In this edition of The News at GeneArche, Mrs. Yamini S. Naik, our Operations Manager and certified nutrigenomics specialist, breaks down how your DNA and nutrition connect and why it could change the way you think about wellness.

What first drew you to the world of health and wellness? Do you see the growing interest in preventive wellness as just a trend or something deeper?

A family member’s struggle with uncontrolled diabetes showed me how lifestyle diseases spiral if ignored. Watching him face complications like neuropathy and amputation made me question if things could have been prevented earlier. That moment set me on this path.

Preventive wellness is not a fad. It reflects a shift where people realise daily choices can help prevent conditions such as diabetes, PCOS and hypertension. It is about empowerment rather than treatment.

As a certified nutritionist and nutrigenomics expert, how do you see nutrition and DNA influencing each other?

Our DNA shapes how we process food, while nutrition influences how those genes express themselves. For instance, two girls with PCOS followed the same plan. One saw results, the other did not. Her genetics revealed insulin resistance and slower fat metabolism. With a more personalised plan, she achieved results. That’s why I say our DNA is more like a compass than a cage. It can point out where the challenges lie, but it doesn’t lock us in. With the right nutrition and lifestyle choices, we can change the direction of our life story.

With growing focus on concepts like longevity and preventive health, how can understanding our genetic predispositions help us?

Genetics highlights risks such as inflammation, weaker bone density or slower metabolism before they become problems. Knowing this helps us make smarter choices in nutrition, exercise and supplements. It allows us to move from a one size fits all model to personalised plans that extend both lifespan and health span.

People often hear that lifestyle choices can influence how genes behave. Could you share a simple example of how this works in everyday life?

Take insulin resistance. Someone eating sugary and processed foods may activate risk genes, while another person with the same predisposition who eats fibre rich foods and stays active can keep them silent. This is epigenetics in action. Our genes may load the gun, but lifestyle choices decide whether the trigger is pulled.

With over 10 years of experience in nutrigenomics, what made you choose GeneArche and how do you see your role as Operations Manager shaping up here?

I joined GeneArche because it connects conventional nutrition with truly personalised care. Genetics and AI come together here to make preventive health both practical and impactful. As Operations Manager, I focus on creating smooth processes, building partnerships and turning genetic insights into everyday solutions people can use.

With the government urging citizens to cut back on oil, sugar and fight obesity, how can GeneArche support these efforts?

GeneArche can help people act on these initiatives in a more personalised way. Some individuals are genetically prone to sugar cravings, while others metabolise fats more slowly. By tailoring diet, fitness and lifestyle strategies to each person’s DNA, we make these efforts more effective and sustainable, reducing lifestyle disease risks over time.

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