You are what you eat: optimizing food intake based on your genes

The importance of a scientific and tailored diet

Most people pursue good dietary habits to develop strong, healthy, and fit bodies. Popular health programs promise benefits like weight loss and management, decreased risk for heart disease and other serious ailments, as well as overall physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

While it’s beneficial to consume healthy meals every day, it’s always better to first determine what your body really needs and create a plan to address your unique genetic make-up. This is where nutrigenomics—the study of genes and how they affect your reaction to certain food compounds and chemicals—can help.

Understanding food sensitivity

With advanced genetic technology, scientists can determine how your bodies absorb and process nutrients, vitamins, and other complex substances. For instance, if your body needs help in absorbing Vitamin B, a particular diet or supplement may be recommended based on the findings.

Nutrigenomics can also point out your biological sensitivity to certain micronutrients. When a carbohydrate-sensitive individual eats white rice, for example, this person may experience a greater spike in blood sugar for a longer period than a non-sensitive person. A fat-sensitive individual, on the other hand, may be genetically predisposed to absorb the compound quicker than others. If you are not aware of your sensitivity to these micronutrients, you may have increased risks for physical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. You may also find it difficult to lose weight.

Tailor-fit diets for every need

Knowing your dietary needs via genetic testing can help you finetune your own health and wellness program. A nutrigenomics report may generate personalized recommendations based on certain food sensitivity findings.

For people with normal responses to carbohydrates and fat, they may consume a variety of meals from the major food groups, although it is always wise to eat more plant-based food and lean meats while cutting on sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Those who are sensitive to both compounds should focus on high-protein foods, such as soy, legumes, chicken, and egg whites.

Carbohydrate-sensitive individuals should incorporate more multigrain and fibrous energy sources, such as wheat bread and brown rice, into their diet. Fat-sensitive individuals may consume unsaturated fats, such as those in avocados, olive oil and nuts, in lieu of their unhealthy counterparts which are often found in butter, pastries, and most meats.

Paving ways to wellness through myDNA Pro

You can find out what diet and fitness plans work best for you with myDNA Pro Bundle. British insurer Pru Life UK and Prenetics Ltd, a Hong Kong-based genetic testing company, have collaborated to launch this innovative product, a first in the Philippine life insurance industry.  Pru Life UK’s insuravest bundle provides wealth and health protection with a comprehensive genetic program which assesses customers’ nutritional needs and health risks. Customers can also develop customised financial plans and diet programs catered to their budgets and needs.

“Powered by innovative science, the myDNA Pro Bundle provides thorough and personalized financial, health, and wellness solutions, offering an alternative to ‘one-size-fits-all’ programs,” says Allan Tumbaga, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Pru Life UK. “It helps people realize their best selves and take better charge of their future.”

To find out more about Pru Life UK’s myDNA Pro Bundle and various insuravest products, visit prulifeuk.com.ph/mydnapro.