In today’s world, we are all trying to stay on top of our health game. We try to make the best dietary choices but sometimes it’s hard to know what works best for our bodies. This is where CarbChoice comes in, a DNA home test that has become increasingly useful to those looking to optimize their diet by gaining insights into how their body metabolizes carbohydrates.
Article author: Darren Schliebs PhD
Dr Schliebs is the CEO of Fitgenes and also responsible for practitioner training and education. He has a PhD in Carbohydrate chemistry from the Australian National University.
So, how does CarbChoice work? It’s a simple and easy-to-use DNA test that can give you insights into your ability to digest starchy carbohydrates. The test measures the copy number of the “AMY1” gene, which produces salivary amylase. This enzyme in your mouth helps to break down starchy carbs during digestion. The copy number variations in the AMY1 gene will give you your CarbChoice “score,” which generally relates to amylase activity in your body.
The CarbChoice score ranges from 1 to about 20, with 1 being associated with the lowest amylase activity and increasing from there. The higher your score, the better you are likely to be at breaking down starchy carbs. A very high score (say over 10) doesn’t mean a free pass, as it may indicate a predisposition to dental and gum issues due to above average sugars from digested carbohydrates or even a love for sweetness and sweet foods.
Now, you might be wondering why you should take the CarbChoice test. Firstly, it can help provide you with valuable insights into why you may be struggling to lose weight or experiencing digestive issues after consuming starchy carbs. The CarbChoice report can also give you useful insights into how much carbs you can reasonably consume, foods to limit or avoid, and dietary substitutions and meal suggestions based on your score.
Moreover, knowing your CarbChoice score can help you make better dietary choices, especially if you’re interested in optimizing your diet for weight loss or performance. For example, if you have a low CarbChoice score, you may want to limit your intake of starchy carbs and focus on other macronutrients, such as protein or healthy fats. The CarbChoice report also provides information on exercise recommendations based on your own score.
In conclusion, CarbChoice is a valuable tool that can help you achieve your health goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health, or optimize your diet for performance, knowing your CarbChoice score can give you valuable insights to make informed dietary choices. Order your CarbChoice kit from the Fitgenes website or speak with your preferred Fitgenes practitioner to get started. We can help you locate a Fitgenes accredited practitioner at the Fitgenes website.