Personalised Nutrition - More than the food you eat
Grace says – Personalising nutrition means no more guesswork and less stress.
It is only partly true that you are what you eat.
More importantly’ you are what you can digest and absorb.
Rather than following one size fits all advice, I recommend that you explore how to personalise your nutritional program.
If you have a cancer diagnosis and want to investigate how a change in diet and nutrition can help you there are a few fundamental issues to address first.
1. Individual metabolism:
This is fundamental to every cancer patient seeking to explore how diet and nutrition can influence their cancer outcomes.
If you struggled at school with biology, chemistry and science in general, I suggest you study the Infographic below to get an insight on about how food travels through your digestive system.
2. Gene Testing:
Explore gene testing for nutrition and pharmacogenomics (PGx) on our menu. (Genomic DNA Tests).
I am available for video consultations to help you interpret and apply results from your nutritional gene testing.
Importantly: Each person’s unique metabolism will determine their nutritional needs
Your unique metabolism is key to a personalised nutrition approach
What is personalised nutrition?
Sometimes dietary advice from Dr Google, naturopath’s or even integrative doctors is a one size fits all approach.
Conversely a personalised nutrition approach utilises the best of modern science to determine how your unique genetic make-up metabolises the foods you eat.
Personalised nutrition is nutrition applied with precision and intimate knowledge of the patient; their cancer type, its location, and whether or not they have a primary or metastatic tumour.
Personalised nutrition focuses on your genes which are a blueprint of who you are as an individual. The blueprint, when interpreted, can provide a depth of information not available to the average practitioner.
Be aware that sometimes a one size fits all nutritional approach may appear to be personalised but is not. Choice Magazine Cautions; avoid paying for any tests that are medically unproven or disproven.
Grace Gawler says “I agree with much of what is reported in choice Magazine. I see many patients who have paid large amounts of money for tests that will not assist them in their cancer recovery. “
We prefer science based nutritional testing for our patients. This includes genomic diagnostics and validated gene testing which can help you take a more personalised approach to your nutritional choices.
Reports from these tests are very user-friendly for patients who want to improve their nutritional status. If patients need assistance interpreting the tests they can make an appointment for a video consultation with Grace.
Personalised gene testing for nutrition eliminates guesswork
Nutritional Gene testing – one example:
Nutritional Gene testing can benefit the patient by analysing their genes for bone density. Genes are one area that can determine bone strength and density and so far, many genes that influence this process have been discovered.
The test can look for unfavourable gene variants that indicate you may have a genetic tendency for low bone density; an important factor for anyone dealing with cancer. If gene variants are discovered in combination with poor metabolism of vitamin D, which is also influenced by genes, it can help you discover a targeted way of adjusting your diet and nutrition.
Take away tips to enhance your well-being:
*Eat right for your genes – the best possible contribution you can make (refer to gene testing for nutrition on the menu).
*Chew food well – eat mindfully, eat in a non-stressful environment.
*Have a variety of food in your diet – eat widely and wisely.
*Eat organically grown fruit and veg where possible.
*Drink adequate amounts of pure water daily – minimise commercial beverages.
*Read labels on food products – beware of vegan and vegetarian foods that are laced with unhealthy additives.
*Reduce empty carbs – pastries, white bread.
*Avoid complicated powder supplements that may contain up to 50 or 60 ingredients. You could never eat these kinds of combinations naturally.
*Adequate fibre is important for bowel motility, however, too much fibre can have the opposite effect.
