Bio-individuality. 
What the heck is that?
Is that even a word?

Sort of. “We” (the collective) made it up. 

Bio, short for biological, refers to anything “affecting life or living organisms”.

Individuality, refers to the “total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others”. 

It’s all just a fancy way to say “everybody is different”. Of course that is true, and when speaking about health and wellness, you’d think that would be quite obvious – but unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

The issue with dietary philosophies, fads, and emerging ideas, is that most of them profess to solve a particular issue; and sometimes more than just one. The troubling part, is that they often assume all things being equal – that everyone shares the same factors, circumstances and biology, in a one-size-fits-all manner. That assumption not only renders many practices ineffective, but it could also be unsafe.  For example, you wouldn’t prescribe an all-tomato diet to an individual known to be deathly allergic to tomatoes, would you? While this diet may be effective for many, the effects would be catastrophic for this individual. 

The above example was simply hyperbole, but how about if we apply the same thinking to an actual diet?  Let’s take a look at the ever popular Keto Diet.   Thousands of books and websites clearly demonstrate this as being an effective weight loss program.  But is it a one-size-fits-all diet like they elude it to be?  What if a person is missing their gallbladder and lacks the ability to process and digest fat?  A high-fat diet would certainly not be ideal for this individual.  The keto diet assumes all things are equal; that everyone has the biological ability to process fat by way of their gallbladder.  With all that said, a person that cannot digest fat should not expect the same results as a person that can.

The autoimmune protocol (AIP), too, has had huge, quantifiable success by mitigating the symptoms of and even reversing autoimmune diseases. There’s an easy-to-follow list of foods that are permitted or not – based on years of research, known irritants and foods knowns to be healing and nutrient-dense.  My health, like that of many others, was positively impacted by following this protocol.   But for me personally, many of the AIP recommendations simply didn’t work.  I strictly followed the lists and protocols as outlined by the books and resources – but after much trial and error I had to customize it based on my personal situation. You see, in 2000, I had a great portion of my colon removed after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.  I simply don’t have the same digestive system as someone who has their entire gastrointestinal tract fully intact.  Eating raw, leafy, green vegetables for their nutrient density – while beneficial for many – was a digestive nightmare for me, and may also be for anyone that shares a similar biology.
 

Let me clear. This isn’t a slam against a particular diet trend, or style, or protocol. AIP changed my life in immeasurable positive ways.  The ketogenic diet is something I cycle in and out of regularly to maintain my own metabolic flexibility. I used those two examples based to my own familiarity with their protocols and principles. The example though, can be applied to any particular way of eating.

When embarking on dietary changes and exploring means to achieve optimal health, it’s important to evaluate choices based on YOUR unique biology.  Having at least a general knowledge of family history and genetics is helpful, and understanding hormones and how they fluctuate are among many considerations that need to be made.  If someone tells you “my way works for everyone and anyone”, they are missing the big picture. Get to know yourself.  Ask questions.  Seek understanding.  One size rarely fits all.

 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and the information in this blog does not constitute medical advice. This is an opinion piece, based on my own personal experience and research. Always consult with your own medical professionals before making a change, or adding any supplementation. It’s important to be aware of your own biology. The examples used are not a recommendation, condemnation, or endorsement of any diet or protocol.