Eating for Your Genes: How Functional Medicine Uses Nutrigenomics for Better Health
What if your body could tell you exactly what it needs to function at its best?
Thanks to advancements in nutrigenomics—the study of how food and nutrients interact with your genes—that idea is now a reality. At Palmetto Wellness, we use a Functional Medicine approach that includes genetic insights to craft personalized nutrition and wellness plans tailored to your unique biology.
No more guesswork. No more one-size-fits-all diets. Just a deeper understanding of your body and how to nourish it effectively.
What Is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the science of how your genes influence your response to food, and how the nutrients you consume affect gene expression.
For example:
Some people metabolize caffeine quickly, while others experience anxiety or poor sleep from even a small amount.
One person may thrive on a high-fat diet, while another gains weight or sees cholesterol levels rise.
You might need more vitamin D or folate than someone else based on your genetic makeup.
These differences are determined by small genetic variations called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). Nutrigenomics testing identifies these variations and helps you understand how to eat, supplement, and live in a way that supports your genes—not works against them.
Why This Matters for Your Health
Traditional diet advice often overlooks genetic individuality. Nutrigenomics helps explain why:
Two people can follow the same diet with drastically different results.
You may feel better on certain foods while others leave you sluggish or bloated.
Standard nutrient dosages may be insufficient—or excessive—for your body.
By understanding your personal genetic blueprint, we can:
Optimize your metabolism
Improve energy, digestion, and mental clarity
Support hormone and immune function
Prevent disease through early, proactive care
The Functional Medicine Approach to Nutrigenomics
At Palmetto Wellness, we integrate nutrigenomics testing into a broader Functional Medicine framework. That means we don’t just look at your genes—we interpret them alongside your lab work, symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals.
Our Process May Include:
Genetic Testing
A simple saliva or cheek swab reveals key variations related to nutrient absorption, detoxification, metabolism, inflammation, and more.Functional Lab Testing
We compare your genetic predispositions to actual markers in your blood, urine, or stool to see how those genes are expressing in real time.Personalized Nutrition Plan
Based on your genetics, we design a diet that supports optimal energy, weight, hormone balance, and long-term wellness.Supplement Customization
We recommend supplements that address your specific genetic needs—such as additional B vitamins, magnesium, or antioxidant support.Lifestyle Adjustments
Your genetic profile can also provide insight into how much sleep you need, your ideal exercise intensity, and how best to manage stress.
Common Genetic Markers We Assess
While we look at a wide range of genes, here are a few examples of what is commonly explored:
MTHFR – Impacts how you process folate and detoxify
COMT – Affects how you break down stress hormones and estrogen
APOE – Influences cholesterol metabolism and brain health
FTO – Associated with weight gain and appetite regulation
CYP1A2 – Determines caffeine sensitivity and detox capacity
Empowerment Through Insight
Nutrigenomics doesn’t tell you what your future will be—it gives you the tools to influence it. Your genes are not your destiny. With the right environment, nutrition, and lifestyle, you can turn on protective genes and turn down those that increase risk.
That’s the power of precision medicine—and it’s what makes our approach at Palmetto Wellness so effective.
Ready to eat in a way that works with your body, not against it?
Schedule a consultation at Palmetto Wellness and discover how your genes can guide you toward optimal health—one meal at a time.
