Get Smarter and Be Healthier by Understanding Your Genes
Genetic Lifehacks makes it easy to use your genetic data to learn about personalized health, nutrition, longevity, and wellness.
Use your existing data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, etc. to discover your best foods, supplements, and lifestyle options.
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Topics & Latest Articles:
Supplements & Genes
- Agmatine: Neuropathic pain and antidepressant
Acting as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, agmatine holds promise for neuropathic pain, depression, and brain function. - Lion’s Mane: Cognitive function, nerve regeneration
Lion’s mane mushrooms have a long history of being used as a medicinal food for increasing energy, improving nerve function, and boosting brain power. - Maca Root: Research-backed Benefits and How It Works
Explore the benefits of Maca root, a cruciferous vegetable with adaptogenic properties, known for balancing hormone levels and aiding menopausal symptoms. Learn about its potential side effects, gene interactions, and the science behind its unique bioactive compounds.
>>>More in Supplement Research >>>
Detoxification & Medications
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): Genetics, Causes, and Solutions
Struggling with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)? Learn about the connection between genetics, detoxification enzymes, and the olfactory system. Discover how targeting specific genetic variants can help alleviate symptoms. - Phthalates: Genes, Detoxification, 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. - Naltrexone: LDN & Genetics
The use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) can be an effective treatment for some autoimmune diseases, pain syndromes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Learn how this opioid antagonist works on the immune system and how your genetics can play a part in its efficacy.
Inflammation and Immune Response:
- Low IgA and Selective IgA Deficiency
Partial IgA deficiency, which affects up to 1% of the population, can have a genetic component and overlaps with some autoimmune diseases. - Dental Implants: Genetics & Reducing the Risk of Implant Failures
Are you considering a dental implant? Failure rates of dental implants are fairly low but still carry some risk. Genetic variants can influence the likelihood of long-term success. - Is Inflammation Causing Your Depression and Anxiety? The Science Behind the Link
Discover why inflammation causes depression and how your genetic variants in inflammatory genes may play a role in depression or anxiety.
More articles in Inflammation and Immune >>>
Disease Prevention: Genetic Guides
- Dental Implants: Genetics & Reducing the Risk of Implant FailuresAre you considering a dental implant? Failure rates of dental implants are fairly low but still carry some risk. Genetic variants can influence the likelihood of long-term success.
- Lymphedema: Causes and Genetic Pathways
Lymphedema can be caused by various factors such as a traumatic injury, genetics, or even cancer. Discover how your genetics influence the risk of developing the condition. - Are Cold Sores Genetic? Who gets them and why
While many people carry the HSV virus, only about 30% will get cold sores. Genetics is one reason.
More in Disease Prevention >>>
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Over 380 articles explaining genetics, health, longevity, nutrients, and optimization:
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Lifestyle & Diet
acupuncture alcohol anthocyanins aspartame athletics caffeine carbs choline coffee cruciferous vegetables fasting fiber fodmaps gluten healthspan iron keto light at night liver longevity organic polyphenols saturated fat sauna sleep
Supplements
Akkermansia muciniphila alpha-ketogluterate alpha-lipoic acid andrographis apigenin ashwagandha astaxanthin astragalus bacopa berberine biotin calcium calcium d-glucurate carnitine cat's claw CBD cinnamon copper CoQ10 cordyceps creatine curcumin d-mannose dihydromyricetin EGCG fisetin fish oil frankincense ginkgo biloba ginseng glycine glycyrrhizin hesperidin inositol iodine l-arginine l-theanine lion's mane lithium orotate lutein luteolin magnesium manganese melatonin methylene blue methylfolate NAC naringenin niacin nicotinamide riboside nigella sativa NMN noopept PEA peppermint probiotics quercetin reishi resveratrol rhodiola riboflavin rosemary rutin selenium St. Johns wort sulforaphane taurine thiamine vitamin A vitamin B12 vitamin B6 vitamin C vitamin D vitamin E vitamin K zinc
Symptoms
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Pathways & Processes
acetylcholine AGEs anandamide arachidonic acid autophagy bile acids bone brown fat cannabinoids catecholamines cholesterol circadian rhythm clots cognitive cold collagen complement system connective tissue dopamine endothelium GABA ghrelin glutathione GSTs gut microbiome heat shock proteins histamine hypoxia inborn error of metabolism inflammation intelligence klotho lactose lungs macrophages mannose binding lectin mast cells methylation microbiome mitochondria mTOR muscle neurons non-secretor oxidative stress plant sterols platelets pro-resolving mediators senescence serotonin sirtuins T cells taste receptor tryptophan tyramine uric acid vagus nerve vascular
Diseases, Conditions
adenovirus ADHD alpha-1 antitrypsin Alzheimer's asthma autism bipolar cancer celiac cystic fibrosis diabetes dry eyes Ehlers-Danlos epilepsy Epstein-Barr virus fibroids fibromyalgia flu gout heart hemochromatosis IBD infertility lupus lyme ME/CFS miscarriage multiple sclerosis NAFLD nickel obesity osteoporosis osteoporsis Parkinson's PCOS periodontal periodontitis Propionibacterium acnes psoriasis rheumatoid arthritis seasonal affective disorder Sjogren vaccination vaccines virus
Genes, Proteins
ACE ADAMS adora2a APOE BDNF BH4 CCR5 COMT Covid GLP-1 GSTM1 GSTP1 hemoglobin HLA HMGB1 homocysteine HPA IGF1 IL-13 IL-17 IL-18 IL-1A IL-1B IL-6 interferon-gamma lp(a) MAO NF-kB nitric oxide NLRP3 telomeres TLR4 TNF-alpha TRPV1 UGTs X chromosome
Hormones
Medications
anesthesia antibiotics aspirin CYP450 drugs metformin nicotine NSAIDs psychodelics rapamycin statins
Toxins
Hormones & Your Genes
- CYP17A1: Steroid Hormone Production and Metabolism
CYP17A1 is important in the production of steroid hormones including testosterone and estrogen. SNPs in CYP17A1 impact hormone levels. - Maca Root: Research-backed Benefits and How It WorksExplore the benefits of Maca root, a cruciferous vegetable with adaptogenic properties, known for balancing hormone levels and aiding menopausal symptoms. Learn about its potential side effects, gene interactions, and the science behind its unique bioactive compounds.
