Nutrigenomics is the science that studies how nutrients interact with our genes. Nutrigenomic testing enables us to look in detail at our DNA, so we can understand our unique personal health ‘blueprint’. Small but important differences in our genetic make-up, known as SNPs’, where one letter in the DNA code is different, can considerably affect how external factors, such as food and environment, can influence certain biological processes in the body which can have significant impact on our health – from hormones to the cardiovascular system to mental health and much more.
Results from testing can be used to create highly personalised diet and lifestyle plans informing you about your everyday decisions to help proactively optimise your health. Depending on your chosen report factors that nutrigenomic testing can provide insight into include:
- Hormone imbalance and menopause symptoms.
- Weight management, blood sugar regulation and metabolism.
- Digestive health and food tolerance.
- Detoxification and clearance of toxins – including alcohol and caffeine.
- Your individual nutrient needs.
- Methylation status – which acts as a crucial regulator of gene expression, detoxification and neurotransmitter synthesis, impacting almost every part of health.
How does Nutrigenomic testing work?
The DNA sampled for nutrigenomic testing requires a simple swab of the inside of your mouth, this is sent off to the lab for analysis and the results are usually available within a few weeks. You will then have an appointment made with me to go through your results.
How accurate is the testing?
Nutrigenomic testing is highly accurate in identifying specific genetic variations, however these results only show your potential for certain health outcomes, or how likely your body is to respond to certain foods or environments. Importantly though, just because your body is prone to something doesn’t mean that it’s a given.
Which genetic testing company do you work with?
The company I work with is Lifecode Gx® a British company which is a leader in the field of genetic testing. Detailed information and plans are provided for each report including:
- Personalised colour coded pathways showing easy to understand summaries of genetic results
- Personalised action plans, with specific advice on food, lifestyle and nutrient changes to optimise health
- Identification of genetic tendencies that affect how we respond to our environment.
What do the reports look at?
Below is a list of the reports offered by Lifecode Gx®:
- Nutrient core report – This foundational test analyses how gene variants can affect food tolerance (and intolerance), appetite control and blood sugar balance, vitamin and mineral needs, detoxification ability, and susceptibility to inflammation and infection.
- Metals and Minerals Report – This foundational test analyses how gene variants can affect the absorption, distribution and excretion of metals and minerals, impacting their balance and status in the body.Whilst essential minerals are necessary in adequate amounts for health, excessive intake and accumulation can be detrimental. Additionally, environmental heavy metals are toxic to humans and pose serious health risks.
- Metabolics Report – Metabolism refers to all cellular chemical reactions and is essential for life. It can be divided into ‘anabolism’ (‘build up’ e.g synthesis of sugars, fats, proteins and nucleic acids) and catabolism (‘break down’ e.g., releasing energy in the form of ATP). These processes, and the balance between them, are the key to healthy energy metabolism and cellular function.The Metabolics Report transforms our understanding of how genes confer metabolic individuality and underpin energy regulation, longevity and healthspan.
- Hormones Report – Steroid hormones are a group of hormones derived from cholesterol that act as chemical messengers in the body. They are involved in the regulation of many physiological processes in both men and women, such as the development and function of the reproductive system, metabolism, inflammation and immune system.
- Methylation Report – Methylation is the process of adding methyl groups, consisting of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms, to other molecules. It is involved in almost every metabolic process in the body, occurring billions of times every second in our cells and contributing to numerous crucial functions.
- Histamine Intolerance Report – Histamine has many functions: as a neurotransmitter, communicating messages to and from the brain and nervous system; triggering the release of stomach acid to help digestion; and it can also be released after stress, injury or allergic reaction as part of the body’s immune response.
- Detoxification Report – Detoxification is the physiological removal of toxic substances from the human body. It is mainly carried out by the liver, and to a lesser extent the small intestine, kidneys and lungs. Substances such as nutrients, food additives, pesticides, medications, air pollutants, alcohol and hormones are transformed from being fat-soluble to water-soluble, allowing them to be more easily excreted from the body. The process occurs in two major phases: Phase I primes toxic molecules for deactivation and Phase II finishes the deactivation and prepares for elimination.
- Nervous System Report – The nervous system supports the transmission of messages around the mind and body, enabling an individual to respond to their environment. A neurotransmitter is a molecule that carries signals between neurons and across nerve junctions (synapses). Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood a neuron will fire a signal, while inhibitory neurotransmitters have the opposite effect. In order for us to interact effectively with our environment these must remain in balance.
- APOE Report – The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is best known for its role in lipid (fat) metabolism by helping to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. It can exist in three main forms known as E2, E3 and E4.
- Thyroid Balance Report – The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that produces two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. Thyroid hormones control the metabolism of almost every cell in the body, with wide-ranging metabolic, developmental and cardiovascular effects.
- Athlete Report – DNA sequencing has opened the door to personalised approaches to health and fitness, enabling a more intelligent approach to training, recovery and performance. In this report, we present elements of your unique DNA profile that have been shown to affect athletic performance.
Which report should I have?
You can have a singe or a multiple number of reports, any of which can be carried out as part of one of my programmes (at an additional cost) or as a stand alone test. If you require a stand alone test this will involve a discovery call, click here to book a discovery call, to decide which report(s) are suitable for you followed by completion of the Comprehensive Health and Nutrition questionnaire, which provides the context needed to understand how these genes (SNPs) are affecting your current health. Once the report is compiled you will then have a consultation scheduled with me to discuss the findings.
Does Nutrigenomic testing tell me if I am going to get a disease such as cancer?
No – nutrigenomic testing will not tell you if you are going to get cancer – it is not a diagnostic tool for predicting cancer or chronic disease development. What is does is provide a personalised “roadmap” to reduce risks through personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes, focusing on optimising health rather than predicting disease.
