Guest Post
The answer to all your problems including weight management can be well within you – In fact, in your DNA. These invisible sequences that code your life can also decode the solutions for some of the health related troubles. In the modern age, where obesity and the associated diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (elevated blood-pressure) have become so common, the onus of maintaining a healthy body lies on us, the food we pick off the supermarket shelf and our lifestyle. Combating obesity requires 2-fold plan: diet and exercise. However, are all type of diet good for you? This article details the need to understand your body through the prism of DNA and accordingly choose the diet plan. A DNA test can help to determine the efficiency of the body to metabolize certain food items causing reduction in weight. Your genes could explain your many failed diets and unsuccessful weight loss programs.
Genes are involved in the regulation of energy in the body, appetite as well as fat and carbohydrate metabolism. About 80% of the variance in the body weight can be attributed to the genetic factors. This also answers why not everyone is obese even though they may be exposed to similar lifestyle patterns. Genetics can determine the susceptibility of an individual to gain weight and how a person can respond to the diet and exercise regime he may be exposed to.
A Ray of Hope-Nutrigenomics:
The modern lifestyle which is both sedentary and stressful is a fertile ground for development of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. All in all, office jobs leave most of sitting down for long periods and happy to plonk ourselves on the sofa and then head to bed.
A brand new field, nutrigenomics which links genes with nutrition has emerged. It helps us to understand those genes that control hormone levels, enzyme levels and metabolism levels in an individual. Nutrigenomics can also help to prevent the disease as well as mitigate the risk of their onset. More information about nutrigenomics can be found here.
DNA Diet test involves the understanding of 13 genes that impacts metabolism in the body. These genes are associated with body weight, and BMI (body mass index). The reports of the test can provide the insight to the type of diet that best suits your body and the changes, if any needed in your exercise regimen.
How it works?
For the test, DNA sampling is done. In the lab, the DNA is analysed for single nucleotide polymorphism and mutations. Some of the altered genes that are analysed are mentioned below:
- FABP2 gene that encodes the protein which is found in small intestine epithelial cells, influencing the fat absorption.
- Protein encoded by PPARG gene is expressed in the fat cells, playing key role in the formation of fat cells.
Once the gene that has been altered is recognized, the report is generated and life-style modifications are recommended accordingly.
Types of diet:
DNA-based diets can be low-fat, low-carbohydrate or balanced.
- Low Fat diet: This type of diet is recommended to individuals who have low energy levels and high LDL cholesterol levels with a family history of heart disease. Avoid fatty foods, refined sugars and carbohydrates for this regimen.
- Low Carb diet: People who have central obesity with high blood-pressures and triglycerides levels, low carb-diet can be a boon. By losing just 10% of the weight, you can see a dramatic improvement in the state of your body. You must limit the intake of carbohydrates especially starchy potatoes, and refined bread. Adding lean protein to the diet is also a favourable option.
- Balanced diet: If you have family history of diabetes or heart disease and frequent indigestion or constipation, balanced diet is recommended.
