Nutrigenomics – a relatively new science that examines how your genes interact with the food you eat – is finding that one size (so to speak) definitely doesn’t fit all. For example, do you eat healthy but still carry some extra pounds, while your friend eats all she wants and stays a size 6? What’s in your DNA could explain why. Although still in its infancy, nutrigenomics suggests that a personalized diet, coupled with advice on disease prevention, may hold the key not only to weight loss but to avoiding some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease – and maybe arthritis, too.
Examining diet and genes is an active area of research. Some studies have shown that people with specific genes are especially susceptible to effects of fat in their diet, for instance. Other research has shown that people with a different gene can reduce their risk for colon cancer by adding more vitamin D to their diet, whereas others without the gene wouldn’t see the same benefit.
The holy grail is a personalized diet, says Michael Falk, PhD, executive director of the nonprofit Life Sciences Research Office in Bethesda, Md. Current dietary recommendations are geared toward the average person.
Scientists haven’t gotten that far yet, because the interactions between genes are so complex, and because your environment as well as your genes influences your food choices. But that’s not stopping some biotech companies from selling genetic tests to consumers. Swab your cheek, mail it to the lab and get a detailed report on your genetic predisposition to several diseases as well as a nutritional plan to help combat them for anywhere from $100 to $1,000
My balance of bacteria, like my genes is unique to me and begins when I am colonized during my trip through the birth canal. Add in my unique diet and the simple solution of a diet prescribed based on my genes is suddenly quite complicated.
Eating raw, trying to avoid all these chemicals they put on us, buying organic food,eating smaller portions through the day, is helping me already.
It is our responsibility to ask for better food in the stores, not to support the junk food industries, to support farmers who try to produce better vegetables, fruits and grains without all that poison, and become more educated about the food we eat and need.
We are after all the People of America and we should be able to be proud of Our Country.
We definitely need big CHANGE in our food supply and in what we need to survive as a Healthy Nation. Go for it !
Shame on the FDA, Agriculture Dept. and Government for poisoning America - with junk food (some I don't even consider food), pesticides, chemicals, etc. I even buy distilled water now - the only way to get fluoride out (it has been proven to not be beneficial for cavity prevention after about age 6; dental community knows, but won't share info with public).
I believe that it is a God-given right that all people deserve good, wholesome and healthy food. It should not cost so much! It seems a person needs a 2nd job just to pay for the healthiest foods. Ever wonder why the marginalized folks today are often more sick and more obese than folks better off? All they can afford is the junky non-nutritious "food" stuff.
My family will continue to try to buy the best food possible, mostly organic. We shop several stores for the best buys. We have chosen to give up other things in our lives in order to afford better food, which we feel is more important.
Good luck to all in your healthy pursuits!
Look closely at any thoughtful, nutritionaly sound diet and it calls for no more than three ounces of red meat or just about any protein.
There are no silver bullets, one recommendation fits all solutions, or one way to healthy salvation. There are many and each of us has to learn what is best for ourselves.
I'm an omnivore, but that doesn't mean half pound double cheeseburgers, it means balancing a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables along with fish, poultry and red meat. And doing all of it in sensible portions.
The only recommendation I've seen agreement on from the majority of dieticians and nutrionists (certified ones with real educations, not self-styled)is to eat smaller amounts, avoid too much processed foods and sugars, and eat small amounts more frequently rather than three larger meals a day.
Time for my mid-day snack of peaches.
For my arthritis and to control my weight, I eat little sugar, little salt, little dairy, and rarely processed foods. I take a water exercise class 3 times a week, which helps mobility and stretches my body. It also offers social contacts with others often worse off than I am. I also swim laps after my class, about a quarter of a mile. On days I can't go in the water, I walk for 30 minutes.
I spend 15 minutes a day in the sun to get Vitamin D and it pays off according to my last blood test. I have low blood pressure and low cholestral and I never eat any gluten.
I do imagery, meditate, and tai gong. I try to be positive and laugh and enjoy life. I don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. I take Tylenol for my arthritis pain about three times a week on the advice of my orthpedic doctor. I also take acupuncture once a month.
A simple diet helps me. I do eat fish at least once a week, salmon and tuna mostly, and chicken once a week. I do sin by eating gluten-free cookies or gluten-free candy for a treat now and again. I have a ground lamb patty which is hormone free as a treat occasionally.
I took a class about living with chronic conditions, which helped me learn to do just that.
It is better to accept your genetic code, do what you need to do to lose weight, and be satisfied with a healthy body.
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