3 SURPRISING THINGS A NUTRIGENOMIX® TEST CAN REVEAL
As part of Copeman Healthcare’s new Precision Health program, a new genetic test offered at Copeman helps our care teams individualize treatment plans in a way that’s specific to each client’s genes – it’s called Nutrigenomix®.
A Nutrigenomix® report will indicate how an individual’s body metabolizes certain nutrients. By understanding your genetic profile and your unique response to food, you can make more informed choices when it comes to personalizing your diet.
1. Caffeine can be good or bad – depending on your genes! About 50 percent of people possess a genetic variant that slows down caffeine metabolism. If you’re a slow metabolizer, you’re at a greater risk of high blood pressure and heart attack when caffeine intake is more than 200 mg – that’s about an eight-ounce cup of coffee and less than Health Canada’s two-cups-a-day maximum recommendations.
2. You can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by consuming more whole grains About 50 percent of the population have the high-risk genetic variant of the TCF7L2 gene. For these people, consuming more carbs – specifically whole grains – can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. While not a diagnostic tool, you can test your genes for lactose and gluten intolerance Some lactose-containing foods may trigger symptoms and others may not because different genetic variants exist for a “slightly elevated” risk of lactose intolerance and a “high risk” of intolerance. If your risk is only slightly elevated, symptoms might be kept at bay with a smaller serving.
