Can A DNA Test Really Tell You How To Eat?

All of us have unique health struggles, which means finding out the best way to stay healthy is difficult. So much so, we often hear a person’s path to wellness described as a “health journey.” When embarking on your own quest to well-being, you will quickly learn that conflicting information is everywhere. Blogs, documentaries, gyms, books, magazines—they all boast their way is the best.  

But what if a DNA test could provide you with a personalized blueprint to how food affects YOUR body?

The internet is particularly saturated with everyone’s opinion. So, how are you supposed to know what qualifies as a reliable resource, and what does not? Studies come out saying one diet is exactly what your body needs, only to be debunked a few short years later.

 Trying to keep up with the overload of nutrition information can be confusing. How can you eat the best food for your body? It’s all about eating for your genes.

Your DNA can tell you where you should make changes to your nutrition to help you achieve your desired health outcomes. Science can be life-changing when you connect it to your nutritional habits. With more knowledge, you will find yourself working smarter rather than harder at achieving nutrition goals.

So, let’s provide you with a concrete starting point.

To get a full grasp of how this process works, you need to understand what DNA is in the first place. Each living organism has DNA as part of its chromosomes. This DNA carries genetic information that instructs the organism on how to function. Basically, this double-helix structure contains the distinctive, fundamental characteristics of a living thing.

In the most basic terms, chromosomes carry the recipes for creating living things. Human cells have 46 chromosomes. While we grow in utero, we inherit half of our genetic information—23 chromosomes—from our mother’s DNA and the other 23 from our father’s. This genetic material houses all-important information about how our bodies function and look. By look, we mean genes dictate the color of our eyes or hair, our height, etc. A genome is the total set of genetic information present in an organism. The study of the genome is called genomics.

If you're wondering just how critical this information is to our bodies, genes contain instructions that keep our hearts beating, build our bones, control our digestion, facilitate our energy, and enable us to move muscles—we know, that's a lot. Genes are sections of DNA that give our bodies a template of sorts when it comes time to make critical proteins. These gene codes contribute proteins that go on to build organs, regulate organ systems, and maintain bodily functions.

Look at it this way: we all start from scratch when conceived. Thus, each body needs to know how it, personally, will be built and function. Your genes work together with your environment to generate your individuality-packed code and decide how you develop and adapt to everything around you.

Nucleotides, or the building blocks of DNA, get tagged with an A, C, G, or T. These letters of the “DNA alphabet” represent the essential instruction-giving chemicals found along the strands of DNA. The order is important. The details found in your DNA sample help us create your menu recommendations.

For instance, we might suggest you try sticking to low-sodium foods if we find a genotype of TT or AA in your AGT gene, which produces the protein called angiotensinogen. 2 This protein is a part of the system that regulates blood pressure and levels of salts and fluids throughout the body. 

A genetic variant, also referred to as a single-nucleotide polymorphism (or SNP), is a location where a single nucleotide tends to vary from person to person. This variance leads to changes in how our proteins function. Each is filled with unique information that directly helps determine what will take place throughout the various parts of the body—including the way it metabolizes or processes food.

When you receive the results in your DNA test report, you will see that we have analyzed over 100 genetic variants in this way.

It's interesting to note that despite variants being very small, just one of them can lead to dramatic differences in how our bodies process the foods we eat. The impact is significant and direct. Genetic testing for dietary needs was developed once scientists saw the value in learning from genetic information. Put simply, certain nutrients and vitamins can be absorbed and used in daily functions more easily and more fully by some people than others because of genetic variants.

To break down what we mean further, let's examine a simple, ordinary piece of fruit. Or at least, it may seem simple. But just one fruit can have over 20 different nutrients, and your body can react or do different things with each of them. From carbohydrates and fats to sugars and cholesterol, you should know which will benefit you and which will not.

Research has proven over and over that when people with certain genetic makeups eat certain nutrients at certain levels, more positive outcomes can be achieved.

There are hundreds of foods that can be utilized in different combinations to make up a proper, safe, and effective regimen for one individual person. By taking a DNA test, your one-of-a-kind nutritional formula will become more apparent. You'll finally know how to eat healthily for your body. 

