In recent years, the DNA-based diet, also known as the gene diet, has become increasingly popular, especially with regard to weight loss. This is not a classic diet where calories are counted and certain foods are avoided. Rather, this diet is based on the genes associated with nutrition. After all, isn't it interesting why, for example, fast food immediately leads to weight gain in one person, while someone else maintains their weight? What is behind this? In this article, you will learn more about the new field of research called nutrigenetics, the influence of genes on nutrition and why intestinal bacteria also play a central role in metabolism.
And if you're interested in the topic and would like to find out your own metabolic type, read to the end. You'll find everything you need to know about DNA analysis and why personalized nutritional advice makes sense.
Nutrigenetics, a branch of nutrigenomics, is still a very young field of research that deals with genetic deviations that affect metabolism and nutrient requirements. In a nutshell: It investigates how genes and the ideal diet are connected. Among other things, our genes determine how our body reacts to certain foods and how nutrients - e.g. carbohydrates, fats and proteins - are absorbed and utilized. This fact also explains why there is no single recipe for success and no single diet plan. Some people achieve their goal simply and sustainably with a low carb diet, while others need carbohydrates and very little fat to make their love handles disappear. The same applies to coffee. Some people can drink five wake-up drinks a day without feeling anything, whereas others get palpitations after just one coffee. These examples show that it's not just what you eat that matters, but who eats what.
Scientists are now certain that the metabolism is just as individual as the external appearance varies from person to person. Based on this knowledge, it is clear that the utilization of nutrients also has an influence on body weight and the feeling of hunger and satiety.
Several dozen genes are involved in many metabolic systems. Among other things, the genes determine how carbohydrates, fats and proteins are metabolized.
Researchers have so far found more than 95 mutations that contribute to obesity. One gene, the FTO gene (fat mass and obesity associated gene), is currently thought to have the strongest influence on body weight. Studies have shown that people with a certain mutation in the FTO gene tend to have an increased BMI (body mass index). This effect was particularly noticeable in test subjects who ate a lot of saturated fatty acids such as cheese, meat and milk and did little exercise. From this it could be concluded that people with a mutation of the FTO gene are more likely to put on weight with a high fat diet. A low carb diet in combination with plenty of exercise could have a positive effect on body weight. Of course, many other genes also play a role. For example, the APOA2, APOA5 and PPARG genes also have an influence on the development of obesity.
Based on the different variations of the genes studied, five individual metabolic predispositions are categorized. The five different metabolic types are presented below:
Type 1 (green) = lots of fat, very few carbohydrates (body utilizes carbohydrates very poorly)
Type 2 (purple) = relatively high in fat, low in carbohydrates
Type 3 (orange) = balanced = body utilizes fats and carbohydrates equally well
Type 4 (blue) = relatively high in carbohydrates, low in fat
Type 5 (pink) = lots of carbohydrates, very little fat (body utilizes fats very poorly)
With the help of this categorization, the macronutrients carbohydrates, fats and proteins can be optimally dosed and a personalized diet can be put together.
For a better understanding, the following example shows you what a nutrient distribution of type pink and type green could look like. For comparison, you can see the DACH reference values (German, Austrian and Swiss Nutrition Society) on the far right.
Our intestinal flora consists of trillions of bacteria that play a central role in the digestion and metabolism of food. It is therefore not surprising that these intestinal bacteria largely determine whether a person develops metabolic disorders and gains or loses weight. A decisive factor for a healthy body weight is the diversity of intestinal bacteria. The motto here is: the more diverse, the better! Scientists have found that a low diversity of the bacterial community in the digestive tract can be an indicator of obesity and insulin resistance. Around 10 percent of the bacterial diversity of the intestinal flora is determined by genetic factors. Interestingly, however, the intestinal flora also alters genes and cells of the intestinal wall. The following example illustrates this: In the absence of intestinal bacteria, genes for fat burning are increasingly active in the intestinal cells - i.e. the intestinal cells boost their own fat burning and consume a large proportion of the digested fats themselves. If, on the other hand, the intestinal flora is present, fat burning in the intestinal cells is inhibited and more fats are passed on to the body. This confirms earlier studies according to which certain bacteria can inhibit fat burning in human cells.
