My-gene-diet Review

Eat according to your genes

You may have already heard about this new phenomenon. Send a saliva test to a laboratory, let them analyze your DNA and receive guidance on how to eat and exercise - in the way that is best for your genes.

The results can range from more energy, a healthier body and ultimately, a longer and more disease-free life. This is not something the company says, but in my opinion this is just some of the benefits you can get from eating according to your genes. If you know how your genes react to certain types of food, there is a greater chance that you will eat healthier. You will also have knowledge of the type of exercise that is most appropriate for you and your genes.

I have just gotten my results back after having undergone a DNA test from the company My-gene-diet. I will share my findings with you so you have an idea of what type of information you can get if you want to eat according to your genes.

A DNA profile can identify:

1) Which genetic challenges you may have in connection with satiety and obesity.

2) How these challenges can be addressed so that you can end your struggle against hunger

3) Which diet composition (percentage breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats) is just right for you?

4) Are your muscle fibres best suited for sprinting, endurance or a combination?

Basically, we all have a unique set of genes that, if we eat in a special way, can be controlled for our own benefit. One cannot eliminate them but one can manage the strength of them. There is talk of turning “on” and “off” your genes. For example, a gene that is responsible for fat storage, can be quieted simply by eating in a certain way.  Two weeks after I had sent my saliva sample to the lab, I received my report from My-gene-diet. They sent me my report along with a diet plan, guide for losing weight and an exercise plan which are all based on my gene types.

My geneprofile in broad terms:

According to My-gene-diet, I have a gene where a tough workout makes me tired and hungry more than what the average person would experience. This means I tend to gain weight when I exercise a lot. My hunger becomes overstimulated so I eat more than I should. Yep, that I can recognize.

My-gene-diet recommend that I respond to this by neglecting too hard physical exercise and instead focus on moderate aerobic exercise combined with moderate strength training. To build endurance is better for my body - and my genes. For me it's fun to hear, because I love a strenuous resistance and to a lesser extent actually care about fitness. But it seems it is best for me - especially if I want to keep a healthy weight in the future.

Another gene My-gene-diet have identified, is a gene that makes the fat that is released when I train difficult to leave the body. It instead settles as belly fat - both between agencies and a small pot belly - yep, the little pot belly I've always struggled with.

My-gene-diets dietary advice to me and my genes is that I should focus on eating more protein and unsaturated fats. I should also only eat carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, that is, the kind that gives a low, stable fluctuation in blood sugar. In addition, the report recommends fatty fish for breakfast, such as kippers, as this will give me both protein and unsaturated fatty acids, and keep me feeling fuller for longer later in the day.

Also My-gene-diet mention a gene that is particularly evident when my blood sugar is low. This gene makes me crave quick carbohydrates when my blood sugar is low - more than what is considered normal. My-gene-diet recommend that I eat many small meals throughout the day to keep my blood sugar stable.

My conclusion:

Fortunately I eat already somewhat like My-gene-diet prescribes, as it occurs to me most naturally. But I think it was especially fun to learn something about how I should work out in relation to my genes. This will undoubtedly make a difference for me in the future.

I see clearly that DNA profiles in relation to diet and exercise has its merits and I predict that it will be huge in the future. I think the price in order to undergo this test is fair in relation to the important information you receive. Currently, a DNA test from My-gene-diet costs £195 for the recommended package, however the knowledge that you receive about your own body is priceless.