Nutrigenomics: do your genes tell you what to eat?

Ritesh Bawri

22 Jun 2025 — 1 min read

Your genes have been the new oracle. It tells you what to eat. The report promises revealing secrets. Eat more kale, less rice. Take methylated folate. Avoid coffee after noon.

What is nutrigenomics?

The notion that your DNA can guide your nutrition. Let us use one example to illustrate this.

The MTHFR gene affects how your body processes folate (B9). A MTHFR gene mutation inhibits the use of folate, elevating your homocysteine score in your blood report. Folate is critical, for example, when you are pregnant.

So, if you were to do a gene study, perhaps you could modulate how much folate you consume.

So does it work?

Yes, and no. Your health is never the outcome of one factor. It will always be multifactorial. Your genes will play a role. Your gut microbiome another. Your stress and sleep will stir the pot.

We are always looking for that edge. That magical insight that will tell me exactly what I need to do. In fact, we are not even seeking exactness. We are seeking someone taking the burden away from us.

I feel confident when someone tells me that genetics are the secret.

So, what helps?

Whole foods. Colourful plants. Protein at every meal. Regular movement. Deep sleep. Calm breath. These pillars will dwarf the role of a single gene.

Simple? Yes. Easy? No. But evidence backs them again and again.

Use your gene report as a data point at best. If it nudges you to cut sugar, great. If it warns about salt, listen. Then test changes. Track glucose, lipids, mood.

Your body and the ecosystem drives outcome, not a single factor.

Will nutrigenomics get better with time? I am sure. More studies will be done as companies look for the winning edge for you. In the mean time, focus on your lifestyle.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain

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