The results of nutrigenomics—the study of how nutrition and genomics are interrelated ³—are trusted by people across the nation due to the extensive evidence-based research done in Clinical Laboratory Information Amendment (CLIA), state, and CMS-certified laboratories. These qualified labs utilize the studies from high-impact clinical trials with real, ordinary people—just like you. 

At the GenoPalate lab, genetic samples are stored only for the purpose of creating your recommendations. They will be destroyed after sequencing unless you explicitly opt-in to participate in long-term storage for research. After your genetic sample is sequenced, the output file is transferred through SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) to be analyzed. It's de-identified and encrypted while it goes through analysis and testing and is only used to generate your report. It is never sold, shared, leased, or rented to third parties. 

Studies examining the connection between a person’s genes and their environment show that there are variables in different individuals’ bodily systems when it comes to nutrient requirements. These requirements largely depend on an individual’s genetic variants, as each person’s individual genetic makeup directly affects the metabolizing of nutrients, their transport throughout the body, and how their body removes waste and toxins.

For instance, someone carrying the MTHFR 677T allele—one of at least two alternative forms of a gene that occurs due to a mutation found at the same place on a chromosome—will need more vitamin B and folate 4 in their diet to keep their homocysteine levels low. ⁵ The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that plays a role in processing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Researchers have linked lower MTHFR enzyme activity and higher homocysteine levels to poor cardiovascular health.

One study published in the Nutrition Journal investigated long-term weight management to see whether using genetic information to customize a person's diet—otherwise known as nutrigenetics—could render improvements in these efforts. ⁶ The administrators of the experiment knew that behavior-based treatment is known to lead to weight loss that can render health improvements for many people. Unfortunately, the bigger challenge is keeping that pesky weight off over time.

Determining the best diet for any individual was never a one-size-fits-all feat. But with the emergence of nutrigenetics, we finally realize how important a personalized approach actually is.

In one study, individuals with a history of weight loss struggles were given a test that screened for 24 variants in 19 of the genes involved in the metabolic process. The Nutrition Journal study showed that the average participant in the nutrigenetic group reduced their BMI by 5.6 percent, while the non-tested control group had an average BMI gain of 2.2 percent. 6 After almost a year, those in the nutrigenetic group were shown to be more likely to have maintained some amount of weight loss than their non-tested counterparts.

The Nutrition Journal study showed that the average participant in the nutrigenetic group reduced their BMI by 5.6 percent, while the non-tested control group had an average BMI gain of 2.2 percent. 6 After almost a year, those in the nutrigenetic group were shown to be more likely to have maintained some amount of weight loss than their non-tested counterparts.

Sustained weight loss usually requires more permanent lifestyle changes, eating habits, exercise regimens, and hard work—but if you know what to focus on and understand what your body needs, your health journey may be smoother than you expect. Yes, to get noticeable results, you may need to make rather significant changes. However, the key to sustaining these lifestyle changes is to start with facts about how your body works and how it is different from anyone else’s. With the knowledge of your genetic makeup, you can set highly achievable bite-sized goals that build upon each other over time. 

Results from the Nutrition Journal study indicated that the nutrition tailored to personalized diets resulted in longer-term BMI reduction, better health plan compliance, and improvements in their overall blood glucose levels. 

While you’ll have to get your very own report to get the full scope, we’re going to provide you with a sneak peek of the science-packed information included in a GenoPalate report. Let's take a look at some of the genes involved in different nutritional systems. We will highlight a few of the different genetic variants that are present in different people and what they can do.

As you scroll through, you’ll quickly start to understand the connection between your DNA and what you eat. Not to mention how recommendations based on your specific genetic variants can have a huge effect on how you gain nutrients from the food you consume. Once it all comes together, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried out a nutritional DNA test sooner!

You’ve already read about some of the many health benefits that come from understanding your genes better, but make sure you also become familiar with potential health implications. There are services out there claiming they have the most accurate DNA test results. Unfortunately, results based on questionable research can cause misinformation, poor decision making, and potential harm to an individual’s overall nutritional health.

