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Understand Your Genes
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Use your raw data file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and more.
- Learn how your genes influence your health, nutrition, longevity, and wellness.
- Discover multiple research-backed solutions aligned with genetic pathways.
- Decide what will work best for you.
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Latest Articles and Genotype Reports:
Mood and Brain Genes
- Dopamine Synthesis SNPs: Genes, lifestyle, diet, and dopamine optimizationKey takeaways: ~ Dopamine synthesis begins with the conversion of tyrosine to l-DOPA, which is then converted to dopamine. ~ The key enzymes in this synthesis are TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) and DDC. ~ Genetic variants in these genes, along with lifestyle, diet, and other environmental factors, affect dopamine levels. ~ Testing can show you where … Read more
- ADHD Genes: Exploring the Role of Genetics, Environment, and Neurochemistry in ADHDDiscover 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.
- Plasmalogens: Healthy Brain Aging and MorePlasmalogen levels in the brain are key to brain health. Low plasmalogen is linked to Alzheimer’s and ME/CFS. Healthy ways to boost your levels.
Methylation Cycle Genes
- MTHFD1: Folate and CholineThe MTHFD1 gene encodes an enzyme in the folate cycle. Genetic variants here can indicate a greater need for choline or folate in the diet.
- FOLR1 and FOLR2: Transporting folate, folinic acid, and folic acid into cellsGenetic variants in the FOLR1 and FOLR2 genes (folate receptors alpha and beta) can impact folate in the brain and in the immune response.
- Homocysteine: Genetics and SolutionsHigh homocysteine levels are strongly linked to an increased relative risk of cardiovascular diseases. Find out how your genes impact homocysteine levels.
Inflammation and Immune Response
- Alpha-gal Syndrome: Meat allergy, tick bites, and geneticsAlpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to meat (beef, pork, lamb) after being bitten by a tick. Find out why and which genetic pathways are involved.
- Chronic Inflammation: Causes and Natural SolutionsTake a deep dive into the causes of chronic inflammation and learn how to target specific inflammatory pathways to reverse or prevent chronic disease.
- Long Covid: Genetics, Multiple Causes, and Possible SolutionsLong Covid is the persistence of symptoms after having COVID-19. Learn more about the underlying causes and treatments backed by the newest research.
More articles in Inflammation and Immune >>>
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Genes
- Melanopsin: Light response, circadian rhythm, and blue light exposureMelanopsin is the receptor for blue light. It is found in the retina, skin, adipose tissue, and blood vessels. Genetic variants can impact reaction to blue light.
- Histamine, Mast Cell Activation, and Early Morning InsomniaHistamine rising in the early morning hours may cause early waking insomnia. Mast cells and circadian rhythm disruption at the root.
- Restless Leg and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: Genes and SolutionsMany know the frustration of disrupted sleep due to RLS and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). Genes play a role in your risk for these disorders, and there are specific research-based treatments to explore.
More in Sleep & Circadian Rhythm >>>
Detoxification & Medications
- Phthalates: Genes, Detoxification, and DietPhthalates 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.
- DPYD and fluorouracilCheck your raw data to see if you have DPYD mutations that affect the toxicity of 5-FU (fluorouracil) cancer drugs.
- Getting the Lead Out: Genetics and Lead ExposureHigh blood lead levels are influenced by exposure and by genetic variants. Learn how your genes impact lead levels, and what to do about it.
Disease Prevention: Genetic Guides
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations: Interactions with environment, other genetic variantsWomen with BRCA1/2 mutations may face additional risk from certain environmental toxins or other genetic variants.
- Melanopsin: Light response, circadian rhythm, and blue light exposureMelanopsin is the receptor for blue light. It is found in the retina, skin, adipose tissue, and blood vessels. Genetic variants can impact reaction to blue light.
- Chronic Inflammation: Causes and Natural SolutionsTake a deep dive into the causes of chronic inflammation and learn how to target specific inflammatory pathways to reverse or prevent chronic disease.
More in Disease Prevention >>>
Heart Health: Genetic Guides
- Niacin and Heart Disease: Genetic InteractionHigher intake of niacin, along with certain genetic variants, has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Check your SNPs here.
- Atrial fibrillation: Intersection of genetic susceptibility with inflammation and remodelingAtrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat in the atrium. Genetic variants combine with inflammation and environmental triggers in causing A-fib.
- CoQ10 Deficiency & Optimizing Mitochondrial Energy ProductionCoQ10, or ubiquinone, is an integral part of mitochondrial energy production. It is also used as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. Learn how age and genes affect it.
Longevity Genes and Health Aging
- Nicotinamide Riboside and NMN: Boosting NAD+ in AgingExplore the research about how nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN are being used to reverse aging. Learn about how your genes naturally affect your NAD+ levels and how this interacts with the aging process.
- Taurine: Research on healthspan and supplementsTaking a deep dive into the science behind taurine – from antiaging supplement to heart and digestive health. Genetics plays a role in who may benefit most from supplemental taurine.
- APOE and COMT: Cognitive performance in agingYour APOE and COMT genotypes together may impact memory and cognitive function in older age.
