DNA-Based Diet

Introduction

Nowadays, you can find various eating programs on the internet. Some of them aim at health improvement, and others focus on weight loss or gaining mass. However, there is no diet that can be suitable for everyone. Therefore, scientists invented a kind of “personalized eating program” determined by the information collected from DNA and blood analysis. It is called a DNA-based diet. Such an eating plan is also beneficial since it considers possible intolerances and allergies.
The DNA-based eating program claims to help people to avoid wasting time searching for the ideal eating plan since classic diets cannot work the same for all body types, genetic predispositions, etc. Using DNA, researchers have explored how a diet can be customized based on each gene in one’s body.
The DNA test provides information that helps to understand how your body will respond to different dietary patterns. Along with nutritional recommendations for weight-gain or weight-loss effects, the DNA-based eating program contributes to the prevention of certain diet-related diseases.

Key points

Nutrigenomics is a scientific field that explores the relationships between health, genes, and nutrition. Using that knowledge, we can boost activity in our “good” genes and suppress activity in our “bad” genes depending on what we eat and drink. As studies showed, genetic factors are responsible for the excess weight of around 70% of overweight people. Along with excess weight, genetic factors play a role in the development of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, as well as cholesterol, and sugar-related diseases. Knowing the genetic composition of a person, scientists can pick up the nutritional plan suitable for the individual.
If you want to try the DNA-based diet, the first thing you need to do is to undergo a clinical test. The specialist must evaluate your health condition and explain to you the results of your DNA test in detail.
An expert analyzes the patient’s DNA for certain genes that may show up in his or her genetic makeup. Depending on the presence of specific genes, the person can respond to dietary and workout recommendations differently. Therefore, after analyzing your DNA test results, the specialists can establish a nutrition program and lifestyle changes based on your goals. It may include workout recommendations, changing the protein and lipid composition in your diet, and supplement suggestions. The specialist will also take into account any possible intolerances and allergies based on your DNA test results.

Contraindications

People with diabetes should avoid following the DNA-based diet.

How to avoid possible nutritional deficiencies

This diet has no possible risk of deficiency since the DNA-based eating plan considers individual preferences in macro- and micronutrients.
In addition, the information received from the DNA test may include recommendations on what supplements you should consider taking.

Conclusion

Even though no single diet is appropriate for all individuals, determining whether to recommend these diet plans remains a challenge for dieticians. The DNA-based diet is not such a “personalized eating program” as the creators claim since genes account for only 5-10% of diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
If you want to boost your health and/or gain or lose weight, the best choice is to eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet such as the Mediterranean or Nordic diet, as well as add workout and healthy habits to your lifestyle.