In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Institutes of Health.  One of the main hopes from the project was to determine which genes caused common diseases.  However, now scientists are discovering that the answers may be more complex, with many genes interacting that result in disease processes.

According to Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, author of Eat Right 4 Your Type and Change Your Genetic Destiny, a host of environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle, dictate how your genes express themselves.  Therefore, a diet that is suited to your personalized needs (BloodType, GenoType) will affect whether disease (or imbalance) expresses itself. He speaks to the field of Epigenetics. The word Epigenetics literally means “above” or “on top of” genetics and determines whether external factors influence whether genes turn on or off.  These modifications do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how cells “read” genes.

How do we achieve better health with what we know so far about genetics and epigenetics?  The first step is to figure out your genetic type.  Using simple diagnostic tools, such as your blood type, family health history or body measurements (e.g. hip to waist ratio or jaw angle), your health practitioner can find clues into your genetic makeup and health risks. At my office, I use Dr. D’Adamo’s software program called SWAMI Xpress.   The program performs 12,600,000 individual calculations on the nutrient values of 800 different foods to determine the foods that yield the healthiest results.

With such a personalized program, I have seen incredible results, especially for addressing health concerns and losing weight.  Indeed, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the different diets that are currently out there.  One diet will emphasize a plant-based diet while another will recommend the polar opposite.  Yet another diet will advocate high fat while another says low.  But what is the best diet to achieve the best results, you may ask. A personalized nutrition program, such as Dr. D’Adamo’s genotype diet will cut through the confusion and open the door to achieving better health, better health for the unique person that is you!

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