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Mitochondrial Health & Genes
- CoQ10 Deficiency & Optimizing Mitochondrial Energy ProductionCoQ10, or ubiquinone, is an integral part of mitochondrial energy production. It is also used as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. Learn how age and genes affect it.
- Statins and Brain Fog: Exploring how statins impact memory and cognitive functionUnderstand the connection between statin use and brain fog. Dive into the research on how cholesterol-lowering drugs impact cognitive health and memory.
- Alpha-Ketoglutarate: A Key to Healthspan and Fighting Age-Related DiseasesSupplementing with Alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) might be beneficial for longevity since it plays a role in energy production and inflammation reduction.
>>> More in Mitochondrial Health >>>
Explore by Symptoms, Supplements, Diet, or Pathway:
Symptoms
Supplements
Pathways & Processes
Diseases, Conditions
Lifestyle & Diet
Genes, Proteins
Hormones
Medications
Toxins
Hormones & Your Genes
- Estrogen: How it is made and how we get rid of itEstrogen – from how much is made to how it is broken down – is dependent on both genetics and lifestyle factors and affects both men and women. This article explains how estrogen is made, how it is eliminated from the body, which genes are involved, and how this influences the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and fibroids.
- Hot flashes in menopause: Genetics and natural solutionsHot flashes affect up to 80% of women going through menopause. Genetics, environment, and diet can make them worse. Target the right solutions.
- CYP17A1: Steroid Hormone Production and MetabolismCYP17A1 is important in the production of steroid hormones including testosterone and estrogen. SNPs in CYP17A1 impact hormone levels.
Metabolic Health Genes
- Adenoviruses: Causing Weight Gain and ObesityThere have been several interesting studies linking obesity to a viral infection, specifically an adenovirus. Learn more about this virus and its association with obesity.
- Insulin Resistance and Genetics: Finding the Root CauseGenetics combined with diet causes insulin resistance. While dietary sugar can be involved, genetic research points to BCAAs as having a causal role in IR.
- Eating Habits: Snacking and HungerOur genes influence our eating habits, often in ways we aren’t consciously aware of! If you are struggling with your eating habits, understanding your genetic variants may give insight into why and how to change your eating for the better.
Vitamins and Foods: Nutrigenomics
- FOLR1 and FOLR2: Transporting folate, folinic acid, and folic acid into cellsGenetic variants in the FOLR1 and FOLR2 genes (folate receptors alpha and beta) can impact folate in the brain and in the immune response.
- Oxalates, Kidney Stones, Joint Pain: Green Smoothies and Your GenesGreen smoothies have been a health fad for quite a while now, but these health drinks can be a double-edged sword for some people due to their high oxalate content. Find out if you are genetically prone to kidney stones and what to do about it.
- CoQ10 Deficiency & Optimizing Mitochondrial Energy ProductionCoQ10, or ubiquinone, is an integral part of mitochondrial energy production. It is also used as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. Learn how age and genes affect it.
>>> More in Vitamins and Foods >>>
Traits: Genetic Guides
- Dyslexia: Genes + Early Life StressorsWhile dyslexia is known to run in families, the role of genetics in dyslexia is still being determined. Here is a quick look at some of the genes involved in dyslexia, affecting around 10% of the population.
- Mosquito Bite Genes: Are you a mosquito magnet?Do you feel like you are a magnet for mosquitoes? Genetic variants do play a role in how attractive you are to mosquitoes.
- Will you go bald? Genetics and hair lossWhat causes male pattern baldness? A combination of genetics, nutrition, and environmental toxins come together to form the risk factors for baldness. But genetics really seems to rule the roost here.
Fertility & Pregnancy
- Trying to get pregnant? Targeted Approaches to Improving Egg QualityTrying 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 FertilityMTHFR 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 InfertilityAlmost 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.
Supplements & Genes
- Nicotinamide Riboside and NMN: Boosting NAD+ in AgingExplore the research about how nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN are being used to reverse aging. Learn about how your genes naturally affect your NAD+ levels and how this interacts with the aging process.
- Taurine: Research on healthspan and supplementsTaking a deep dive into the science behind taurine – from antiaging supplement to heart and digestive health. Genetics plays a role in who may benefit most from supplemental taurine.
- Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol with Genetic LinksOverview of Bryan Johnson’s million dollar longevity protocol, with genetic insight to make it personalized and cheaper.
>>>More in Supplement Research >>>
Autoimmune Disease Genes
- Familial Mediterranean Fever: Mimics fibromyalgia, arthritis, inflammationFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic condition of inflammatory episodes that cause painful joints, pain in the abdomen, or pain in the chest. It is most often accompanied by a fever. FMF is often misdiagnosed as various pain-related conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or gouty arthritis.
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: Genes, Types, and TreatmentsEhlers-Danlos Syndromes causes changes in the way that collagen forms in the joints, ligaments, and skin. Explore the research on EDS and the genetic mutations that cause some of the subtypes of the disorder.
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): Genetics, Causes, and SolutionsStruggling 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.
More articles in Autoimmune >>>
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