I’ve taken a deep dive into the research on how genetic variants can impact your life and how you can get around the problem spots – thus Genetic ‘Lifehacks’. I’m freely sharing what I’ve learned to help you understand the link between your genes, nutrients, health, and longevity.
My background is in engineering and education, and I’m currently working on a master’s in biological sciences. I look at the evidence-based science, make connections, and then present logical applications for lifestyle and diet option — based on genetics.
New! A Genetic Lifehacks Guide: Sleep & Your Genes
Got your 23 and Me results? Here are some pages to get started:
- Hemochromatosis — Everyone needs to check to see if they are at risk for iron overload!
- Lactose Intolerance Genes – Got milk? One genetic variant changes your lactase production as an adult
- A Little Lithium and B12 Makes the World a Better Place… for some
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Recent Articles:
Genetic variants that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease - Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by the degradation of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. It affects up to 10 million people worldwide. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include Read more…
MTHFR and Migraines - The MTHFR genetic variants have been well researched and linked to a number of different chronic conditions such as an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and neural tube defects. In a nutshell, the MTHFR Read more…
CRISPR Babies and HIV Resistance - Headline news from two weeks ago proclaimed that the first genetically modified babies (twins) had been born in China. The CRISPR gene editing tool had been used on the embryo to edit the babies’ genome Read more…
Bipolar disorder, depression, and circadian clock genes - Depression and bipolar disorder are often thought of as being caused by a lack of neurotransmitters. Many of us first learned about neurotransmitters by watching TV commercials for SSRI’s like the ones for Zoloft. New Read more…
PCSK9 Gene Variants and Cholesterol - The PCSK9 gene codes for an enzyme that is involved in cholesterol transport. It binds to LDL particles which transport fat molecules, including cholesterol, throughout the body. LDL particles bind to LDL receptors which allows Read more…
Are you genetically more likely to have twins? - Twins tend to ‘run in families’, which is a colloquial way of saying that there is a hereditary component that increases the likelihood of having twins. According to the CDC, the number of twin births Read more…
Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Can Be Genetic - HDL cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol. A study in the late 1970’s known as the Framingham Study determined that higher levels of HDL cholesterol were protective against heart disease. This is one of Read more…
Gallstone Genes - Gallstones are not something you usually think about — until something goes wrong. And then you think about it a lot! Gallstones are usually made up of cholesterol but can also contain calcium bilirubinate. It Read more…
Medications and Your Genes - Here’s a dirty little secret: not all prescription drugs will work for you. Ok, that isn’t really a secret. Anyone who has ever gotten a prescription from their doctor knows it is usually accompanied by Read more…
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes: A gene that ties together the “Big 3” - When it comes to chronic diseases, the Big 3 are heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Heart disease is the number one killer in the US, with cancer a close second. Diabetes numbers are increasing Read more…
BDNF: Genetic variants for introversion, stress resilience, and more… - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that works in the central and peripheral nervous system to promote nerve function and growth. It works in the neurons of the brain both in forming neurons and Read more…
Mediterranean Diet and Your Genes - This website is all about how your genes make a difference in your body’s response to dietary choices. Some people are awesome at breaking down dietary carbohydrates; others are champs at converting carrots into vitamin Read more…
Ancestral Lights: Circadian Rhythm Articles and DIY Tips - Digging into the science and research connecting genetic variants with health for the past four years, I have found a common thread that connected a lot of chronic conditions that affect so many people today. Read more…
Leveraging your gut microbiome to change your gene expression - I thought about titling this article ‘going to the dark side’ but decided that bathroom humor should be left behind…. (get it, behind :-) Enough of the puns and onto the important science stuff that you Read more…
Turning up the internal heat for weight loss- UCP1 genetic variants - The dream for overweight people: just turn up the internal heat and naturally burn off the extra fat. It turns out that genetically some people do have more active ‘internal heat’ and they actually are burning Read more…
Psoriasis Genes - Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes dry, sometimes itchy patches of skin. It is caused by the immune system attacking your skin cells, speeding up the turnover of the cells. Everyone’s skin cells are Read more…
Bouncing back after a sleepless night – It’s genetic. - Adenosine is a molecule produced by the body that has a number of functions. You may know it best as part of the cellular energy molecule ATP – adenosine triphosphate, but it also plays a role Read more…
Are you exhausted by shift work? It could be genetic. - Shift work and ‘social jetlag’ are linked to an increased risk for several chronic diseases. Shift work is usually defined in studies as working a late or early shift more than two times per week, Read more…
How your genes influence testosterone levels. - While bodybuilding and athletes may come to mind with the word testosterone, it is actually an important hormone for both men and women. In men, low serum testosterone levels are linked to an increased risk Read more…
BPA: How Your Genes Influence BPA Detoxification - BPA, a chemical found in some plastics, has been linked to a variety of effects on people including obesity, insulin resistance, and epigenetic effects on the fetus. It is everywhere in our food supply. In Read more…