Nutrigenomics for a Smooth Perimenopause Journey
A turning point in my nutrition journey.
In 2016, I received the results of my first ever Nutrigenomics test. I didn’t how yet how Nutrigenomics was going to transform my perimenopause journey.
I considered myself rather healthy but I felt tired and I was dealing with lots of digestive and hormonal issues. Now I understand that Perimenopause had officially knocked at the door.
I wanted more facts about my body. I wanted to feel great again!
The trial and error approach can feel exhausting and can also be very costly.
Absorption is everything! What is Nutrigenomics?
It’s the study of how our genes interact with the food we eat. It helps us understand how our body processes nutrients based on our unique genetic makeup. Some people may have genes that make it harder to absorb or use certain vitamins and minerals.
Why invest in Nutrigenomics?
If you want to be proactive about your health, why not explore the latest research? So much data is available to help you look after your body in the most naturally way possible.
This is where Nutrigenomics comes in.
To keep it simple, we look at three areas with Nutrigenomics:
- How you absorb nutrients you get from the food you eat everyday
- How your body utilises those nutrients (vitamins and minerals vital for our health)
- How your body lets go of what it doesn’t need (waste needs to leave our body)
Like I said, this is a very simplistic way of explaining what insights we get from Nutrigenomics reports.
The reports also cover how certain nutrients activate or inhibit gene expression that affects health outcomes (e.g., inflammation, brain function, mood). Finally, we look at the potential risk of nutrient deficiencies. Some individuals may have genetic predispositions to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium) that influence mental health, muscle function, and relaxation and much more.
We look at how your body absorbs essential vitamins and minerals from food. Genetic variations can affect how well your body digests and absorbs nutrients. This in itself will have an impact on energy levels.
Fascinating, right?
Let’s get technical – what is the MTHFR gene?
We all have a gene called MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase – yep, it is a mouthful!) that provides instructions for making an enzyme (a protein to be precise) that helps your body break down folate (vitamin B9) into its active form.
For some people, this gene is not working.
This was the case for me.
Alongside addressing my digestive issues (this is key to ensure good absorption of nutrients) and hormonal imbalances, this was another piece of the puzzle which helped me feel healthy again.
Assessing Your Actual Nutrient Levels
Nutrigenomics looks at how your genes impact your body when it comes to absorption, utilisation and release of nutrients from the body. It does not tell you about your actual levels in the body.
I wanted to make sure I was going to supplement my body with what was needed and in the right dosage.
So I did a private nutrient status test with Genova Diagnostics. These were my results. You can clearly see that my folate levels were very low.
The Importance of Folate for Perimenopause
Most women know about the importance of folate (folic acid) for pregnancy. But did you know that folate (vitamin B9) is a nutrient which is vital for red blood cell formation, cell growth and healthy brain functions?
Folate also supports mood, reduces brain fog, and helps balance hormones during the perimenopausal transition.
Are you feeling tired all the time? Try folate rich foods
If you are feeling tired all the time, why not include more folate rich foods in your diet?
Start by incorporating leafy greens like spinach and kale in your favourite stews and soups, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas are great for quick healthy lunches and fruits like oranges and bananas also contain folate.
If that is not enough or you are already doing all these things, then you may want to look into Nutrigenomics.
Nutrigenomics for a smooth your perimenopause journey. Find out today how it can help you.
Do you feel that you have done a lot of work on yourself already but you are not seeing any changes? Or maybe, you simply don’t know where to start. This is how I can help you. Let’s book a free chat and we can map out your next step towards Perimenopause Freedom.
In the meantime, why not join me on Facebook? I have created a very supportive community where we share what is working for us. Hormone balance is possible. Together, it is much easier. Join us HERE.
