DNA tells you: how genetics affects diet and exercise

Selecting a training and nutrition regimen that takes into account a person’s genetics helps to achieve the best results and minimizes possible health risks.

The science of genetics is advancing by leaps and bounds, although genetic research is much talked about, to the point where the government is seriously considering creating genetic passports. Indeed, over the past couple of decades, not only has deep knowledge of how the human body functions been discovered, but genetic testing technologies themselves have become more accessible. Together with Alina Alshevskaya, immunologist, specialist in scientific and methodological work of Basis Genomic Group and a speaker of the International Festival of Health and Sports SN PRO EXPO FORUM, we are going to find out how a genetic test helps to choose the most effective training and nutrition plan.

What is a genetic test?

A genetic test is usually referred to as a special method of laboratory research, which allows you to decipher a small sequence of human DNA, comparing it with the average population “reference”. In other words, it is a way to determine how much personal DNA differs from the variant that is most often found at the moment in people who have lived in a certain area for a long time and have a number of similar external features. Since the genetic material is found in all tissues and body fluids, it is sufficient to collect cheek epithelium with a cotton swab to perform the study. Despite their apparent simplicity, DNA sequencing (molecular genetic) methods are some of the most accurate methods available in modern laboratory diagnostics.

Calculating genetic health risks is a science-intensive process and is done using so-called gene networks. Researchers select a list of genes whose association with a particular indicator has been proven in large population studies. Then, with the help of complex analysis, they evaluate their relationships and complex influence on the organism. The resulting “formula” is used to assess the risks and possibilities of a person.

A peculiar challenge for geneticists is the question of interpretation of the results obtained, i.e. the most reliable explanation of the effect of this or that change in DNA. Scientists all over the world are constantly working on determining the influence of individual genes and gene networks on the functioning of the organism – some effects are already precisely established and proven, and some are in the process of study.

For this reason, it is best to choose a laboratory with its own research department or one that has an ongoing collaboration with genetic scientists and has access to evidence-based information about genes and their effects.

What can be learned from DNA?

The DNA of any living being is a kind of construction plan of the organism. If an architect forgets to indicate a room on the plan or places water pipes in a bedroom, the builders will create a house that is not very comfortable to live in. Accordingly, when some important parts of DNA (genes responsible for specific proteins, enzymes, reactions and processes in the body) are initially prescribed erroneous or inaccurate information, the body will not be able to build the correct system of work.

The ability of modern science to detect errors is extremely great. For example, geneticists are able to predict with high accuracy what diseases will appear in a person in old age. If we get this information even before the disease has made itself known, the chances of preventing it (or at least mitigating its course) by starting prevention in time are growing.

Can DNA tell us what kind of sports we should play?

DNA can tell us a lot about a person’s predisposition to certain sports. Of course, it never looks like a specific list of activities. But it is genes that make it possible to trace the path along which human ancestors developed, and therefore for what conditions this organism is best adapted.

In other words, a person’s genetic characteristics can be used to understand his or her adaptive potential in terms of stress, how hardy his or her body is, how quickly muscles recover from intense exertion, and how effectively the cardiovascular system is able to respond to different types of stress.

Does a genetic test help in formulating a nutrition plan?

There is a vigorous debate about the usefulness of genetic testing for nutritional counseling. However, genes have been shown to play a significant role in basic metabolism, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and food reactions and intolerances. In addition, DNAs contribute significantly to the risks of developing metabolic disorders and diseases.

When a person tries to normalize weight without taking into account the real processes occurring in his body, say, simply restricting himself in food, the risks of chronic deficiencies of important components increase, as well as the risk of developing serious pathologies. Therefore, the optimal diet is one that takes into account individual characteristics down to the peculiarities of eating behavior and tendency to overeating. As a result, weight is reduced much faster, and all body systems come into balance.

Thus, it is not enough just to pass a genetic test, a person must receive comprehensive recommendations on diet and physical activity. The test report contains only general conclusions based on the DNA analysis. Therefore, testing must be accompanied by counseling from a physician who has the skills and experience with genetic testing results.

Despite the fact that genetics do not change during life, the selection of a suitable diet and training regimen should take into account the state of the body at a given time. Only a physician is able to conduct a complete diagnosis for common complaints, weight problems, chronic diseases, nutrient deficiencies, etc. He compares the information received from the patient with the data on his genetics and only then develops a plan for individual correction or prevention.

It is good when genetic testing is accompanied by additional laboratory diagnostics. After all, the task of a DNA test is to predict the risks of developing disorders and to find out the root cause of already existing abnormalities. But the current status of, for example, vitamins (their deficiency or excess in the human body) can only be determined by blood analysis.