Genetic testing could help determine how your body reacts to food

Posted: 6:00 PM, Oct 18, 2016
Updated: 2016-10-18 18:27:15-04

Genetic testing could help tailor the perfect diet for your body, and examine how your body reacts to certain foods.

Nutrigenomics testing analyzes your genes to determine how your body processes nutrients. It's a simple blood test that could improve the way you eat.

Ginny Felch signed up for the genetic tests after working with a nutritionist to improve her diet. Results showed Felch had a gene mutation preventing her from processing folate properly.

A nutritionist recommended more greens in her diet, and she discovered her genes were impacting her cholesterol levels.

"I discovered that I had an increase risk for heart disease and stroke," she said.

Sonya Angelone, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said the tests allow doctors and nutritionists to tailor customized food plans like never before.

"Looking at genomic testing we can see how somebody metabolizes protein or sugar," she said. "We can see their risk for cancer or even heart disease."

Genomic testing is generally not covered by insurance, and can cost several hundred dollars.