Your nutrition is your responsibility. I once read this quote in an article: “Each of us should take personal responsibility for our diet, and our children’s diet, and the government’s role should be to make certain it provides the best information possible to help people stay healthy.” That thought struck me! I am personally responsible for my and my family’s diet. My dietary needs are unique to me and each of my family members may have similar needs, but they also each have individual needs.

In my mind, the goal of good nutrition is to use nutrient-rich foods and nutritional supplements to support wellness and to prevent illnesses. Once a person’s diet is modified to be as possible health promoting as possible, nutritional supplements can be added to help modulate shortfalls. Nutrients can be found in supplements that can support family members in amazing ways, but it is best to start with eating the best food for our individual body. This is an example of the concept of biochemical individuality.

Personal Story

Many of my extended family members and I have a genetic condition that causes unusual blood clotting.  The clot can land in the legs, leading to deep vein thrombosis. While I have not had this occur, several of my immediate family have had this happen to them. No foods can prevent can change genetics eating the right food could prevent that condition from getting worse. Having personally tailored nutritional meal plans can make a real difference in wellness. When I researched, I found out that the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diets are ideal and that I should avoid foods containing trans-fat. I am taking responsibility for my food choices.

Genetotropic Principle

In the book, Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Clinical Nutrition, I read about biochemical individuality. This term was first defined by Dr. Roger Williams in his book called Biochemical Individuality. Here is his definition: “The genetotropic principle is that every individual organism has a unique genetic background with individual nutritional needs which must be met to provide optimal wellbeing.” He also noted that nutrients can modify the way genes express themselves, so we can “feed” our genes to modify their genetic expression and lay the foundation for health based on what we eat. That is incredible!

People are unique. Their nutritional needs must also be individual. Biochemical individuality needs to be discovered and the results applied to develop optimum nutrition for each person. Most individuals will have an optimal range but there are some people who need less and others who need more of a certain nutrient.

We Are Our Own Primary Health Care Provider

I always remind my clients and students that they are their own primary healthcare provider. I tell them that while we can work with amazing practitioners who can be our partners in health care, at the end of the day, the responsibility lies with each of us to control the endeavors we choose that lead to better wellness.

We are responsible for deciding what we eat. Health is highly dependent on our individual choices of nutrition and lifestyle. Each person needs to make informed choices about their food consumption. Good nutrition comes from choosing a balanced diet where we get all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals our body needs. Just because we are responsible for deciding what to eat, doesn’t mean we can’t ask for help to find out what to eat or have some mind help keep us accountable. Reach out to a mentor who will walk with you as you discover what your body truly needs.

Action

Every person has a distinctive genetic background and distinctive nutritional needs that must be met for optimal wellness. Take some time this month to research the nutritional body support for familial health conditions. Then choose to eat foods that will change your genes positively and help you live a healthier life.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What food do you eat to minimize your risk of illness from family genes?