What does a Nutritionist who specialises in genetics (aka a Nutrigenomics Practitioner) actually do?!
Most people get – on a conceptual level at least – that they should probably eat a bit better than they do, they should probably move more and take the time for more ‘me time’ to live a long and happy life.
‘Life’ seems to get in the way of achieving that. Many of us are juggling jobs and the complexities of modern relationships, leaving little time to dedicate to the business of ‘being healthy’. Convenience often wins. It’s not that that’s wrong per se, but here’s the thing: all the time we are not eating or moving or living as well as we know to do, we are silently getting sicker. That may actually be going-to-hospital sick or it may just mean having health niggles that bother us greatly but that we have learned to cope with. It may be things like IBS or other tummy troubles, PMT, arthritis, stress or anxiety, haywire hormones, or possibly weight that has crept on over the years and you can’t seem to shift it, no matter what you try.
The food you eat matters more than you can possibly imagine. And that, in many cases, simply by making changes to your diet, the symptoms of some of these conditions can be improved so markedly that there is a really profound shift in how you experience life.
WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL THERAPY?
Essentially, nutritional therapists apply the latest hypotheses and research in nutrition and health sciences to you and your symptoms and they come up with a diet, lifestyle and (sometimes) supplement plan to support those needs. They might bring in some coaching to help you put the ideas into practice in a meaningful way or break through whatever barriers have held you back in the past.
WHERE DOES GENETICS COME IN?
Have you tried several ‘diets’ or different ways of eating but haven’t found what works for you? Have your exhausted the conventional medicine route? This is where genetic testing can come in to really find out what the best diet is for you. We can go a step further and find out what the best supplements are for you - no more second guessing if the supplements you are taking are really doing the trick. And even more, genetics can tell you the best forms of lifestyle medicine to support your DNA. That includes exercise, stress management techniques and much more.
WHAT DOES A NUTRIGENOMICS PRACTITIONER DO?
A nutrigenomics practitioner takes nutritional therapy a step further by incorporating your genetic profile into the equation. Nutrigenomics is the study of how your genes interact with the foods you eat. This means that, in addition to considering your medical history, current symptoms, and lifestyle, a nutrigenomics practitioner analyses your DNA to provide even more personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
For instance, certain genetic variations can affect how well you metabolise specific nutrients or your susceptibility to particular health conditions. By understanding these genetic factors, a nutrigenomics practitioner can tailor a plan that not only addresses your current health concerns but also optimises your health based on your unique genetic makeup. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions, unexplained symptoms, or those looking to enhance their overall well-being.
Genetics plays a crucial role in how our bodies respond to different foods. For example, some people may have a genetic predisposition (usually a problem with their methylation capacity) that affects their ability to process certain vitamins or minerals efficiently. Others may have genes that influence their likelihood of developing conditions like lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or higher cholesterol levels. By analysing your genetic information, a nutrigenomics practitioner can identify these predispositions and create a highly customised nutrition plan that works in harmony with your genetic blueprint. We offer the methylation test advocated by Gary Brecka to all UK & Worldwide customers!
Qualified Nutrigenomics Practitioner Badge
THE ULTIMATE PERSONALISED SERVICE
Combining nutrition with genetics is a very personal approach. You might hear practitioners talk about people being ‘biochemically unique’. That means that there isn’t a single way of eating that is right for everyone. Sandra might have PMS and you want to lose weight, for example. Sandra might have a history of antibiotic use, while you had your appendix out when you were 14. Sandra might have an intolerance to dairy, while you hate strawberries. There are thousands of different permutations here. And the fact is that your DNA, previous medical history, and any current symptoms as well as what you like and don’t like, not to mention your personal circumstances are all important when a nutritionist creates a plan for you.
