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In today’s health-conscious world, there’s a growing curiosity about how our bodies respond differently to the same foods. Why can one person thrive on a high-protein diet while another feels sluggish on it? The answer lies in nutrigenomics , the science that studies how food affects our genes. When blended with Ayurveda , India’s 5,000-year-old system of holistic medicine, it opens new doors to personalised nutrition . This combination, sometimes called Ayurnutrigenomics, merges ancient dietary wisdom with cutting-edge genetic science to create diets that are unique to each person’s biological and constitutional makeup.


Nutrigenomics: Understanding the science of food and genes


Nutrigenomics focuses on how the nutrients we consume interact with our genes to influence health, metabolism, and disease risk. Each person’s DNA affects how their body processes fats, sugars, and vita
mins. For example, the MTHFR gene helps process folate - people with a variant of this gene may require more leafy greens or folic acid to maintain heart health. Similarly, individuals carrying the APOE ε4 gene may benefit from a low-fat diet to lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.


Modern research has shown that gene-specific diets can make a real difference. For instance, those with a variant in the FTO gene, often linked to obesity, may lose more weight when following calorie-controlled diets rich in vegetables and lean proteins. These discoveries highlight how food isn’t just fuel - it can turn certain genes “on” or “off,” impacting our overall well-being.


Ayurveda: The ancient blueprint for personalised nutrition
Long before genes were discovered, Ayurveda emphasised that every person is unique and requires specific foods for balance. It classifies individuals according to their Prakriti, or body constitution, which depends on three biological energies - Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). The goal is to maintain equilibrium among these doshas through proper diet and lifestyle.


For example, a Vata-dominant person, who tends to have a light build and irregular digestion, benefits from warm, moist, and grounding foods like soups, ghee, and cooked grains. A Pitta type, who has a fiery metabolism, thrives on cooling foods such as cucumbers, dairy, and coconut water. Meanwhile, Kapha types, prone to sluggishness, should eat light and spicy foods to stimulate energy and digestion.


When Ayurvedic wisdom meets nutrigenomics, the result is a truly personalised nutrition plan that respects both one’s internal constitution and genetic tendencies. Research in Ayurnutrigenomics shows that aligning traditional Ayurvedic diets with genetic profiles can reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and enhance long-term health outcomes.


The future of personalised diets

The integration of nutrigenomics and Ayurveda provides a powerful, science-based framework for healthy living. Traditional Indian diets - full of whole grains, lentils, fermented foods, and healing spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger - already contain bioactive compounds that influence gene expression. For instance, curcumin in turmeric activates antioxidant genes, while omega-3 fatty acids found in traditional diets downregulate inflammatory genes.


By following diets suited to both genetic makeup and Ayurvedic type, people can potentially reduce their risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.


Beyond physical health, personalised diets can also positively influence mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. Ayurveda emphasises mindful eating - savouring food slowly and in a peaceful environment - which complements nutrigenomic findings on how stress hormones affect nutrient absorption and gene activity.


The blend of Nutrigenomics and Ayurveda is transforming how we understand food and health. Instead of generic diet plans, the future lies in precision nutrition - where what you eat depends on both your genes and your inner constitution. Traditional diets that have stood the test of time are now being validated by modern science, proving that ancient wisdom and modern genetics can work hand in hand.


This integrated approach not only personalises nutrition but also reconnects us with a more mindful way of eating - one that honours both our biology and our heritage.

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