biochemical individuality
Each of us has innate biochemical factors which influence our personality, behaviour, mental health, immune function, allergic tendencies, and more. There are several millions of different genetic combinations possible in a child from the same two parents. And we do not only possess a combination of characteristics from our parents, but we also have a diverse collection of characteristics from many ancestors on both sides of the family. Except for identical twins, each human being has unique biochemistry resulting in quite diverse nutritional needs. Shakespeare was correct when he wrote, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” For example, some of us are genetically suited for a vegetable-based diet and others are not. Why can some people satisfy their nutritional needs by diet alone and others must have nutritional supplements to overcome genetic “aberrations” that makes it impossible to absorb a certain nutrient. This is what is called biochemical individuality. It refers to the unique nutritional needs each person has, based not only on their genetic make-up but on their lifestyle, and environmental exposure to various stresses.
As you may have surmised, biochemical individuality is a complex subject. In order to make sense of it, Miguel uses a Functional Nutrition approach – inspired by the teachings of The Institute for Functional Medicine.