Can Genetic Testing Improve Your Diet and Exercise Regimen? Evidence Suggests That It Can
In the last few decades, scientists have looked at genetic testing to see if it might help individuals find a diet and exercise regimen that works for their unique makeup. Increasingly, studies are indicating that the answer to this question is a resounding yes.
The Foods That Change Your Blood Glucose Levels Are Unique
A study from the journal Cell found that the way an individual’s blood glucose levels change after eating specific foods is variable, but the way each individual reacts to certain foods is essentially steady. For example, a piece of bread may cause one person’s glucose to rise quickly while another person may not be affected by it hardly at all. However, if it spikes for one person one time, it is likely that it will always spike when that person eats the same food.
Short-Term Evidence Supports the Results
So far, a short-term study has been done that confirmed that when people follow a diet of foods tailored by the results of their genetic testing, they can avoid spikes in glucose levels. This helped individuals lose weight, normalize their glucose levels, and improve their overall blood parameters. The Cell study referenced above is continuing with a study to learn the long-term results.
Another study, this one completed over a decade ago by Nutrition Journal, screened patients for 24 different gene variants that involve their metabolism. They then prescribed a diet that accounted for those results. The results were impressive: After 300 days, 73% of the patients on the diet created for their unique genetic profile had maintained weight loss, while only 32% of those on a standard diet had maintained weight loss.
Lifestyle Factors Have a Bigger Impact Than Anything Else on Aging – But You Can Boost Your Chances of Staying Healthy
While genetics certainly have an impact on how we age, they are not the only thing that matters. In fact, lifestyle choices, such as what we eat, how much we exercise, and whether we engage in high-risk behavior like smoking or excessive drinking, can tell us much more about how long we are likely to live than our genetics can.
That said, taking genetics into account can be helpful when working to improve your health. With tests available that show how an individual’s genes may respond to stress, exercise, diet, and other factors that affect aging, this type of testing can provide information not available any other way. At Renew Youth we offer three unique DNA panels that can help you better understand your genetics and find the best diet and exercise plan that will work for you for years to come.
We’re here to help.
Schedule a free confidential consultation.
Free Consultation
