Genetic Lifehacks makes it simple to use your genetic data to learn about health and wellness, using your existing data from 23&Me, AncestryDNA, and more.

Discover your risks, learn about research-backed solutions, and find out your best diet, supplement, and lifestyle options.

Join me on the journey of optimizing health using research-backed solutions.

Metabolic Health Genes

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  HbA1c: Genetic reasons for higher readings
  For some people, genetic variants can cause HbA1c levels not to accurately reflect their average blood glucose levels. Find out how your genes impact HbA1c.
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  Picking the right diet for your genes
  Is there an easy way to compare what diet might be best based on your genotype? Research shows some interesting associations between genotype and diet interactions and weight loss.
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  GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss: Genetic Interactions
  GLP-1 receptor agonists, like semaglutide and liraglutide, are used for weight loss by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin and reducing hunger. However, genetic variants can alter the response in some people.

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Detoxification & Medications

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  Glyphosate: Interaction with Genetics
  Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Round-Up. A recent study showed that people with CYP1A1 genetic variants are more likely to have problems with acetylcholinesterase inhibition from glyphosate.
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  Detoxifying Phthalates: Genes and Diet
  Phthalates are a type of chemical used as plasticizers to make plastics more pliable. There has been a lot of research on the endocrine-disrupting effects of phthalates. Your genetic variants may impact whether phthalates are a problem for you.
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  CYP2B6: Genetic variants impacting medication reactions
  The CYP2B6 enzyme is part of the body’s first line of defense in detoxifying and breaking down certain and important for metabolizing several medications. Genetic variants of this enzyme can either speed up or slow down its function.

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Inflammation and Immune Response:

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  TNF alpha: Inflammation, Genetics, and Natural Inhibitors
  Do you feel like you are constantly dealing with inflammation? Joint pain, food sensitivity, etc.? Perhaps you are genetically geared towards a higher inflammatory response. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine that acts as a signaling molecule in our immune system.
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  Beating Flu Season
  Are you more genetically susceptible to the flu? Will Tamiflu work for you? Learn how your genes play a role and discover research-backed natural options to beat the flu.
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  Estrogen, histamine, and mast cell connections
  Mast cells can be more easily triggered in the presence of high estrogen or estrogen-mimicking compounds. Histamine can also trigger mast cell degranulation. Together, this can cause a lot of symptoms related to mast cell activation.

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Autoimmune Disease Genes

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  Multiple Sclerosis: Genetic Causes
  MS susceptibility is linked to both genetic causes and environmental factors. Learn how those two combine – and possible solutions.
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  Breast Implant Illness: Genetics and Underlying Causes
  What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)? Learn more about this illness, its research, and possible genetic connections to autoimmune conditions.
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  Sjogren’s Syndrome: Causes, Genes, Solutions
  Are you dealing with dry eyes and dry mouth? Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands. Discover the underlying causes of Sjögren’s syndrome and the genetic variants that increase susceptibility.

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Mood and Brain Genes

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  Key Genes to check for Alcohol Use Disorder
  Learn more about the genetic connections to alcohol addiction, how to check your genetic raw data, and what research-backed treatment options are available.
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  HPA Axis Dysfunction: Cortisol and Stress
  Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress, and it also plays many roles in your normal bodily functions. It is a multi-purpose hormone that needs to be in the right amount (not too high, not too low) and at the right time. Your genes play a big role in how likely you are to have problems with cortisol.
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  Intelligence Genes
  Hundreds of identified genes influence intelligence, from IQ scores to musical ability. Learn more about your intelligence strengths and ways to enhance your cognitive function.

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Traits: Genetic Guides

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  Gray Hair: Genetics and Possible Solutions
  Do our genes or environment influence how our hair grays as we age? Discover the science behind graying hair and what (if anything) can be done about it.
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  Genetics and Color Blindness
  Do you have difficulty seeing some colors? Discover how variants in genes related to color blindness may mean we all see things a bit differently.
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  Does cilantro taste like soap to you?
  Are you one of those people that thinks cilantro tastes like soap? If so, it may be due to a genetic variant.