Do your own research and be wary of agencies claiming to have all the answers without the proper credentials. Choosing a nutritional DNA test that is backed by science is crucial in making sure you’re analyzing your genes safely. 

No test is a be-all, end-all either. Do what feels right for you, and always be sure to talk to your doctor about specifics if you’re unsure about something outlined in your test results. Your body can change over time, and nourishment that worked well for you at one point may not continue to be the best for you down the line. 

This is especially true if you took the test many years ago. Your body changes over time, which can alter how you metabolize food. Keep in mind that there will also always be emotional, social, economic, and environmental factors that affect a person’s chance of losing weight and achieving other health goals. In fact, a big part of how your genetic variants affect your body is how they are wired to adapt to certain environmental changes. 

Be sure you look at the information included in your results as suggestions. It is ultimately up to you and your primary healthcare provider to work as a team in order to make executive decisions about what you should and shouldn’t do with your body. Nutritional DNA test companies are merely the copilot to your first experience in nutrigenomics.    

While nutritional DNA tests are a powerful tool that can provide insight into how your body works and help you achieve your health goals, there are a couple of things these tests cannot offer you.

Two Things These DNA Tests Can’t Do

1. DNA Tests Can’t Medically Diagnose Allergies 

While DNA tests can provide valuable information about your genetic makeup and how it affects the foods you eat, it is not able to identify food allergies or intolerances. The eight most common food allergens are dairy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, and fish. While allergies to these foods are most prevalent, people can be allergic to many different foods—including fruits, vegetables, and seeds. To determine whether or not you have any food allergies, your medical provider can administer tests such as a skin prick test or oral food challenge where the problem ingredient is given in gradually increasing quantities under controlled environments. 

Your doctor can also do a blood test so your antibody reaction can be measured. Eating foods that your body cannot tolerate is not only uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. In severe cases, eating an allergen can cause a person’s immune system to go into anaphylactic shock and threaten their life. Therefore, it is wise to get checked out before trying any food recommendations from a DNA test that you have never had before, just in case. We care about our users, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Most DNA Tests Cannot Medically Diagnose a Genetic-Based Disease 

A DNA test can only give limited information about an inherited condition. For these types of situations, it would be wise to plan to see a specialist. GenoPalate—like most commercially available DNA tests—does not test for or diagnose genetics-based diseases, and any such testing should be done by your physician. 

Although, as you will read in one of our user spotlights, you might find hints denoted in your DNA test results that could start you on your path to getting the outside care you may need.

You might be wondering what the process of obtaining DNA is like. Go behind the scenes with us as we start to take you deeper into our science-based practices. You’ll be fascinated by how this all works.

With the ideal DNA test, the process is made quite simple. A saliva sample is collected using a swab to gather the necessary DNA information for testing. When you purchase your DNA test, it should contain everything you need to swab your cheek. It's a speedy, painless, noninvasive self-procedure. Urine and blood samples are not required. 

After you send your sample to be tested, a certified laboratory—preferably one accredited by the CLIA—will then extract your DNA from the saliva you provided via postal service. At that point, a microarray will scan and reveal your genotype for any key nutrition-related variants. 

A microarray is a biochip that gets printed with thousands of little spots in specific positions. Each spot contains a known DNA gene or sequence, and the molecules of DNA that attach to each individual spot will act as a probe in the process. This allows for only the corresponding variants from your sample to bind to them. Since each of these spots corresponds to a different genetic variant, we can easily map out the locations of the DNA. Results will always vary from person to person. 

Once we map your DNA, we match your variants to our nutritional database to help uncover what eating for your genes should look like. When we have a good understanding of the nutrition your genes need, we put together your personalized nutrition recommendations to help you make food choices based on your DNA. 

There are countless diets on the market today claiming to be the “best.” From paleo, vegetarian, and vegan to low FODMAP, keto, and Mediterranean—the list goes on in a seemingly endless, unbreakable loop of promises. These diets swear by the results their guidelines provide—including easy weight loss, great skin, and unbelievable energy boosts guaranteed to revitalize your life. 

