DNA test helps people understand how genetic profile interacts with food

CTV Atlantic: Focusing on DNA testing Learn about a simple DNA test that can help you figure out what foods to cut from your diet.

The way humans metabolize food is unique to every person and some foods, consumed by many on a daily basis, may be putting you at a higher risk for developing serious health conditions. A new, simple DNA test may help change that.

Gailyn Strauss knew what she was eating didn't agree with her body, but she was unsure what to do about it.

“I suspected I had sensitivities, I didn't really know what they were,” says Strauss. “I had different symptoms, the common ones, the bloating, the sluggishness, skin issues, things like that.”

The picture became clearer after Strauss met with registered dietician Patricia Poulsen, who suggested she take something called the Nutrigenomix, seven genetics and gluten intolerance test.

A saliva swab is sent off to the University of Toronto and analyzed to see how your genes affect or react to things like sodium, saturated fat, caffeine, and gluten.

“How our body metabolizes those nutrients, and how it affects our health,” says Poulsen. “Based on an individual's DNA, certain variants of their DNA, and how those variants respond to certain nutrients in foods, and beverages and supplements that we consume.”

Strauss says the test results helped her to streamline her diet.

“When I got my results, shocking, I am gluten sensitive, so that's nice to know. It's strictly the gluten, so I can go ahead, I can cut that out, I can eliminate that.”

The test is not meant to be a diagnosis, more of a guide to help people change their eating habits and possibly lower their risk of developing health conditions.

“We're able to tailor-make a nutrition plan for you, that suits your needs,” says Poulsen.

While the test does carry a price-tag, Strauss calls it an investment in her future.

“I'm happy knowing that I'm reducing my risks of complications or diseases later on,” says Strauss.

Strauss says Poulsen gave her a meal plan and recipes and they check-in often.

“Following the guidelines and the recommendations that Patricia gave me, I feel better. I don't get the brain fog, if you will, from eating that piece of cake, cause I don't eat that piece of cake,” says Strauss.

Poulsen says she expects Nutrigenomix to release some new tests in the near-future.