We start by genetics, a word that derives from the Greek and means "relative to birth", this is the science of genes, that is, the DNA responsible for our physical characteristics (eye color, hair color, height, etc.), but also, at least in part, the creator of psychological peculiarities and disease susceptibility.
In 2000 was published the first draft of the human genome.
From then on, there have been many advances in this field, it is seen that the effect can be crucial environment and lifestyle on gene expression, which can be so reduced or amplified.
In this respect, a key role is played it from; it is clear that everything that we introduce daily with food has an effect on our health and our well-being, moreover obesity, which has become a problem of enormous dimensions, depends on environmental factors, work factors, psychological factors, but also by genetic factors.
Genes determine the proteins that are responsible for the transport of nutrients in our bodies, to the defense of our health, through the elimination of toxins and the protection of cells from oxidative damage.
In different individuals, the sequence of the genes in the DNA is equal to 99.9%, but in the remaining 0.1%, there are important differences, these are called SNP (Single Nucleotide polymorphisms - SNPs), responsible for a different response to a drug, for example, the effect of oxidizing substances or even foods introduction. This explains the individual reaction to the stress from the environment and from the power.
The nutrigenetics it is the science that studies how individual genetic variation influences the response of each of us to particular nutrients or toxins.
Genetic information can help us in food choices, chiarendoci how food interacts with our DNA and can thus help to reduce some risk factors for our health.
Genes and environment (diet, lifestyle, air quality, stress levels, type of work, etc.) Act synergistically and can have an effect on the health of both negative and positive.
The genotype of a person is determined at conception, does not change with time, but environmental factors can be modified, knowing the genotype (i.e. the particular version of a gene) and knowing how it interacts with the external factors, you can intervene on them and modify them, in order to optimize the beneficial effects on our health.
Today a simple genetic test (which should not be repeated over time, because the gene does not change!) Reveals the variations present in twenty genes relevant to nutrition.
This test (NutriGENE®), which is performed with a simple buckle swab, will determine which are the optimal levels of many components essential to our health, such as folic acid and other vitamins and minerals.
It will also determine the limits which must not be exceeded by other dietary components, such as saturated fat, caffeine, salt, etc.
This is not a diagnostic test, or of an analysis risky.
It will not reveal any genetic disease, in fact all the genes tested are responsible for polymorphisms very common, and therefore does not show bad genes, only different versions of some genes involved in obesity.
Be aware of their genetic predisposition to certain diseases allows us to put in place adequate and timely changes in lifestyle and implement such a prevention.
This genetic test can also highlight:
PREPARING TO CELIAC
And 'in fact was demonstrated a strong association between celiac disease and the genes of the major histocompatibility complex HLA II (heterodimers DQ2, DQ8, DR4); 90% of celiac carries antigen DQ2, while in most of the DQ2-negative celiac we find positivity for DQ8.
The same alleles are also observed in 25-30% of healthy relatives of celiac; In fact, the presence of HLA alleles is an indicator of predisposition to celiac disease and is essential. Final confirmation of the diagnosis can only be given with the intestinal biopsy.
Genetic testing is of great help when it is necessary to exclude celiac disease, and determining if a disease refractory to therapy.
The answer, of clear understanding, will indicate whether or not the person is a carrier of the antigens DQ2, DQ8, DR4 responsible for predisposition to Celiac Disease.
Who Should do the test:
- To people who have a family celiac
- Who, by the examinations sierologi, received a diagnosis for celiac dubious
- To those who suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, with no apparent cause
- To those who suffer from: iron deficiency anemia; osteoporosis; dermatitis herpetiformis, chronic fatigue syndrome
- To lose weight without apparent cause
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Lactose intolerance can manifest as nausea, bloating, flatulence, fatigue, headache, joint pain, skin manifestation, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The symptomatology is dose-dependent: the higher the amount of lactose ingested, the most obvious are the symptoms.
In the human species, as well as in all mammals, genes that encode the enzyme (lactase) needed for the digestion of milk are muted soon after weaning.
Have been identified in the lactase gene polymorphisms two different enzyme responsible for persistence: -13 910 T> C, -22 018 A> G; These mutations, therefore, constitute a selective advantage, thanks to which those who have them will hold the lactase gene managing to assimilate lactose into adulthood, unfortunately only a 'small part of our population it is the bearer, the majority of individuals, in fact, is lactose intolerant unknowingly continuing to hire him with often severe consequences on their health.
Always with genetic testing can evaluate
- sensitivity to nickel
- adaptation to stress food
- predisposition to alopecia