Ever wonder why one person thrives on a high-fat diet while another gains weight just looking at cheese? The answer may lie in your DNA. Welcome to lifestyle genetics—where your genes inform how you eat, move, and supplement for optimal health.
Lifestyle genetics, or nutrigenomics, studies how genes interact with lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Certain gene variations, or polymorphisms, can affect how your body metabolizes nutrients, detoxifies substances, or responds to inflammation.
Key Genes to Know:
- MTHFR: Impacts folate metabolism; poor function may require methylated B vitamins.
- APOE: Influences lipid metabolism and Alzheimer’s risk; APOE4 carriers may need lower saturated fat.
- FTO: Associated with appetite and obesity risk; may influence how your body responds to carbs vs. fat.
- CYP450 Enzymes: Affect how medications and toxins are processed; can guide supplement safety.
If you’re an APOE4 carrier, you might benefit from a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, olive oil, and polyphenols.
MTHFR variants? Leafy greens, lentils, and methylated B supplements are your friends.
FTO-linked weight gain may respond better to high-protein, lower-carb diets and strength training.
Knowing your genes doesn’t mean you're bound by them. It means you have a blueprint to personalize your health strategy—starting with your plate.