact with our genes to impact our health.

Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy, a leading researcher in nutrigenomics, has conducted numerous studies on this topic. For example,

• He has found that certain compounds found in broccoli can activate a gene that helps the body detoxify harmful chemicals. However, this gene is missing in about 20% of the population, meaning they won't receive this benefit.
• Similarly, creatine supplementation has been shown to improve performance and increase lean mass in some individuals, but not in others with different DNA.
• Additionally, research suggests that people with a particular gene in their liver are able to metabolize caffeine more efficiently, allowing them to benefit more from the antioxidants in coffee.

This research highlights the importance of understanding the role of genetics in our health and the potential for personalized healthcare plans based on nutrigenomics. 

If you’re interested in reading the full interview, visit www.precisionnutrition.com and search "nutrigenomics."

The field of nutrigenomics has shown that different foods and substances can affect individuals in unique ways. This is why some people may see benefits from taking creatine, while others do not. It can also explain why some people may have a harder time losing weight. Nutrigenomics research has also found that the foods we eat can affect our metabolism by influencing the genetic messages our body receives.

As described by Mark Hyman, nutrigenomics teaches us how specific foods can impact our genes and the instructions they give our body. By understanding this language and learning how to control the messages our genes send, we can alter how food interacts with our body, lose weight, and optimize our overall health.

The research in nutrigenomics has significant implications for healthcare. It can help explain why certain medications may work for some people, but not for others, or why different doses may be necessary. It also highlights the importance of considering an individual's DNA when studying the effects of nutrients, supplements, and other bioactive substances on the body.

On a personal level, nutrigenomics can provide valuable insight into what types of diet, exercise, and supplements work best for an individual. By paying attention to what works for you specifically, you can optimize your health and achieve the best results.