While many people try out these fad diets and realize they aren’t drastically improving their lives as promised, they don’t necessarily seem to be gimmicks, either. You’ve seen them work for other people around you. Your friends or family rave about one in particular and constantly tell you they feel good and that it’s due to their diet. How can that be when you haven’t seen the same results for yourself? 

The problem is that it’s not really about the diet itself. The issue, as we’ve just begun to explain, lies with the all-to-common—and potentially detrimental—belief that nutrition should be a one-size-fits-all approach. Here’s the simple truth that will serve you well if you learn and adopt it sooner than later to jumpstart positive changes in your life: you are one of a kind. 

This concept is what drives the entire movement of eating for your genes—a solution that has provided many with increasingly positive outcomes. We dive deeper to unlock all the secrets once and for all. 

You must feed your body based on its chemistry. If you don't, it may never get the necessary nutrients it requires, and you’ll never feel you’re at your absolute best. We want you to reach your full health and wellness potential, and when you take on the personalized nutrition approach, it will come. 

For instance, based on someone’s particular genetic makeup, a low-carb but high-fat nutrition strategy could be the way to balanced cholesterol levels or ideal weight loss. While, for another individual, a low-fat yet high-carb nutrition plan might be the more beneficial option. 

Your genes are analyzed to create personalized nutrition recommendations you can trust. The information you’re given is backed by science-based evidence. Because if the food selections suggested aren't backed by credible studies, why put them into your body? 

Let’s talk about some of the most popular services out there today that offer nutrition recommendations based on a DNA test. We’ll touch on a comparison between what is offered by GenoPalate, Xcode Life, and DNAfit.

DNAfit 

DNAfit looks at ten nutrients, two substances, and two sensitivities. They analyze 23 nutrient, substance, and sensitivity variants and just look at single nutrient needs. This test doesn’t recommend specific foods and is difficult for users to act on. 

Xcode Life 

Xcode Life examines 23 nutrients, two substances, and two sensitivities. They analyze 107 nutrient, substance, and sensitivity variants and—like DNAfit—look at single nutrient needs only. Additionally, Xcode Life does not make the test results actionable and may not be an effective resource for smarter eating habits.

GenoPalate 

Similar to Xcode Life, GenoPalate looks at 23 nutrients, two substances, and two sensitivities. However, GenoPalate also analyzes 115 individual nutrient, substance, and sensitivity variants and takes into account all of a person’s genetic nutrient requirements. GenoPalate makes specific food recommendations based on the food’s nutritional profile as well as the person’s genetic makeup. Users can incorporate these foods into their lifestyle.

So your DNA test results have arrived. Now it’s time for the fun part—this is where your journey truly begins.

With the right DNA information, who needs to seek extra help? Many people make a point of visiting nutritionists, dieticians, or naturopaths to help them create a viable nutrition plan. Once you have the DNA test results you need, the process gets a lot easier. You may be able to cut out some of those trips to doctor’s offices, which can save you time, money, and the hassle of taking repetitive trips to visit care providers. 

These professionals can add a lot of value to your life. But if you have kids, pets, a particularly heavy work schedule, or regular social commitments, you may find it easier to simply take a test at home and save yourself the potential headache of dealing with traffic, weather issues, and having to rearrange your calendar to squeeze in all sorts of appointments. 

 Use your personalized nutrition recommendations in recipes and your daily meal routine. You may already be using some of the foods on your recommendations list, or you may need to switch things up and use different amounts of ingredients—or different foods altogether. Once you start making an effort to make these foods a part of your regular schedule, it’ll become second nature, and you won’t even have to think about it. Make one small, attainable change at a time and tack on new habits as you go so your progress will be sustainable (and won’t seem so overwhelming). 

Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to implementing optimal DNA test outcomes. And now, from the comfort of your own home, cutting-edge technology has made it possible to get relatively fast, easy, accurate details that will serve as the roadmap for your nutrition adventure. 

Again, the advice you receive from your DNA test results is for you only and not to be imposed upon anyone else. That does not mean they are top secret and that you cannot share—by all means, if you’re doing what the DNA test results suggest and feeling great, tell your friends where they can find the test service so they can experience the benefits as well! 

