Friday, April 25, 2025

Genes and Your Diet

 Nutrigenomics is the study of how genes interact with the food we eat. Research shows that certain genes can affect how your body responds to nutrients. For example, the FTO gene has been linked to a higher risk of obesity, influencing hunger and fat storage. Lifestyle changes can help override these genetic tendencies. Another key gene, MTHFR, affects how your body processes folate. Variants in this gene may increase the risk of heart disease, especially if your diet is low in B vitamins. As genetic testing becomes more accessible, personalized nutrition is becoming a practical tool for better health. 



My opinion: This is great news, this gives society somewhat of a playbook to follow by. Our bodies are telling us what we do and do not need. Learning how our genes react with the food we eat can boost overall health and what in our diet we need to improve on. This is definitely a topic that needs to be talked about more and spread throughout society. This could help with obesity and the number of health problems that stem from bad fast foods as well. 

Sources: Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR), the One-Carbon Cycle, and Cardiovascular Risks - PMC

The genetics of obesity: FTO leads the way - PMC

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