Our understanding of genetics has evolved with the fascinating field of epigenetics, which studies how environmental factors—like diet, lifestyle, stress, and exposure to toxins—can switch genes on or off. Unless someone has a chromosomal disorder, genes alone don’t determine disease. It’s the interaction between your unique genetic makeup and environment that influences your risk of poor health.
 

With nutrigenomic testing, I can see how your genetics may impact areas such as lipid transport particles in the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, weight, thyroid function, energy, pain perception, methylation (a chemical switch which is very impactful on different areas of health), fertility, and more. These tests also identify which nutrients you may require in higher amounts to support optimal health. From there, I can implement targeted nutritional and lifestyle strategies to potentially downregulate unfavourable gene expression.
 

Through personalised nutrition and targeted supplementation based on your genetics, it’s possible to positively influence gene expression. This integrative approach allows me to understand your biochemical individuality, giving a clear picture of your unique needs and providing direct, actionable recommendations based on known genetic variations (polymorphisms).

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For example (there are many more):
 

• Weight and appetite genes: I can see how your genes may influence your food choices, metabolism and waistline, and design strategies to reduce their impact.¹
   

• Serotonin production genes (a happy neurochemical): I can determine if you are less efficient at converting tryptophan to 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor, especially under stress. Some gene variants may instead convert serotonin into a neurotoxic compound (toxic to the brain), contributing to mood disturbances. In such cases, targeted antioxidants from colourful foods or supplements can reduce negative effects. Other variants may lower serotonin sensitivity, causing low mood, anxiety, and impulsivity; I can recommend specific nutrients to improve serotonin function.²

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• Inflammatory genes in cognitive function: Polymorphisms (variations in gene sequences) in inflammatory molecules (proteins made by the immune system to trigger inflammation) - e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α create a susceptibility to dementia that when inherited alongside higher-risk APOE alleles (versions of the genes for lipid transport proteins) accelerates neurodegeneration. Anti-inflammatory diets and compounds like curcumin can downregulate genetic expression.³

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In my own case, nutrigenomic testing revealed higher requirements for certain nutrients to support mental health, methylation, and hormonal balance. Using this information, I was able to recover from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
 

It’s important to note that most direct-to-consumer genetic tests provide basic information with little or no interpretation, which can be confusing or misleading. In the hands of a trained nutrigenomics practitioner, however, testing can be motivational, empowering, and genuinely life-transforming.

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¹Gorczynska-Kosiorz S et al. Exploring the Interplay of Genetics and Nutrition in the Rising Epidemic of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Nutrients, 2024 Oct 21;16(20):3562. doi: 10.3390/nu16203562

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²López-Echeverri YP et al. Effects of serotonin transporter and receptor polymorphisms on depression. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr (Engl Ed). 2023 Apr-Jun;52(2):130-138. PMID: 37453823. DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpeng.2021.07.003

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³S M McCusker et al. Association between polymorphism in regulatory region of gene encoding tumour necrosis factor alpha and risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a case-control study. Lancet. 2001 Feb 10;357(9254):436-9. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04008-3.