Bio-individuality is the idea that each person is unique and has different needs that support their individual health and happiness. We all have this unique collection of different genetic variants. These variants have lived in the human race for thousands of years. But now, these variants are being tested and stressed out more than ever before in human history because of what is called the genetic epigenetic mismatch. Our bodies react differently to these environments, and we have to look at this when it comes to our client’s health.

Let us look at food as an example; take onions and garlic, which are simple spices we use daily. We cook with onions and garlic. Onions and garlic have amazing health benefits; they’re sulfur-rich and contain sulforaphane, a great tool for detoxification. This helps our body detox, stimulate healthy hormones and brain function and lower inflammation levels.  But onions and garlic can work great for some persons, but not for everyone. Onions and garlic are high in fermentable sugars.  If someone is dealing with underlying gut issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or struggling with IBS, or bloating, acid reflux, onions and garlic can cause flare up. Does that mean that onions and garlic are unhealthy? No, it does not. We just have to be able to look at what our body like and dislike. That is bio-individuality and it applies not to just food.

 Bio-individuality also applies to exercise. High-intensity interval (HIT) training can be a good way to support fat burning and build stamina, but people struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome or autoimmune problems can have a flare-up by doing too much HIT training. Something like walking may be better for them. Similarly, the general guidelines to drink 8 glasses of water daily do not work for everyone.  Most persons need to drink roughly half of their weight in (pounds)in ounces of water per day. For example, a 200-pound adult needs approximately 100 ounces of water each day.

Therefore, we cannot make broad sweeping statements about health and wellness. People may do it with good intentions, or because it worked for them, they want to apply it to everybody else. Or they read about it somewhere and heard how amazing it was for somebody else, and they apply it to themselves and everybody. We cannot take that approach to health and wellness. We have to stay open-minded to this concept of bio-individuality and what works best for each individual.

That is why Ziv Health Coaching Services takes the concept of bio-individuality seriously. We treat each of our clients as an individual, unique, and special, and we take the time and hold the space for you to look within yourself for answers, explore, experiment, and find the foods and lifestyle practices that work best for you.