DNAFit Reports for Personalized Nutrition and Exercise program!

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As I became a DNAFit coach this year to implement genetics into my The WHOLESTIC Method Coaching program – I am fascinated by all of the information we can gain by analyzing our genetics and lifestyle habits to create the ideal program for each individual if they want to burn fat to lose weight, optimize their health for longevity and/or to improve performance in their favorite sports.

I know I wish I discovered this information about myself five or more years ago! Epigenetics is a relatively new research area as is the microbiome. If we can get all of this data from genetic testing (23andMe raw data or DNAFit), Nutritional Therapy functional assessment and lab tests- we can optimize our health for peak performance in life and sports! Perhaps I would not have experienced such exhaustion, break down and weight gain back in 2013 if I had this information and specific plan for my body and goals!

In the next few blogs, I will be taking the genes used to create each individual DNAFit report starting with Nutrition – Carbohydrate Sensitivity.

Based on my genetic markers DNAFit uses for their carbohydrate sensitivity report- I have a higher sensitivity to carbohydrates which makes sense to me based on my quick reaction to refined carbohydrates (headaches). The genes DNAFit uses to determine this sensitivity impacts the way we metabolize and assimilate refined carbohydrates (that we should avoid anyways!), and the combination of the gene variants analyzed puts me at a slightly increased effect when consuming excess carbohydrates. My report shoes that my genotype increases the impact on short term glucose fluctuations and possible insulin resistance – so I need to eat more of a lower carbohydrate-moderate protein-higher healthy fat food plan (as I do best on now- more protein and fat makes me feel full and satisfied for many hours).

The genes tested and my genotype for an example of how DNAFit determines their Carbohydrate Sensitivity Report:

ACE: enzyme plays role in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance which relates to blood vessel constriction and blood pressure. My genotype is “deletion” (options for variations are Insertion (I) or Deletion (D)). The D (Deletion variant is associated with increased ACE activity but may be improved with regular exercise.
PPARG: this is a protein receptor found in the cell nucleus and has an important role in the formation and development of fat cells. This gene regulates fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism. I have the “CC” Allele genotype which makes me more likely to be sensitive to the negative effects of fats and refined carbohydrates. Higher amounts of PUFA and MUFA fats may be better for me than saturated fats as linked to lower BMI for this genotype.
TCF7L2: this protein has been connected to blood glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. The polymorphism has been shown to impact weight loss with those with the TT homozygotes. The T allele (TT Genotype) is linked to insulin/glucose balance but can be improved with the right food and exercise plan. I have the CT genotype – indicates a reduction in refined carbohydrates and an increase in fiber is beneficial for weight loss for me. One copy of the T Allele is connected with a moderate increase in fat sensitivity- especially saturated fats. Increased higher intensity interval training may be more beneficial for me!
ADRB2: receptors expressed throughout the body for natural stimulant hormones called catecholamines as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. DNAFit found that the polymorphisms tested result in a change in the amino acids which impact the receptor activity thus altering the response to these hormones. These receptors are found in fat cells, liver and skeletal muscles where they are involved with fat mobilization, blood glucose levels and vasodilation. My results are “CG Allele” which contributes to increased sensitivity to refined carbohydrates (again). The CG Allele that I carry (one Allele from each parent) is connected to increased fat accumulation – as visceral fat in woman (oh joy!). I would benefit (again) to higher intensity exercise sessions for fat loss – the opposite of what I have been doing for years as an endurance athlete training for Ironman and Marathons for twenty years. If you have a GG allele (homozygotes if two G allele), then the effects are more pronounced for increased sensitivity to carbohydrates.
FABP2: the fatty acid binding protein – is found only in the small intestine cells where our main site for fat absorption takes place. The FABP2 protein is involved with the uptake and transport of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. My genotype is the GG Allele which is NOT associated with an increased sensitivity to saturated fats or carbohydrates.

So as you can see in my report, my body does better with a lower carbohydrate (avoid or limit refined carbohydrates) food plan with a mixture of healthy fats (limit saturated fat to 10%). More on the best fats for me in my next blog report.

Would you like to know more about designing an exercise and nutrition program based on your genetic profile, Nutritional Therapy and goals? Then contact me to get started on my 30-day coaching programs- tailored for your individuality and goals!