At Viome, we're obsessed with empowering individuals to take control of their health through personalized nutrition. Our cutting-edge technology analyzes your unique microbiome and provides tailored food recommendations to optimize your well-being. However, we understand that navigating these personalized recommendations can sometimes raise questions. That's why we've asked our expert Precision Nutrition team to address some of the most common queries we receive from our members.
Why do my food recommendations seem different from general nutrition advice?
"One of the most eye-opening aspects for our members is understanding that 'healthy' foods aren't necessarily healthy for everyone," explains Dr. Grant Antoine, Clinical Lead for the Viome Precision Nutrition Team. "What works wonderfully for one person might not be optimal for another, and that's exactly why we take such a precise, personalized approach."
Traditional nutrition advice is based on population averages and general principles. While these guidelines can be helpful, they don't account for your unique gut microbiome, cellular health, and biological responses to different foods. At Viome, we analyze your individual biology through advanced testing to determine how specific foods are currently affecting YOUR body.
How does Viome determine my food recommendations?
Our food recommendations are generated through a sophisticated analysis that considers multiple factors:
Microbial Activity: We look at how your gut microbes process different foods and the metabolites they produce
Host Cell Health: We analyze markers of cellular health and inflammation in your gut lining
Nutrient Processing: We examine how efficiently your body processes various nutrients and compounds found in foods
Biological Pathways: We consider how different foods might affect key biological pathways based on your test results
This comprehensive analysis uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms trained on our extensive database of human biological data.
What do the different food categories mean?
When you receive your Viome results, foods are sorted into four distinct categories. Here's what each means:
Q: What are Superfoods, and how should I use them?
A: Superfoods are the stars of your personalized nutrition plan. These foods are particularly beneficial for your unique microbiome and overall health. They should form the foundation of your meals and snacks, so aim to incorporate them as often as possible.
Q: What are Enjoy foods?
A: The Enjoy category includes foods that are generally beneficial for your health and well-suited to your current microbiome composition. Use these foods to add variety to your meals and to complement your Superfoods.
Q: What does the Minimize category mean?
A: Foods in this category aren't necessarily harmful, but our analysis suggests they may not be optimal for your current health status. You don't need to completely eliminate these foods but try to limit their consumption.
Q: Why should I avoid certain foods?
A: The Avoid category includes foods that our analysis suggests may be causing inflammation or other adverse reactions in your body. While it may seem challenging, it's best to eliminate these foods temporarily to allow your body and microbiome to reset.
Common Questions About Following Your Recommendations
Q: How strictly should I follow my food lists?
A: While we encourage following your recommendations as closely as possible, we understand that perfect adherence isn't always realistic. Even following your recommendations 80% of the time can lead to significant improvements in your health.
Q: What if I accidentally eat a food from my Avoid list?
A: Don't panic! While we recommend avoiding these foods for optimal health, an occasional slip-up isn't likely to cause long-term harm. If you accidentally consume an Avoid food, pay attention to how your body responds.
Q: How can I make these recommendations work with my current diet?
A: Adapting to your new food recommendations doesn't mean completely overhauling your diet overnight. Start by focusing on incorporating more of your Superfoods and Enjoy foods into your existing meals.
Testing and Retesting
Q: How often should I retest?
"We often see significant changes in users’ recommendations and food lists between tests, which is actually a positive sign," notes Janelle, Registered Dietician and Precision Nutrition Team member. "It means their microbiome and their body are responding to the dietary changes they're making, and we can fine-tune their nutrition plan to support continued progress."
Generally, we suggest adhering to your recommendations for at least 4-6 months before retesting. This gives your body and microbiome time to adjust and respond to the dietary changes.
Special Dietary Considerations
Q: What if I'm vegetarian/vegan?
A: Your food recommendations are generated with consideration for any dietary preferences you've indicated. For vegetarians and vegans, we ensure that plant-based protein sources and essential nutrients are appropriately represented. In the app, you can sort or toggle this preference on or off.
Q: What about food allergies or other dietary restrictions?
A: Food allergies and sensitivities are always prioritized in our recommendations. If you've indicated any sensitivities in your profile, these foods will automatically be placed in your Minimize category, and any noted allergies will be placed in your "Avoid" category, regardless of how beneficial they might otherwise be for your biology.
Tips for Success
Start Gradually: Begin by incorporating a few Superfoods and removing a few Avoid foods.
Meal Planning: Take time to plan your meals around your recommendations
Keep a Food Journal: Track how you feel as you implement changes
Get Creative: Experiment with new recipes and preparation methods
The Bigger Picture
Q: How do these recommendations work with my overall health goals?
A: Your food recommendations are just one part of your journey to optimal health. They work in conjunction with:
Biotics & Supplement recommendations
Lifestyle modifications
Stress management
Physical activity
Sleep quality
Conclusion
As our Precision Nutrition Team expert Hilary Keiser puts it, "Every person's journey to optimal health is unique. Our role is to provide you with the most precise, scientifically backed guidance possible and support you every step of the way."
Remember, your Viome recommendations are a powerful tool for optimizing your health, but they're not meant to be restrictive or stressful. The goal is to nourish your body with foods that support your unique microbiome and overall well-being. Whether you're just starting with your first set of recommendations or you're a long-time Viome member, we're here to support you on your journey toward optimal health.
