Nutrition is so often described in blanket terms–and, worse, it’s often advised about without much regard for scientific explanations, peer-reviewed study, or individual needs. The truth about nutrition is that it can’t be optimized for any one person by Instagram infographics or generalized “do”s and “don’t”s. Of course, while there are general best practices to which most people should adhere when in pursuit of better health outcomes, your optimal nutrition plan will depend on your unique biological profile. Today, we’re taking a closer look at how nutrition differs for each individual–and how you can go about living a healthier lifestyle based on your unique needs.

The Power and Pitfalls of Social Media

One casual perusal of Google or any nutrition-related hashtag on Instagram leads to being exposed to a myriad of seemingly contradictory advice. Want to lose weight fast? Try keto. Keep in mind, though, that our bodies need carbohydrates to function, so you’ll need a healthy amount of those. Stay away from refined sugars and opt for natural sugars, like honey, instead–but remember that glucose is glucose, no matter which way you cut it. Intermittent fasting, the Paleo diet, raw veganism–they’re just drops in the ocean compared to the tidal wave of recommendations, recipes, and contradictory tips from self-appointed “experts” on nutrition.

Amidst all of that noise, only one thing rings true: every single person is unique, and their nutritional needs are also unique. The only way to optimize your habits for your one-of-a-kind needs is to work with a licensed medical professional who has the methods and tools that are scientifically proven to help you figure out what those needs are.

That doesn’t mean following dozens of fitness influencers or jumping on the latest fad diet bandwagon. It means having a real understanding of your unique biological needs.

A Healthier Lifestyle is Possible

Of course, we are not saying that the only way to make healthier choices is to obtain a sophisticated profile of your unique biomarkers. If you have a trusted primary care physician, speak to them about generally healthier choices you can make: staying away from highly processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats; eating a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates every day; staying hydrated; and getting regular movement are all generally beneficial pieces of advice that you can implement into your life.

With that said, more specific questions–like how much protein you actually need, which nutrients you’ll need to ingest in the form of supplements, how likely your body is to react to a specific dietary change–can only be answered after a closer look is taken at your unique health profile.

Your Unique Health Profile

When we talk about your one-of-a-kind health profile, we’re not referring to any one thing. Rather, we’re referring to the combination of genetic information, lifestyle habits, personal history, and unique goals that make you who you are.

This information can only be safely and accurately obtained by a medical professional who has the tools they need to access it: namely, specialized lab testing that uses best objective data to design an individualized treatment plan specifically for you. By understanding your blood levels in real time in addition to any preexisting conditions, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle habits you may have, we are able to fine-tune your nutritional recommendations to those important markers so that they work for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about how specialized lab testing can make a major impact on your nutritional recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about how lab testing is done at Robinson MD and how it can impact your holistic health.