At a glance:
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- Biochemistry is the process by which the body uses nutrients.
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- Unlike genetics, diet, environment, and even mindset can influence your biochemistry.
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- Symptoms that seem unrelated may actually be connected when you evaluate them through the lens of biochemistry.
Your health is shaped by the intricate web of biochemical processes that occur within your body every day. These processes are powered by the nutrients you consume, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and phytonutrients. While your genetic makeup sets the foundation, your environment, diet, and mental state can alter the way your body’s biochemical systems function. Understanding this interplay is key to improving your health and addressing symptoms that may seem disconnected but are actually related.
What Is Biochemistry and Why Does It Matter for Health?
Biochemistry refers to the chemical processes that sustain life within the body. Every nutrient we consume plays a vital role in these processes, helping to:
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- Turn genes on or off,
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- Repair DNA,
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- Provide energy for cellular functions,
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- Produce hormones and enzymes.
While genetics may determine your predisposition to certain health conditions, biochemistry can be influenced by many factors—including what you eat, the air you breathe, and even your mental and emotional state. Diet, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences all have a direct impact on your biochemical pathways, which means that changes in diet and supplementation can improve health, alleviate symptoms, and even reverse certain conditions.
How Nutrient Deficiencies Impact Your Health
The body operates through a complex network of biochemical pathways where nutrients play specialised roles. Deficiencies in even a single nutrient can disrupt these pathways, leading to a variety of health issues. Symptoms of nutrient imbalances may appear unrelated but are often connected when viewed through the lens of biochemistry. Issues such as fatigue, poor mood, digestive discomfort, and difficulty losing weight could all stem from nutrient deficiencies affecting different systems in the body.
For example, a deficiency in magnesium might cause muscle cramps, but it could also affect cellular energy production, contributing to fatigue or cognitive impairment. When biochemical processes aren’t functioning optimally, it’s important to look at the full spectrum of nutrients involved.
Key Nutrients That Influence Your Biochemistry
1. Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Proteins
Amino acids are essential to the body’s biochemical functions. These molecules, made of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulphur, are the building blocks of proteins, which are critical for a wide range of bodily functions. Proteins help form hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and structural components like muscles, hair, and skin.
Amino acids also play a role in neurotransmitter production—chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. For example, phenylalanine, an essential amino acid, is converted into tyrosine, which in turn produces dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters that regulate mood, energy, and mental clarity. Imbalances in amino acid metabolism can disrupt these processes and contribute to symptoms like low mood, poor concentration, and low energy.
2. Vitamins: The Catalysts of Biochemical Reactions
Vitamins are required for many essential metabolic processes in the body. They are divided into two main categories:
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- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are absorbed with fats and can be stored in the body’s fat cells.
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- Water-soluble vitamins (such as the B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C) dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, meaning they need to be replenished regularly.
Vitamins are crucial for processes like immune function, energy production, and DNA repair. For instance, vitamin C is important for immune health, and its absorption increases during times of illness, which is a prime example of how biochemistry adapts to changing needs. This adaptability is why people often feel the need for more vitamin C when they’re sick, as the body works to fight infections and support recovery.
3. Minerals: Essential for Cellular Function
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are key for maintaining healthy cellular functions. Magnesium, for example, plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production and muscle relaxation. A magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and irritability. It is often overlooked because conventional tests measure serum magnesium levels rather than intracellular magnesium, which can be low even when blood levels seem normal.
Similarly, selenium and zinc are important for thyroid health. The conversion of thyroid hormones relies on adequate levels of these minerals, and deficiencies can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression. However, traditional thyroid tests may not always detect deficiencies in selenium or zinc, which can contribute to “functional hypothyroidism”—a condition where thyroid hormone levels are normal, but symptoms persist.
4. Non-Vitamin Nutrients: The Power of Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients, compounds found in plants, offer powerful health benefits. These include antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help neutralise free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. Free radicals are produced naturally during cellular processes, but an excess of free radicals can contribute to ageing, disease, and inflammation.
Flavonoids, which are abundant in brightly coloured fruits like berries, plums, and cherries, are particularly potent antioxidants. These compounds help reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels, and lower the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in flavonoids, can provide a significant boost to your health and help balance oxidative stress in the body.
The Role of Fats in Your Biochemistry
Fats are an essential part of your body’s biochemistry, particularly when it comes to brain function and hormone production. The brain is made up of approximately 60% fat, and fats are a crucial component of the lipid bilayers that surround all cells. Fats are also involved in cellular communication and the production of signalling molecules that regulate numerous bodily functions.
There are two major types of fats:
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- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts) have anti-inflammatory properties and support brain and heart health.
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- Omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils and many processed foods) can contribute to inflammation if consumed in excess.
Modern diets tend to be high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, which can promote inflammation and increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis. Striking a balance between these fats is crucial for maintaining healthy inflammation levels and supporting overall health.
Optimising Your Diet for Biochemical Health
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining your biochemistry and overall health. Eating nutrient-dense foods ensures that your body has the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients it needs to function properly.
The Mediterranean Diet, known for its emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats (particularly olive oil), has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In contrast, the Standard Australian Diet (SAD), which is high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, promotes inflammation and contributes to a range of health problems.
Choosing whole, minimally processed foods and focusing on a variety of nutrient-dense options can support your body’s biochemical processes and help prevent deficiencies. Additionally, frozen fruits and vegetables can be more nutrient-rich than “fresh” ones that have been sitting in transport for days or weeks. Freezing helps lock in nutrients, making it a viable option when fresh produce is not available.
Start Optimising Your Biochemistry Today with Genetic Testing
One of the most powerful ways to begin changing your biochemistry and improving your health is by understanding your genetic makeup. By identifying specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)—common genetic variations in your DNA—you can uncover which nutrients your body may require in higher amounts or which processes are genetically harder for you to optimise.
Genetic testing allows you to identify specific SNPs related to:
- Nutrient absorption (such as B-vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D),
- Detoxification processes (how your body handles toxins or environmental stressors),
- Metabolic pathways (including fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity),
- Methylation pathways (important for DNA repair, mood regulation, and immune function).
With this information, you can tailor your diet, supplements, and lifestyle to support your body’s unique biochemical needs. This personalised approach is far more effective than generic advice, as it ensures you are targeting your specific genetic requirements, which can help prevent nutrient deficiencies, optimise energy levels, and support long-term health.
We can help you take the first step today by offering genetic testing services. By discovering your unique SNPs, you’ll be empowered to make informed choices about what nutrients, minerals, and supplements your body needs. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to proactively manage their health and prevent chronic conditions before they start.