But don’t assume what works for you will work for someone else. These results are unique to you and your personal genetic makeup. ¹⁶ What works for one person will likely not work for another, even if the individuals are related. These DNA test results are meant to help you better modify your eating patterns and nutrient intake to help you improve your own health. 

The whole point of tailoring your nutrition plan to your genes is to do what works best for your unique makeup. Each body is different and includes a complex system, and that fact should be respected in order to get the most out of it. Keep this in the back of your mind when finally opening up your eagerly anticipated results. Feast your eyes—and then your stomach—on what’s been curated for you. 

 A sample personalized recipe based on your DNA test might look like this: 

Remember, as mouth-watering as this dinner may seem, it is merely a sample. It should not be assumed right off the bat that it will work for you or any specific person. While you are welcome to make this recipe, we cannot ensure that its macro- and micronutrients will work best with your genetic makeup. We recommend waiting for your own personalized DNA test results to come in. With all the necessary science and details to back your report, you will be able to understand your unique renderings.

If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be the concept of owning your unique genetic makeup and making calculated choices solely based on what your body needs rather than someone else you know (no matter how close you are with them).

Your DNA test report will come in handy when tackling insulin management and weight loss. Let’s take a closer look.

When it comes to weight loss, there are reasons that the diets, tips, and tricks you’ve tried before haven’t worked. Perhaps you have trouble following the strict guidelines or the unappealing nature of the latest fad diet. You need something that you can make a part of your regimen for the long haul, not a fleeting trend. Luckily for you, the DNA test results bundle will come in handy by suggesting ways to maintain the recommendations found within it.

Nutrition 

Portion control is a huge trend when it comes to trying to lose weight. But it isn’t just junk food that poses a danger to your weight. Many don’t realize that even healthy food options can be problematic in large quantities as well. The old adages “everything in moderation” and “too much of a good thing is a bad thing” still ring true. Just because something is considered a healthy food does not mean you should eat as much as you want of it. Rather, you should aim to abide by not just the ingredients but the portions denoted in your personalized DNA test results. 

On the other hand, if you simply cut your caloric intake and it gets too low, your body may slow its metabolism. Your body will think it’s starving and consequently start holding onto whatever fat and sugar it can instead of burning it. In this case, your body will do what it can to hang onto the few calories you are consuming as a built-in survival technique. 

Individuals who drastically cut calories for a prolonged period of time—for instance, under 1,000 kcals per day—can have significant decreases in metabolic rate that may last up to 6 months or more.17 However, most individuals do not cut their calories back enough to induce these changes—there are other factors in play, such as muscle loss, change in TEE due to decreased needs, and changes in the regulation of ghrelin, which increases hunger and makes a person more prone to over-consuming calories. 

Additionally, without enough food to fuel the various complex bodily processes, your body will break down muscle for its coveted energy. This is the opposite of what you want, seeing as you are trying to lose fat and tone your muscles. In addition, you’ll likely feel hungrier and binge on the closest snack, whether it’s on your recommended foods list or not. Thus, it’s important to work your DNA test results into your normal life so you can get accustomed to the lifestyle changes they encourage. 

Exercise 

Exercise will help your internal processes move efficiently and help you build optimal, lean muscle while losing only the fat you don’t want to store on your body. It’s not about your diet alone. As a good rule of thumb ,you should plan to couple healthy dietary changes with movement (if you aren’t already doing so). 

Create an enjoyable exercise routine that you can take on in conjunction with your DNA test results for a comprehensive health and wellness strategy. If you find activities that get you excited to move your body, you will learn to look forward to your workouts! 

Some of the most effective exercises for weight loss include the following:

• Walking
• Jogging/Running
• Cycling
• Weight training
• Interval training
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Pilates

It’s not just about weight loss—the ability to maintain insulin levels deals greatly with your genetic makeup as well. This can also be determined from the right DNA test.

The IRS1 gene, for instance, helps transport sugar from your blood to your cells in order to convert it to energy. ¹⁸ Studies have found that certain variants within this gene are connected with decreased insulin resistance when consuming an adjusted intake of carbohydrates. Decreased insulin resistance results in the improved regulation of blood sugar. Depending on the variant you have, your body could be dramatically more sensitive to higher carb levels.

