You’ve heard the term a million times, but what exactly is a carbohydrate? Carbs are a group of nutrients that include fiber but mainly consist of sugars and starches that serve as the body’s primary source of energy. The body breaks down carbs and converts them into a simple sugar, glucose, which is the central energy unit that powers our body. That’s not to say that dietary carbs are the body’s only fuel source. In fact, when the body doesn’t have enough carbs and requires additional energy to function, it will signal the muscles and liver to break down excess sugars that have been stored in the form of the chemical glycogen. The body may also tell fat cells to break down stored fat to create the needed energy. However, carbs from the diet or stored as glycogen are still the body’s first choice as the process to convert carbs into energy is more efficient than the conversion of fats into energy.

There are two types of carbs, simple and complex, that elicit very different responses. Simple carbs (i.e. white bread, candy, and soda) break down quickly and are introduced rapidly into the blood system causing a spike in glucose (sugar) levels. This spike causes the body to start to balance blood levels of glucose by pumping insulin into the bloodstream to help move the glucose into muscles where the energy may be needed. Consistent overindulgence in these simple carbs can cause a “shock” to your system and can lead to weight gain, poor overall health and metabolic syndrome. Conversely, complex carbs (i.e. fruits, whole grains, and vegetables) take much longer for the body to break down and convert into energy. Complex carbs therefore allow the body to more easily regulate sugar levels and continue to provide energy to the body for a longer period of time than simple carbs.

Those identified to respond most favorably to a low-carb diet, according to the Inherent Health Weight Management Test, are prone to over respond to simple carbs in their diet, causing them to produce excess insulin. The over production of insulin leads to an increased accumulation of fat around the midsection and actually reduces the burning of fat.

Carbs are a necessary part of a balanced diet filled with lean protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. For those considering a lifestyle change it’s important to take into consideration the quality of carbs you eat on a meal-by-meal basis. The trick is to get the right amount of energy from good quality carbs, good quality fat, and lean proteins that work for you.

Warm regards,

Dr. Ken Kornman
Chief Scientific Officer

With the summer rapidly coming to a close we wanted to share the Inherent Health success story of Amy, a 43 year old real estate agent and mother of two who struggled with her weight throughout her adult life. Like many dieters, Amy tried every new approach, including all of the fads, but her results were inconsistent and she was left constantly hungry.

This all changed in the summer of 2008 when Amy’s neighbor approached her after noticing she wasn’t eating anything at a neighborhood barbeque. After Amy explained that she was on a calorie-restrictive diet, the neighbor told her about Inherent Health’s Weight Management Genetic Test. Amy was skeptical at first, concerned that she would be placed on yet another restrictive diet, leaving her hungry and demotivated. However, after a quick primer on the science behind the test and with an understanding that it analyzes her genetic makeup to determine whether she would respond best to a low fat, low carb or balanced diet, Amy was excited to order the test kit.

Two weeks after mailing in her cheek swab test, she received her results: based on her unique genetic profile, Amy learned that she would respond best to a low-carb diet coupled with a high intensity exercise regimen. The test also recommended the type of carbs right for Amy. At first, Amy doubted her ability to endure a low-carb, energy intensive lifestyle, but three years and 35 pounds later, she couldn’t imagine eating or exercising any other way. Amy credits the Weight Management Test with unlocking the key to her personal weight loss and providing her with the roadmap to keep the weight off.

Have a look at Amy’s before and after pictures. Congrats Amy! Keep up the great work.

Stay tuned next week when Dr. Ken Kornman explains Carbohydrates 101.

Regards,

Lew Bender
Chief Executive Officer

The ultimate vision of genetic researchers is to use the information coded in our genes to understand exactly how our own bodies work.

Nutrigenomics – a bit of a mouthful, no? Well, “a mouthful” is not too far off base. The term nutrigenomics is the study of the interaction between food and your genes. More specifically, it examines two different questions: 1) what are the biological effects of different foods, and 2) how do differences in an individual’s genetic make-up influence the impact food has on that individual’s health?

Still lost? Consider a study where sets of identical twins were put on the same very low calorie diet. Weight loss between identical twins was very similar because they share the same genetic make-up.  However, there was a two-to-three-fold difference in weight loss among different sets of twins because of differences in genes.

Why did your neighbor lose 20 lbs on the Atkins diet, yet you didn’t lose a pound despite adhering to the exact same diet? How come your brother can eat a package of Oreos without gaining a pound while your love handles seem to grow just by looking at them? The answer to each of these questions: genetics. You must reduce calories to lose weight, but current science tells us that the amount of weight one loses is strongly determined by genetics.

Nutrigenomics looks at how tailoring your food intake to your genes can impact your overall health. This does not mean that each individual should have a custom made diet—that is scientifically impractical—but rather that individuals appear to fit into a small number of metabolic patterns that are genetically determined. By knowing some of your genetic responses to foods, you can make better life-long food choices.

Interleukin Genetics has worked in the field of nutrigenomics for many years and has recently leveraged advances in genetic science to demonstrate that genetic differences (via the Inherent Health® Weight Management Test) in carbohydrate metabolism and fat absorption and metabolism that influence weight loss can be used to determine whether an individual will respond best to a low fat, low carb or balanced diet. The test also outlines the most appropriate exercise regimen and the best foods to eat for their specific genetic pattern.

Best,

Dr. Ken Kornman
Chief Scientific Officer

Welcome to the new and improved Daily Swab! Beginning today, we will be taking a deeper look into a variety of topics on how to personalize the prevention and treatment of a number of conditions affecting your wellness, including the chronic diseases of aging. So stay tuned and be sure to come back regularly to check out our views on what can help you to stay healthy.

In the meantime, interested in learning more about the Inherent Health® genetic tests, including the Weight Management test? Check out the Inherent Health website to learn how easy it is to get your “custom-fitted” diet and nutrition plan. We’re also on Facebook and coming soon to Twitter!

Warmest regards,

Lew Bender
Chief Executive Officer