What Is a DNA Diet?
All of us have been bestowed with a different DNA. Our DNA determines every detail of ourselves, so lately, scientists have utilized the information coded in our DNA to guide our nutrition and health. The DNA diet consists of gathering information from the DNA, finding out which foods are suitable and which to avoid for that particular DNA holder, then preparing and planning the diet accordingly. It is a personalized diet that is appropriate for an individual.
What Was the Need for the DNA Diet?
The nutrition and human genomics experts examined numerous genetic characteristics related to various health conditions and diseases. They further believed that DNA details would provide the most acceptable diet to each individual, help combat different illnesses, and give a better quality of life. DNA diet is specifically helpful in dieting, eating disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
How Does the DNA Diet Work?
Companies have designed DNA diets as per the person’s DNA details because the DNA sequences of an individual impact his health and predisposition to various diseases and health conditions. Instead of having diet plans for a mass population, the DNA diet focuses on personal DNA makeup, and suggestions are based on that. Certain companies dealing with DNA diet plans also suggest diet plans, food recipes, and grocery shopping.
What are the Different Types of DNA Diet?
DNA diets are of various types, depending on the most suitable and healthy foods for the individual’s overall health. After the DNA and blood samples are sent for testing, the information is extracted from them and is used to suggest the appropriate diet chart for the individual. The DNA diet is trendy for weight loss. The companies broadly divide people into different categories and prepare different types of diet plans for them according to their body needs and susceptibility. Some examples of varying DNA diets are as follows:
What are the Factors Determining the Type of DNA Diet?
The considerations such as food allergies or intolerances to a specific food category are taken into account when a DNA diet is recommended. The most favorable food group is checked for those seeking the DNA diet for weight loss. The DNA testing also reveals information about an individual’s sensitivity to alcohol intake and health issues like obesity, diabetes, etc., which are reviewed too. The DNA information is adjunct to the details of eating habits and the related urges, blood tests, and lifestyle patterns.
How does DNA Affect Diet?
The DNA and the diet are closely associated with each other. According to a study published, around twelve genetic variations determine the differences in blood beta-carotene levels in a group of people with the same food rich in this nutrient. The research also says that the gene sequencing in the DNA also controls the interaction between the body and the total cholesterol levels. One study claims that a variation in the TCF7L2 gene decides the effect of a low-fat diet in decreasing the body mass index of an individual. With the same genetic variation, another study found that if this variation is present, a significant influence is seen on body weight and body mass index when a Mediterranean diet (which is low in saturated fats, and abundant in fiber-rich foods and whole grains) is followed.
What are the Disadvantages of the DNA Diet?
The DNA diet plans cannot be recommended for all people. However, for some individuals, its implementation has been a boon. Yet, it does not include complete clinical information and lacks consideration of health risks such as obesity, anorexia, etc. In addition, one’s dietary requirements, ongoing medications, and existing medical conditions also remain out of the list here. It is known that genes carry facts about only five to ten percent of diseases, like diabetes mellitus and obesity. Therefore, the DNA diets fail to provide complete knowledge of the individual diet that a person should follow. Completely excluding a type of food from an individual’s diet can have serious detrimental effects on his health. What remains most beneficial in achieving a healthy body is leading an active lifestyle while sticking to a balanced diet.
Conclusion:
The DNA diet is an upcoming field that needs ample research to be done and needs their results for its complete success. As of now, it has a lot of limitations, and it comes with a plethora of challenges. Nevertheless, the DNA diet may turn out to be a solution to all the health problems in the future. But, today, it lacks research in crucial areas, so it is advisable to consult a registered physician and a dietician mandatorily before giving it a try.