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Vitamins and Foods: Nutrigenomics

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  Understanding the Connection Between Alcohol & Histamine Intolerance
  Drinking alcohol is often a problem for people with histamine intolerance. Learn about the pathways that are involved and how to avoid alcohol-induced reactions.
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  BChE gene: Nightshade sensitivity, Anesthesia risk
  Genetic variants of the BChE gene decrease its enzyme’s activity. This can lead to various and seemingly unconnected consequences…such as an increased risk for Parkinson’s or food sensitivity to potatoes.
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  Creatine: Boosting Muscles and Increasing Brain Power
  Creatine is an amino acid used in muscle tissue and the brain for energy in times of stress. Genes play a role in creatine synthesis. Find out what the research shows about creatine supplements for muscle mass and cognitive function.

>>> More in Vitamins and Foods >>>

Heart Health: Genetic Guides

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  Blood pressure, MTHFR, and riboflavin
  The common MTHFR C677T variant increases the relative risk of high blood pressure. Learn how to add more Riboflavin (B2) into your diet to reduce risk.
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  Sudden Cardiac Death and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  Genetic mutations that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.
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  Neuropilins: Healthy blood vessels, lymphedema, Covid brain
  Neuropilins act as receptors and are found on the surface of cells. Learn about its many roles body, such as in the immune, vascular and nervous systems.

>>>More in Heart Health >>>

Supplements & Genes

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  Supplemental alpha-Ketoglutarate for healthspan
  Supplementing with Alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) might be beneficial for longevity since it plays a role in energy production and inflammation reduction.
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  Creatine: Boosting Muscles and Increasing Brain Power
  Creatine is an amino acid used in muscle tissue and the brain for energy in times of stress. Genes play a role in creatine synthesis. Find out what the research shows about creatine supplements for muscle mass and cognitive function.
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  Luteolin: Antihistamine, Memory, and Brain Fog
  New research suggests the benefits of luteolin (a flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs) may include anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

>>>More in Supplement Research >>>

Disease Prevention: Genetic Guides

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  Key Genes to check for Alcohol Use Disorder
  Learn more about the genetic connections to alcohol addiction, how to check your genetic raw data, and what research-backed treatment options are available.
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  Parkinson’s Disease: Genetic Pathways
  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not yet fully understood. Researchers think that it is caused by a combo of genetics and environmental factors. Learn more about this disease and the factors that lead to susceptibility.
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  BChE gene: Nightshade sensitivity, Anesthesia risk
  Genetic variants of the BChE gene decrease its enzyme’s activity. This can lead to various and seemingly unconnected consequences…such as an increased risk for Parkinson’s or food sensitivity to potatoes.

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Methylation Cycle Genes

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  Creatine: Boosting Muscles and Increasing Brain Power
  Creatine is an amino acid used in muscle tissue and the brain for energy in times of stress. Genes play a role in creatine synthesis. Find out what the research shows about creatine supplements for muscle mass and cognitive function.
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  What is MTHFR? Is it important?
  The MTHFR gene is important for how your body utilizes folate (vitamin B9) for creating neurotransmitters, detoxifying toxicants, and maintaining a healthy heart. Check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants.
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  CBS Gene Variants and Low Sulfur Diet
  Some clinicians recommend a low sulfur diet for people with CBS mutations. Find out what the research shows – and why that recommendation is not backed up. (Member’s article)

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Fertility & Pregnancy

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  MTHFR and Pregnancy
  MTHFR variants affect the conversion of folate into the active form. Learn how this can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant.
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  Genetic Causes of Male Infertility
  Almost 10% of couples worldwide struggle with infertility. Learn more about your genetic susceptibility and dig deeper into the lifestyle factors that could affect your sperm.
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  Recurrent miscarriage: Genes and Inflammation
  Learn about how genetic variants in certain inflammatory cytokines can increase or decrease the risk of recurrent miscarriage.

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