{"id":21259,"date":"2020-10-05T20:13:51","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T20:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=21259"},"modified":"2020-10-05T20:49:33","modified_gmt":"2020-10-05T20:49:33","slug":"bio-individuality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/bio-individuality\/","title":{"rendered":"Put Yourself First by Understanding Bio-Individuality"},"content":{"rendered":"Carrie Gabriel, MS, RDN<\/a>, explains what bio-individuality is and why learning more about your own is essential for lasting health and wellness.<\/em>\r\n\r\nFor decades, we’ve been bombarded with processed foods, misinformation, and marketing from food giants. It seems we’ve lost touch with what our bodies need and what feeling good is actually like.\r\n\r\nHowever, the best source for knowing what truly works for your body and health is your own self. When you listen to your own internal cues, you’re accessing your bio-individuality.\r\n

What is bio-individuality?<\/h2>\r\nBio-individuality is the idea that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health and nutrition. Instead, we’re all unique in our biological makeup and requirements. Each person has their own specific nutritive and health needs, as well as routines, practices, and preferences that work for them.\r\n\r\nFor example, the foods that sustain me throughout the day, the exercises that work for my body, and the coping mechanisms that help me fight stress will likely vary from those that work for you.\r\n\r\nIn short, our bodies react differently to various foods, habits, and the like.\r\n\r\nThe same idea extends to countless aspects of our lives. The way we respond to and act through daily life makes our journeys on this planet even more unique and individual to us.\r\n\r\nSo how can we expect to live our lives well by following the same rules, paths, and expectations of others? We can’t\u2014and that’s where bio-individuality comes into play.\r\n\r\n\"Group\r\n

What Research Says About Bio-Individuality<\/h2>\r\nDifferences in gut health<\/a>, glucose intolerance, and more appear to play a role in how each of us reacts to certain foods.\r\n\r\nA 2015 study<\/a> tracked the blood sugar levels of 800 people for over a week. Researchers collected data through health questionnaires, body measurements, blood tests, glucose monitoring, stool samples, and a mobile app to report lifestyle and food intake. Volunteers also received a few standardized\/identical meals for breakfast<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe study concluded that age and body mass index (BMI) are associated with blood glucose levels after meals. However, the data also revealed that different people show different responses to the same food, even though their individual responses didn’t change from one day to another.\r\n\r\nThis finding suggests that each person metabolized these meals differently, and that tailoring nutrition on a bio-individual level would aid in furthering their health goals.\r\n

What factors influence bio-individuality?<\/h2>\r\nA number of factors influence your bio-individual profile. Here are some that can have the biggest impact.\r\n

genetics<\/h3>\r\nStudies show that your genetic background<\/a> has a lot to do with your optimal diet and lifestyle prescription.\r\n\r\nFor instance, if your ancestors are from East Asia, you’re more likely to thrive on a diet high in rice, sea vegetables, and fish. Next, if your ancestors are from South Asia, your digestive system will probably love basmati rice, cooked beans, and curry. On the other hand, someone from Northern Europe might thrive on high-quality dairy<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThis theory also applies to foods that you have trouble digesting<\/a>. For example, if dairy wasn’t part of your ancestors’ diets, there’s a good chance that’s why you may also have difficulty tolerating it.\r\n\r\n\"Asian\r\n

Blood Type<\/h3>\r\nEach blood type (A, B, AB, O) can be traced to a certain period<\/a> of human history with distinct differences in diet, culture, and social conditions. Additionally, each blood type has particular strengths and limitations<\/a>. Knowing more about them can help you uncover insights and make better choices when it comes to biochemical individuality and nutrition.\r\n\r\nFor example, many type O\u2019s feel energized by eating meat. Meanwhile, type B\u2019s are better able to digest dairy.\r\n\r\nSome people believe that if you eat a food that’s incompatible with your blood type, it could eventually lead to health problems. However, more research is needed to make definitive claims about this factor of bio-individuality.\r\n

gut health<\/h3>\r\nResearch claims there are several factors<\/a> associated with the variation in the community and structure of the gut microbiome. These include:\r\n