A genetic test will help you choose the right sport and diet.

A genetically appropriate exercise and nutrition regimen will help to achieve the best results and minimize possible health risks.

The science of genetics is advancing by leaps and bounds, although genetic research is talked about a lot, to the point where the government is seriously considering creating genetic passports. Indeed, in the last couple of decades, not only has in-depth knowledge of how the human body functions been discovered, but genetic testing technology itself has become more accessible. Today, we will examine 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 testing, which allows you to decipher a small sequence of a person’s DNA by comparing it to an 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 territory for a long time and who have several similar external features. Since genetic material is found in all tissues and body fluids, it is sufficient to collect the cheek epithelium with a cotton swab to perform the study. Despite the apparent simplicity, methods of DNA sequencing (molecular genetics) are among the most accurate available in modern laboratory diagnostics.

Calculating genetic risks to health is a science-intensive process and is done with the help of so-called gene networks. Researchers select a list of genes whose association with a particular index has been proven in large population studies. Then, using complex analysis, their relationships and complex effects on the body are evaluated. The resulting “formula” is used to estimate the risks and abilities of the individual.

A peculiar challenge for geneticists is the issue of interpretation of the results, i.e. the most reliable explanation of the effect of a particular change in DNA. Scientists around the world are constantly working to determine the effect of individual genes and gene networks on the functioning of the body – some effects have been accurately established and proven, and some are in the process of study.

Therefore, it is better to choose either a laboratory with its scientific department or one that cooperates with geneticists permanently and has access to information about genes and their effects with a sufficient evidence base.

What can we learn from DNA?

The DNA of any living being is a kind of construction plan of the organism. If the architect forgot to indicate any room on the plan or placed water pipes in the bedroom, the builders will create a house that will not be 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 with wrong or inaccurate information, the body will not be able to build a correct system of work.

The ability of modern science to detect errors is extremely great. For example, geneticists can accurately predict which diseases a person will develop in old age. If we get this information even before the disease has manifested itself, the chances of preventing it (or, at least, mitigating its course) by starting prophylaxis on time increase.

Is it possible to tell from DNA what kind of sports one should play?

A fit DNA test can also 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 the genes that allow us to trace the path that human ancestors evolved, and thus, for what conditions this body is best suited.

In other words, a person’s genetic characteristics help us understand their adaptive potential in terms of exercise, exactly how enduring their body is, how quickly their muscles recover from intense exercise, and how effectively their cardiovascular system can respond to different types of exertion.

Does a genetic test help in formulating a nutrition plan?

There is an active debate about the usefulness of genetic testing for nutritional counseling. However, genes have been shown to play a significant role in basal metabolic patterns, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin metabolism, food reactions, and intolerances. In addition, DNA contributes significantly to the risks of metabolic disorders and diseases.

When a person tries to normalize his weight without taking into account the real processes going on in his body, for example, by simply restricting himself to eat, the risks of chronic deficiencies of important components increase, and there is a danger of developing serious pathologies. Therefore, the optimal diet takes into account individual characteristics down to the characteristics of eating behavior and tendency to overeating. As a result, weight is reduced much faster, and all systems of the body come into balance.

Thus, it is not enough to just take a genetic test; a person must receive comprehensive recommendations about diet and exercise. The test report contains only general conclusions made based on the DNA analysis. Therefore, testing must be accompanied by a consultation with a physician who has the skills and experience to work with the results of genetic testing.

Although genetics does not change throughout a lifetime, the selection of an appropriate diet and exercise regimen must take into account the body’s current condition. Only a physician can make a complete diagnosis for common complaints, weight problems, chronic diseases, nutrient deficiencies, etc. He compares the information he receives 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 the DNA test is to predict the risks of developing disorders and to find out the root cause of already existing abnormalities. And the current status of, for example, vitamins (their deficiency or excess in the human body) can only be found out by blood tests.

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