It can therefore be assumed that the altered gene activity of the intestinal cells and the composition of the intestinal microbes play a role in the fact that some people hardly gain any weight even when eating a high-fat and unhealthy diet.
To find out more about the interaction between your genes and the ideal diet, a DNA analysis can provide you with insightful information. It is important to know that DNA analysis is limited to genes that are exclusively relevant to weight loss. In addition to nutrition-related genes, genes associated with athletic performance can also be analyzed. The metabolism can also be used to determine whether someone is more likely to benefit from weight loss through weight training or endurance sports. As a result, after the laboratory analysis in a certified laboratory, the customer not only receives a nutrition plan adapted to their genes, but also a training plan tailored to them.
💡Attention: DNA analysis does not provide any information about potential diseases.
How do I determine my metabolic type?
The DNA test is basically super simple and can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. You will receive a DNA analysis kit from the provider, in which you will find a cotton pad for the saliva sample and detailed instructions. You can then send the saliva sample directly to the certified laboratory by post. Your saliva sample will be analyzed and evaluated anonymously. As soon as the results are available, you will receive a detailed report on your metabolism by email. You will also receive a nutrition and training plan tailored to your needs.
The results report contains the following information, among others:
What is the best DNA test?
There are now numerous providers of DNA tests and in every price segment. The marked price differences in particular are often very misleading for the customer and create uncertainty as to whether the analysis is reliable or not. One of the leading companies on the market is Lykon, which offers tests online from as little as CHF 190.00.
From personal experience, however, I can highly recommend the DNA test from Nutrilite myBody.ID. The program is based on scientific findings and was developed by nutrition and sports experts. The genetic test analyzes your DNA to understand your macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) and your response to calorie intake and physical activity. The genetic test is high quality, reliable and the samples are analyzed in a certified laboratory. In addition, the DNA analysis kit includes supporting nutritional supplements that provide your body with important nutrients. Another advantage is the myBody.ID online platform, where you always have an overview of your diet and can track your progress. The online platform also contains numerous delicious recipes that are precisely tailored to your metabolic type. These personalized recipes not only save time, but also make it easier to start a new diet.
If you would like to find out more about Nutrilite myBody.ID, watch the following video:
Personalized nutritional advice: how to successfully achieve your goals
In this last section, I would like to talk about why DNA analysis in combination with personal nutritional advice makes sense.
As already mentioned, anyone who would like to find out more about their genes and ideal diet can order a DNA test online to determine their metabolic type. This is basically a simple and inexpensive solution, as neither a doctor is required to carry out the test nor a medical prescription. In my opinion, the problem with this system is that the customer is left alone with the results. Although the customer receives a detailed results report and dietary recommendations, it is still a major challenge for a layperson to adapt their diet to their metabolic type and achieve long-term weight control. I am therefore firmly convinced that competent advice is crucial for a healthy and balanced diet and sustainable weight loss. During the consultation, the results and unanswered questions can be discussed together and goals defined. The focus is always on the customer and their individual needs and wishes. Specific topics such as macro and micronutrients are also discussed in detail during the consultation, as well as what needs to be considered when choosing food. Strategies can also be developed together to make it easier to implement them in stressful everyday working life.
Are you interested in a DNA analysis accompanied by nutritional advice?
Then you've come to the right place. As a qualified nutritional therapist, I offer you a comprehensive consultation package with solutions that are tailored to you. And I can promise you - with me, you won't be left alone with your DNA results. I will be happy to accompany you on your nutritional journey and support you wherever you need me.
You can find all the important information about DNA analysis right here.
If you have any questions, please write me a message or give me a call.
I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you in person😊
Your Nicole
