Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Have you done all you know to do to lose weight without success? You are not alone. Women of all ages can struggle to shed pounds and inches for many reasons. However, most of them are commonly known, such as imbalanced hormones, thyroid issues, inflammation, and even body type. That said, it may surprise you to know that the problem could be in your DNA. Your genes can actually influence how your body digests fat and stores it. If you know anything about losing weight, you understand how slow digestion and the inability to burn off stored fat can put a wrench in your plan. Fortunately, there is a way to understand more about these things in order to live a healthier life and maintain your weight.
The Connection
Since the discovery of DNA, there have been significant achievements in understanding our history, how we survive, and how we heal. It’s the pathway to molecular biology and how we can make processes like weight loss easier and safer. Because we now know that our DNA plays a role in how disease progresses, as well as our likelihood of developing certain diseases, the door is open for more studies. One such vein to acknowledge is the correlation between our genetic makeup and our tendency to carry extra weight.
This concept sheds light on how and why certain diseases or traits run in families. Consider this could be why we see multiple members of a family overweight, even if they don’t live together. Of course, genetics is likely not the only cause of weight gain. Environmental factors and learned behavior are also factors.
The Science of Nutrigenomics
The mapping of the human genome gives some incredible insights into the processing of nutrients. This area of genetics, known as nutrigenomics, has identified specific genes responsible for weight gain and obesity. It also helps us to understand that there’s no one optimal diet for everyone. Thus, bringing a solid need for us to know our bodies in order to give them what they need instead of following the latest diet fads.
This theory explains why some women do extremely well on keto diets, while others are miserable and end up gaining weight. I, myself am one of those women who doesn’t do well with no carbs. Additionally, we see this happening with vegan and low-fat diets. Some people (both men and women) lose significant weight quickly, while others lose energy and end up worse off than they were before.
DNA-Testing
Of course, you can experiment with various dietary protocols to lose weight, but you might consider getting your DNA tested for an inside look at what you need. Doing so may not only help you lose weight but understand other important details about health. However, these will likely be separate tests unless you do a comprehensive DNA panel.
As far as a specific dietary DNA test, you are likely to glean basic information about optimal foods for weight loss, nutritional needs, and healthy eating behaviors. It could also teach you more about your body’s sensitivity to specific types of foods like carbohydrates and saturated fat. Other more detailed panels might reveal how well your metabolism works, whether you have a predisposition to obesity, likely food cravings, and how fast you will gain the weight back.
Special DNA tests can also reveal helpful things like detoxification efficiency, response to common substances like salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Make sure to find out exactly what each test reveals, as there are various test kits available, and different companies will have their own result panels.
You should know that, of the many companies that offer dietary recommendations based on your DNA, some don’t do in-house lab work. Instead, they use outside labs like Ancestry or 23 and Me from which to extract the genetic information. Though this won’t change your results, it could cost you more in the long run, as each company will have a fee. There are, however, some companies like Dynamic DNA Laboratories that do lab work in-house and offer a wide variety of tests.
The DNA Diet
Based on the results of your DNA test, you should be able to choose a diet that helps you achieve weight loss faster and more efficiently. Look for consumer reviews from actual customers who did these specific tests. That way you will know more about what to expect from the results and any recommendations from the company you chose. Remember, any diet you do should also promote optimal health and not compromise your lifestyle. Such a diet should also account for genetic predispositions to food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies. This way, you’ll know the foods to avoid and what supplements to add to your diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve tried losing weight without seeing results, investing in a DNA test could help you understand important factors. A DNA test can help you and your healthcare team to discover exactly what your body needs in various areas. Do, however, understand that simply knowing what your genetics are isn’t the only thing you need to do to lose weight. It is simply an information tool that gives insights into what could be hindering normal functions and body processes. Talk to your doctor about your results to see if there are any therapies, supplements, or other things to help you on your weight loss journey.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
