One of the wonderful things about being human is that we are unique and nobody is exactly the same. When it comes to our body’s health and how it responds to different foods and exercises, we often forget about our uniqueness. It is easy to get caught up in the food and exercise trends assuming one size fits all. This blog is to remind you that every BODY responds differently, and here’s why.
Science says so
Genetically speaking, every body is composed of different cells and genes. Research continues to show evidence of altered expression and control of genes from dietary and environmental effects. Further to this, it is evident that epigenetic changes don’t just take place during embryonic development in the womb but continue to change throughout the lifetime of a human. The mechanisms responsible for these changes and developments are induced by dietary and environmental factors too (Hunter, 2008).
How do exercise styles differ?
One of the things that is based on an individual person and their body makeup is the effect of different types and intensities of exercise. While HIIT might be beneficial for one person’s genetics, someone else’s might be better suited to yoga. So how do you know which exercise is best for you? There is definitely evidence that different exercise types are more beneficial based on different blood types or most popularly based on the three different body types of ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph. However, there is no more qualified opinion than your own. No one else knows which kind of exercises make you feel your best, happier or more energised. Another way to look at it is which exercises make your body feel and function the healthiest?
What about food?
There are many different dietary theories of what is better for each body type such as the blood type diet, veganism, intermittent fasting, ketogenic and paleo to name a few of the better known ones. Once again, taking note of how you feel and how your body responds to different dietary styles is one of the best ways to navigate this. Seeing a nutritionist or dietician and getting your nutrient levels tested are great ways to assess where you are currently at and where to move forward. If you feel like what you are currently doing isn’t serving you well, then it might be worth giving a different style of eating a go.
Be kind to your body
Regardless of where you feel your health is at, you should always be kind to yourself and proud of your body for everything it does for you. Things that we take for granted like being alive, physically and mentally able are worth having gratitude to your body for. For years, research has shown the theory of mind-body connection, where how you speak to yourself and think about your body can impact the health of it. Specifically, how the parts of our brain that control movements and body functions are plugged into the thinking and planning networks (Washington University School of Medicine, 2023). Making an effort to speak and think positive things about your body, will have a greater impact on the functioning of it.
Where to from here?
The best place to begin when getting to know what works best for you body is by taking note daily of what you are eating and doing, how it’s making you feel and any other symptoms associated. After a week or two of recording this, you can look back and assess how well your current habits are serving you (McManus, 2019). If they are treating you well, then keep it up but if you feel like your health could improve then get yourself in touch with a nutritionist today. Just like you would go to a mechanic for car problems, remember your body can use expert support too!
References
Hunter P. (2008). We are what we eat. The link between diet, evolution and non-genetic inheritance. EMBO reports, 9(5), 413–415. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2008.61
McManus, K. (2019). Why keep a food diary? Harvard Health Blog. Accessed on 15/06/2023, <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-keep-a-food-diary-2019013115855#:~:text=It%20can%20help%20you%20understand,tool%20to%20help%20change%20behavior.>
Washington University School of Medicine. (2023). Mind-body connection is built into brain: Findings point to brain areas that integrate planning, purpose, physiology, behavior, movement. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 14, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230419125052.htm
