Are gluten and dairy universally bad for everyone, or does it depend on the individual? This is one of the most debated nutrition questions out there, and understandably so. The good news? You don't have to throw up your hands—read on for a simpler way.

Take a genes-first approach to uncover the best answer for YOU.

If you’ve had your genetics tested, pull up your SNIP Nutrition Report and focus on these three key markers:

• HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)
• CYP (Cytochrome P450 enzymes)
• MCM6 (Lactase persistence)

These genetic markers provide insights into how your body might respond to gluten, dairy, and caffeine. For example:

• Gluten: Your genes can reveal whether you’re more likely to benefit from grain-free flours or ancient wheat varieties compared to the highly processed gluten in conventional wheat.
• Dairy: Variants in MCM6 can indicate whether you’re lactose intolerant or whether A2 milk or long-fermented yogurt could work better for you.
• Caffeine: Your CYP1A2 gene determines if you’re a fast or slow caffeine metabolizer, which affects how you respond to caffeine and whether mold-free coffee or alternatives like dandelion tea might be better choices.

For those with variants in HLA or CYP genes (like me!), mold and mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, may pose additional challenges. If your immune system doesn’t recognize mold as a threat—or overreacts to common invaders like gluten—your gut’s defenses may suffer. Imagine mold sneaking in under an invisibility cloak or gluten, triggering your immune system to overreact, creating gaps in your gut’s protective barrier (yes, I’m reading Harry Potter right now!).

If you suspect food sensitivities, these genetic markers provide insights into whether avoiding or modifying your intake of gluten, dairy, or caffeine could help you feel your best.

Want to check your SNIPs?

• Already have an account? Log into SNIP Nutrition and navigate to:

1. My DNA Reports
2. SNIP Full DNA Results
3. Use this handy guide Download now to identify variants (red/yellow) or no variants (green).

Do you need guidance or want to get tested? I offer free 30-minute DNA sessions to help you take the first step.

In good health, 

Taylor

Sources:

Saghir SA, Ansari RA. HLA gene variations and mycotoxin toxicity: Four case reports. Mycotoxin Res. 2024 Feb;40(1):159-173. doi: 10.1007/s12550-023-00517-y. Epub 2024 Jan 10. PMID: 38198040.

Cole, W. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about HLA gene variants & their connection to mold, Lyme, and chronic fatigue. Retrieved from https://drwillcole.com

Carnahan, J. (2023). Unexpected: Finding resilience through functional medicine, science, and faith. Forefront Books.