Your DNA, Your Diet: How Nutrigenomics Unlocks Personalised Nutrition for Longevity
Have you ever followed a “perfect” diet plan - only to feel tired, bloated, or uninspired? Maybe your partner thrives on high-protein meals while you feel sluggish. Or your friend cuts out carbs and has endless energy, but when you try it, you just feel flat.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. The reason lies deep in your biology - your DNA.
At Expand Health, our lead nutritionist and dietician, Maryke Gallagher, uses advanced genetic testing to help clients discover how their genes influence digestion, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and overall health for a personalised nutrition protocol designed to support optimal energy, gut function, and longevity.
What is Nutrigenomics?
Nutrigenomics is the science of how your genes interact with nutrition. Think of your DNA as a blueprint that determines how you metabolise nutrients, respond to certain foods, and even how your gut microbiome behaves.
Every individual carries small genetic variations, known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). These “spelling differences” in your DNA can influence how well your body:
Breaks down caffeine (wired or sleepless after coffee?)
Converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A (vital for vision and immunity)
Processes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates at the cellular level
Handles detoxification and antioxidant activity
Absorbs and utilises key vitamins like folate or B12
This explains why two people can eat the same meal and feel completely different afterwards. By identifying these genetic patterns, nutrigenomics turns nutrition from guesswork into precision science.
Why Genetics Matter for Nutrition and Longevity
At the heart of healthy ageing is how well your cells function. Nutrigenomics allows us to identify where your body may need extra nutritional support to prevent fatigue, inflammation, and disease.
For example:
Certain MTHFR gene variants reduce the ability to convert folate into its active form, leaving you vulnerable to fatigue, mood issues, and poor detox - even if your diet is rich in folate.
Variants affecting antioxidant activity can accelerate cellular ageing, making targeted nutrients like glutathione or vitamin C essential.
Genes linked to inflammation can influence your risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease or autoimmune disorders.
By understanding your unique DNA profile, we can help you build resilience at the cellular level - supporting energy, immune function, and longevity.
Gut Health: Where Genetics and Nutrition Meet
Gut health is at the centre of wellbeing. Your ability to absorb nutrients, regulate inflammation, and balance immunity all depend on the health of your gut microbiome.
Maryke uses DNAGut by DNAlysis, a genetic test that evaluates how your genes affect digestion, nutrient metabolism, and microbial diversity. This test reveals whether you’re more prone to:
Inflammation triggered by certain foods
Poor fibre metabolism and constipation
Sensitivity to gluten, lactose, or other compounds
Reduced ability to maintain a healthy microbiome balance
With this insight, Maryke is able to create a personalised gut health plan, from nutrition and supplementation to lifestyle adjustments that can restore balance and improve everything from digestion to mental clarity.
Beyond Food: Integrative Longevity Support
At Expand Health, we don’t just stop at testing. Once we understand your genetic profile, we work as a team, combining expertise in nutrition, integrative medicine, and holistic healthcare. We use advanced therapies to further activate your healthcare program:
Personalised IV Therapy delivers key nutrients (like glutathione, B vitamins, and minerals) directly into the bloodstream for maximum absorption.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) improves mitochondrial energy production and helps the body utilise nutrients more effectively.
PEMF Therapy stimulates circulation and cell communication for better nutrient delivery.
Holistic practitioner support ensures that lifestyle strategies like stress reduction, sleep optimisation, and detox protocols are aligned with your genetic needs.
This integrative model means your nutrition plan isn’t just about food it’s a longevity roadmap tailored to your unique biology.
Nutrigenomics and the Future of Longevity
Research continues to show the profound connection between genetics, nutrition, and ageing:
Studies link genetic variations in antioxidant pathways to accelerated cellular ageing and oxidative stress (Frontiers in Genetics, 2020).
Telomere length, a marker of longevity, is influenced by nutrient-gene interactions, with diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants slowing telomere shortening (Nutrients, 2021).
Personalised nutrition based on genetics has been shown to improve weight management, metabolic health, and long-term adherence compared to standard diets (Nutrients, 2019).
The future of longevity isn’t about following generic advice. It’s about leveraging science to understand your unique genetic code and creating a health strategy that works with your biology.
Your Next Step: Unlock Your Genetic Potential
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by diet plans that don’t work for you or you’re ready to take a deeper look at your health from the inside out, nutrigenomic testing is the missing link.
With Maryke Gallagher’s expertise, you’ll gain:
Clarity on how your body responds to food
A personalised nutrition and lifestyle protocol
Ongoing support to turn insights into lasting results
Access to Expand Health’s integrative therapies for enhanced outcomes
Ready to Discover Your Blueprint?
Your genes have been speaking a language your whole life, it’s time to finally understand what they’re saying.
Book your Nutrigenomics Consultation with Maryke Gallagher at Expand Health in Cape Town and take the first step towards personalised nutrition, better gut health, and a longer, healthier life.
