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Last month, in the first part of the Nutrigenomics in Action series, we looked at how a Nutrigenomics test can provide valuable insight into the correct personalised nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and supplement plan to achieve optimal health and peak performance. You can read more about this in the article Nutrigenomics in Action - Olympic Special.

This month, we are going to take a closer look at a specific case study to examine how a nutrigenomics report supported a client with their symptoms of metabolic syndrome…specifically type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol.

Client X, a female in her late 50s, had been diagnosed by her GP as being pre diabetic with high levels of total cholesterol. She often struggled to control her weight and had a stressful job, juggling lots of work/ life balance issues. She found it difficult to find time to exercise and did not sleep well or for long enough. She often felt very fatigued and although her diet was generally healthy she craved both sweet and salty snacks. Her GP wanted to use medications to help control her metabolic symptoms but she decided she wanted to get to the root cause of why she had developed this condition and support her health through nutrition.

Step One - The Basics

After her initial consultation, Client X received a Medicinal Eating Nutrition, Lifestyle and Supplement plan to help lay the foundation for better metabolic health. This included specific dietary recommendations to put in the vital nutrients that were missing from her diet and to help calm her levels of stress and improve her quality of sleep. Some initial achievable exercise goals were also agreed and basic supplements introduced.

Step Two - Nutrigenomics Functional Testing

After the initial consultation, Client X did a Nutrigenomics test to look at the genetic variances relevant to metabolic health. These variances related to:

• Appetite Regulation
• Nutrient Sensing
• Sugar Metabolism
• Fat Metabolism
• Cholesterol and Bile
• Energy production and Inflammation

Step Three - Results Analysis

• Appetite Regulation - It was clear from the results that this client had genetic variances relating to her hunger hormones. This resulted in her craving sweet and creamy foods and feeling less satisfied after eating meals. For her, it was important to avoid a high fat diet (for example, a ketogenic diet) and to focus on certain phytonutrients that would help reduce her appetite. Slower, mindful eating would really help with her satiety signalling.

• Nutrient Sensing - This client also had genetic variances relating to poor glucose regulation and fat oxidation. Again certain specific nutrients would be helpful here together with increasing exercise. Managing inflammation, optimising vitamin D and increasing certain polyunsaturated fatty acids and flavonoids could help to support these variances.

• Sugar Metabolism - Healthy complex carbohydrates are a good nutrient source for Client X who is genetically a good metaboliser of glucose. Limiting snacking and introducing periods of intermittent fasting would be good mechanisms for her to improve her insulin sensitivity linked to pre diabetes.

• Fat Metabolism - Genetic variances showed Client X had reduced fat transport into cells and less sensitive taste perception again increasing a liking for high fat, creamy foods and increasing the risk for carrying excess belly fat. Avoiding these foods and adding in healthy satisfying alternatives would be very important.

• Cholesterol and Bile - Receptors for the LDL cholesterol (the undesirable form) have less sensitivity for Client X according to her genetics. Certain polyphenols could help increase this sensitivity which will in turn help regulate her LDL cholesterol levels. This would have the overall effect of helping her balance her cholesterol. Genetically, she had good breakdown of cholesterol into bile so this would help effective elimination.

• Energy and Inflammation - Client X had genetic variance relating to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. These variances would be contributing to her insulin resistance and potentially resulting in fatty liver. Adding anti inflammatory foods into her diet and supplementing with anti oxidants would be very beneficial here.

Step Four - Feedback and Revised Plan

In a follow up consultation, the genetic results were explained to Client X with a revised Nutrition, Lifestyle and Supplement Plan that specifically catered for her genetic variances. After following this plan for three months, her blood sugar markers and cholesterol status came back to within normal parameters without the need for any medication.

Summary

Hopefully this case study has given a little bit more insight into the difference genetic testing can make to someone’s nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and supplement plan. Knowing exactly which areas are causing an issue and providing targeted support can make a huge difference to health outcomes. It is by no means an essential part of the process but can help achieve results a little quicker. Sometimes, it is really helpful simply to understand that it is your genes that make you crave certain foods or stop you feeling hungry even though you have only just eaten. Having this knowledge alone can really motivate you to make the necessary changes to achieve those health goals.

You can find out more about Bespoke Nutrigenomics Testing packages here Choose your package.

You can also contact Medicinal Eating and book a free 15 minute Discovery Call.