It is personalised just for you. That takes both time, education and skill. A nutrigenomics practitioner may also work with supplements targeted to a specific condition, your genetics or your own health goal. This can be a minefield – potentially dangerous and inevitably costly – if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Picture of DNA
WHY DOESN'T EVERYONE SEE A NUTRIGENOMICS PRACTITIONER IF THE RESULTS ARE SO GOOD?
Many people don’t understand what a huge effect a personalised food, supplementation and lifestyle program can have on the symptoms they have or how they experience their life.
Social media is full of soundbites about the latest foods, but they don’t really join the dots, and it’s difficult to see what might be possible for you. Unless you are lucky, unfortunately the vast majority of doctors – even those being trained today – have limited knowledge or practical experience of what their patients should be eating or how they might integrate the theory into their lives. Even if they did, the short appointment slot does not allow time to dish out this advice. They live in a world, by and large, where the solution presented during your 10-minute session lies in a prescription.
A nutritionist that specialises in genetics considers that the symptoms you are experiencing are a result of imbalances in your body and, rather than treat the specific symptoms themselves, will work to understand the root cause of the problem and base their program around that. The root cause can often be genetic in nature and personalising the diet, supplements and/or lifestyle around your genes, your symptoms and medical history can lead to optimal results.
If you think about it: nearly all medications merely suppress symptoms. Only very few are an actual cure – antibiotics come to mind here. The exclusively pharmacological approach conventional medicine so often employs does nothing to uncover the root causes. Metformin lowers blood glucose – but why is it high in the first place? Statins lower cholesterol – but why is it elevated? Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) numb pain – but why are you in pain? These are the questions nutrition professionals will ask. By getting to the root cause you won’t just be putting a sticking plaster on the problem. High blood glucose and high cholesterol may be due to a genetic predisposition or a diet that misses out on the right foods. Symptoms ranging from anxiety, high blood pressure, ADHD, depression, IBS, low energy and much more may be due to the diet lacking certain nutrients especially if genetically there is a problem with methylation. Find out more about the importance of methylation and why testing for this genetically can make a powerful difference by listening here.
Picture of Gary Brecka, Human Biologist, Methylation
WHAT HAPPENS IN A NUTRITION CONSULTATION?
Your first consultation will last up to 90 minutes. You will have been asked to complete and send back a nutritional therapy questionnaire & short food and lifestyle diary before your appointment. During the session, we’ll go into your medical history, your health goals and any other challenges you’re facing, what you generally eat, what you like to eat, what you hate to eat and how you have to eat (on the bus, in a rush at your desk, and so on). There’s no judgement and anything you share with me is kept in confidence. We discuss what functional and genetic testing options might be useful to you though there is no obligation to undertake this.
Nutritional therapy sessions are usually sold in programs that run over 12 weeks. This enables us to complete any functional testing, including genetic testing, and start to make changes at a pace that suits you, and to deal with any challenges or questions that come up along the way. To find out more about working with a Nutritionist, book a free health review by clicking here.
Picture of DNA report and supplements
WHAT IF I ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO?
Knowing what you should be doing is fine but staying motivated is the hardest part of any plan. The single best way to stay in the zone is to have a buddy or coach who can give you a nudge or call you out if you start to go off piste. This is the single biggest factor that makes the difference between reaching your goal and actually staying there. That’s where health coaching comes in. It keeps you accountable and will ensure all that good work doesn’t go to waste. Book a free call to find out more here or contact us.
WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO DO GENETIC TESTING?
Perhaps you are not looking for ongoing support, but you do want to optimise your health and check your genetics to see if they are the root cause of your symptoms. Finding out about your genetic methylation capacity can be a game changer for people. Melanie Flood Nutrition offers stand- alone DNA reports which include the genetic test, a 30-minute zoom call and a personalised written report with dietary, supplement and lifestyle recommendations.
We offer the methylation test advocated by Gary Brecka to all UK & Worldwide customers.
Find out more here, contact us or download our free ebook.
Picture of Melanie Flood with Genetic Testing Ebook
We look forward to supporting you on your journey to optimal health!