- HPA Axis Dysfunction: Understanding Cortisol and Genetic Interactions
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.
Vitamins and Foods: Nutrigenomics
- Nickel Allergy: Genetics, causes, natural solutions
Nickel allergy can cause sensitivity to foods that contain nickel. Learn about how genes increase susceptibility and solutions. - 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. - 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.
>>> More in Vitamins and Foods >>>
Mood and Brain Genes
- Is Inflammation Causing Your Depression and Anxiety? The Science Behind the LinkDiscover why inflammation causes depression and how your genetic variants in inflammatory genes may play a role in depression or anxiety.
- ADHD Genes: Exploring the Role of Genetics, Environment, and Neurochemistry in ADHD
Discover the complex interplay of genetics and environment in ADHD susceptibility. Learn how circadian rhythm and neurotransmitter genes contribute to the disorder, and how toxicant exposure may increase risk. - The Warrior Gene: Understanding the Role of Monoamine Oxidase Enzymes (MAOA and MAOB)
The MAOA and MAOB genes encode enzymes that break down certain neurotransmitters. People with low MAO may be prone to mood issues in certain circumstances.
Longevity and Health Aging
- BPIFB4 Gene: Linked to Longevity and Heart Health
Discover the impact of the BPIFB4 gene on longevity and immunity, and find out if you have the longevity variant in your genotype report. - Alpha-Ketoglutarate: A Key to Healthspan and Fighting Age-Related Diseases
Supplementing with Alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) might be beneficial for longevity since it plays a role in energy production and inflammation reduction. - Skin Aging: Using genomics to solve wrinkles and age spots
Some people age naturally with beautiful-looking skin. Others slather on creams and odd gunk in a futile battle to chase away wrinkles and age spots. What is the difference? Genetics and environmental factors, of course.
Fertility & Pregnancy
- Trying to get pregnant? Targeted Approaches to Improving Egg Quality
Trying to get pregnant? Healthy eggs are vital for a successful pregnancy. Discover four key ways to improve your egg quality, according to research studies. - Folate Optimization: MTHFR and Fertility
MTHFR variants affect the conversion of folate into the active form. Learn how this can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant. - 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.
Metabolic Health Genes
- HbA1c: Heritability of A1C testing
For some people, genetic variants can cause HbA1c levels not to accurately reflect their average blood glucose levels. Find out how your genes impact A1c readings. - Blood glucose levels: how your genes impact blood sugar regulation
Genetics plays a significant role in your blood glucose regulation. Discover your genetic susceptibility to blood sugar problems to help with blood glucose stability. - 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.
Autoimmune Disease Genes
- Naltrexone: LDN & GeneticsThe use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) can be an effective treatment for some autoimmune diseases, pain syndromes, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Learn how this opioid antagonist works on the immune system and how your genetics can play a part in its efficacy.
- Decoding the Genetic Factors Behind Multiple Sclerosis
MS susceptibility is linked to both genetic causes and environmental factors. Learn how those two combine – and possible solutions. - Breast Implant Illness: The Interplay of Genetics and Symptoms
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)? Learn more about this illness, its research, and possible genetic connections to autoimmune conditions.
More articles in Autoimmune >>>
Heart Health: Genetic Guides
- BPIFB4 Gene: Linked to Longevity and Heart HealthDiscover the impact of the BPIFB4 gene on longevity and immunity, and find out if you have the longevity variant in your genotype report.
- 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. - Sudden Cardiac Death and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Genetic mutations that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Traits: Genetic Guides
- The Genetics Behind Gray Hair: Causes, Factors, and Natural 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. - 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. - 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.
Methylation Cycle Genes
- Folate Optimization: MTHFR and FertilityMTHFR variants affect the conversion of folate into the active form. Learn how this can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant.
- 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. - MTHFR Mutation: What is it? How to check your raw data.
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.
My Story…
Hi! I’m Debbie Moon. Welcome to Genetic Lifehacks.
When I first had my genetic data sequenced, I was both amazed at the research available in academic journals and frustrated by the difficult language and disconnected topics.
Genetic Lifehacks began as a way to share what I was learning about genetics with my family and friends.
My goal has always been to freely share information so that everyone can benefit.
As the website grew in popularity, I decided that I needed to know more… both more about genetics and more about how the pieces of the biological systems fit together. Since my undergraduate degree was in engineering, I went back to school and received my Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in 2019.
Now a full-time endeavor, Genetic Lifehacks has reached over 2.5 million readers, equipping people to use their genetic data to optimize their health.
~ Debbie Moon, Founder of Genetic Lifehacks