Research into the fascinating fields of genetics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics provides insight into how our genes, lifestyle, and the foods we eat all contribute to shaping our health.
By exploring these areas, we can gain insight into these fundamental aspects of the body’s processes and use this knowledge to make better-informed and more personalised choices for our overall well-being. Let’s take a look at each area and explore how they connect to impact health.
Genetics: The Foundation of Your Health
Your genome consists of an entire set of genetic instructions in each cell. These instructions in the DNA sequence are composed of four chemical components called nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The order of these letters forms the blueprint that directs cellular activities in the body [1].
Humans share around 99% of the same genetic sequence. It’s the minor differences, known as genetic variants, whether they involve changes in the DNA sequence, structural alterations, or variations in gene regulation that contribute to our individual uniqueness [1].
While genetic variants primarily include sequence and structural changes, epigenetic modifications, which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, also shape our individuality [1].
These subtle variations can range from being neutral with no impact on health to influencing physical traits or increasing susceptibility to certain health conditions [1].
Epigenetic factors, which respond to external and internal influences, also shape the way our genes are expressed [1].
Epigenetics: How Lifestyle Shapes Gene Activity
Epigenetics describes how gene activity is regulated without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Diet, lifestyle choices, and our environment can all influence these epigenetic changes, affecting how specific genes are switched on or off [2].
DNA methylation is a process where a methyl group attaches to specific locations in the DNA and can prevent specific genes from being expressed [2, 3].
Histone modification involves chemical changes to histone proteins influencing how tightly packed DNA is. Loosely packed DNA allows genes to be expressed, while tightly packed DNA restricts gene activity [2, 3].
These epigenetic changes can accumulate over time due to environmental impact and ageing, potentially leading to health conditions such as chronic inflammation, or other age-related conditions. Understanding epigenetics provides insight into how diet, lifestyle, and our environment influence gene activity and overall health [2, 3].
Nutrigenomics: The Connection Between Nutrition and Genetics
Nutrigenomics explores how nutrients interact with our genes. This area of study looks at how our unique genetic makeup affects our response to specific nutrients and how these nutrients can impact gene expression [4].
Through nutrigenomics functional pathology testing, healthcare practitioners can gain insights into how diet influences molecular pathways in the body; this can then assist practitioners to work with clients to provide more personalised nutritional advice [4, 5].
For instance, nutrigenomics can help identify genetic variations that affect how an individual metabolises certain foods or nutrients, as well as what type of physical activity is best suited to the individual, allowing for more tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations [4, 5].
How Can Understanding Your Genetics Improve Your Health?
Gaining a deeper insight into your genetic profile and its interaction with your diet, lifestyle, and environment may assist you in making more informed choices to support your health. Nutrigenomics testing can also help you explore how personalised nutrition and lifestyle adjustments may be beneficial for overall health and well-being.
It is important to note that functional pathology testing is not intended to replace conventional medical diagnostics but serves as a complementary approach to gaining insights into your health.
References:
- National Human Genome Research Institute. Human genomic variation, fact sheet [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): NIH; [cited 2024 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/educational-resources/fact-sheets/human-genomic-variation
- Handy DE, Castro R, Loscalzo J. Epigenetic modifications: basic mechanisms and role in cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 2011 May 17;123(19):2145-56. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.956839. PMID: 21576679; PMCID: PMC3107542. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.956839. Accessed 2024 Sep 18.
- Dominguez LJ, Veronese N, Barbagallo M. Magnesium and the hallmarks of aging. Nutrients. 2024;16(4):496. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040496. Accessed 2024 Sep 18.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Food Forum. Nutrigenomics and the future of nutrition: proceedings of a workshop—in brief. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2018 Mar 15 [cited 2024 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK487853/. doi: 10.17226/25049.
- Nutripath: Genetic & Wellness [Internet]. Available from: https://nutripath.com.au/product-category/health-condition-or-goal/genetic-testing