Another interesting gene, known as TCF7L2, gives instructions for making a protein that helps balance your blood sugar. ¹⁹ Another one, called the ZBED3 gene, houses instructions for making a regulatory protein involved in insulin resistance.

You don’t need to concern yourself with memorizing any of these specific genes. Wait until you receive your report, as it will tell you what to do with the information it offers. Depending on your genetic variants, some of these examples may or may not be the most relevant to you and your unique situation.

The markers detected in your genes will help us to outline the exciting new plan that is unique to you and optimal for your overall health. Leave the jargon to our scientists and other nutrition experts while you sit back and have all you need simply delivered to you!

If you think the research we’ve outlined still doesn’t explain why so many people are turning to these DNA tests yet, don’t worry—we’re about to make things crystal clear. You, too, can become a believer and join the growing number of individuals reaping the rewards of feeling great from the inside out.

One perk people enjoy when utilizing these methods is that they feel like they don’t have to take a passive role in their health. They are in the driver’s seat and can actively decide whether or not they are going to take the test and what they are going to do with the DNA test results. 

Once provided, they have the necessary tools at their disposal in order to make the best ingredient selections at the supermarket and decide what might be best to stay away from. Or, to at least enjoy in moderation.

Once you know, you know. The list of recommended foods—and macro-level percentage recommendations to guide you in proper consumption amounts—that you will soon be holding in your hand after sending in your DNA test will be plain and simple. You can choose to follow some or all of the suggestions. 

Again, these results are fact-based, which removes the wonder and guesswork. You’ll save time shopping because you’re spending less time worrying, researching, or frequently driving to nutritionist appointments. 

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in a store aisle staring at the options and scratching your head or taking a piece of food from a platter at a social function and then thinking to yourself, “maybe you should put that down,” the stress-free nature of receiving DNA test results might be for you. 

The knowledge contained in the DNA results can serve as a valuable guide when preparing meals or attending events at restaurants or other people’s homes. Take the information with you everywhere you go so you never have to second-guess yourself. 

When you’re eating right for your body, you’ll begin to feel great from head to toe, in mind, body, and soul. You may feel less tired and get sick less frequently, have more energy, and even think more clearly. You may work harder or smarter, play with your kids or pets more, and find that you have an overall improved quality of life. 

When people eat things they shouldn’t, they tend to feel more sluggish or run down, so to speak. Making a point of putting the right things into your body is a holistic health choice you will thank yourself for in the long run. 

You’ve read the studies and gotten a sense of the impact and the reasoning behind genetic-based suggestions. Perhaps you’ve been feeling like you’ve been doing everything you can and that your efforts have been futile. Now you know the secret you’ve been missing all along—your very own genetic makeup. 

You’re always striving to do better. But doing the same thing as other people and not seeing similar results can be extremely frustrating. We’ve been there. Everyone has. However, now you have something they don’t—the resources and knowledge to help you overcome those obstacles. 

You’re now equipped with the essential information you need to make the right choices for your body. Coupled with the right DNA test, you’ll be on your way to better nutrition decisions. Up until now, you may have thought you knew what to put in your body because you’d heard popular suggestions from others who think they know best. But the truth is that it’s not up to others what is best for you. Only your body can tell you that. Once you understand the foods your body needs, you eliminate the wasteful element of the process. The report delivered to you will either be one supplemented with previous DNA test results you’ve submitted to us (if you’ve used another DNA testing service like 23andMe before), the full GenoPalate DNA test if you’ve never had one done by a third party before, or the full package along with five tasty, healthy recipes. 

This is all up to your preferences. Choose the package that works best for you, and we’ll make sure your package contents are tailored to your specific needs. If you select the option that comes with our recipes, prepare to feast on various meals centered around your body’s one-of-a-kind genetic code. 

With your nutritional DNA analysis in hand, you’ll witness the power of this tangible yet incomparably valuable item. It is the key to your success.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any wellness/health guidance, you should advise your healthcare practitioner of the use of this product.

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