Your genes interact with your diet and lifestyle to influence your susceptibility to diseases. You can use your genetic data here in a couple of ways:
- Find the root cause: If you are dealing with a health condition, learn how to use your genetic data to get to the right solutions.
- Be proactive: Find out which chronic conditions you are genetically more susceptible to and then look at the Lifehacks sections for options on how to prevent it.
Genetic Disorders
These articles look at the genetic underpinnings of chronic conditions, including rare mutations.
Building Up Iron: Hemochromatosis mutations
A couple of common mutations can cause you to build up iron, leading to iron overload or hemochromatosis. It is one genetic disease where knowledge is really powerful – you can completely prevent hemochromatosis through blood donations.
miRNA: What It Is and How It Works
miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They are important for healthy aging, longevity, metabolic health, and immune function.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency – Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Lactate Production
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase is central to cellular energy production. Learn about its role in energy production, genetic mutations, association with ME/CFS and Long Covid, and strategies to manage its deficiencies.
Gilbert’s Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder Causing High Bilirubin
Gilbert’s syndrome is an inherited condition where the body doesn’t break down bilirubin efficiently. Discover the benefits of higher bilirubin levels in this syndrome and some possible risks.
Top 10 Genes to Check in Your Genetic Raw Data
Wondering what is important in your raw genetic data? Check out this list of 10 genes in your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data.
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause changes in a person’s ability to learn and causes alterations in behavior. It is caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene.
Malignant Hyperthermia: RYR1 Gene Mutations and Anesthesia
Malignant hyperthermia is a serious reaction to inhaled anesthetics caused by rare mutations in the RYR1 gene.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a life-altering condition that damages the bile ducts, thus impacting the liver. Learn about the research and heritability of this disabling disease.
TTR gene: Amyloidosis, Cardiomyopathy, hATTR CM
New research shows that hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) may be more common, especially in people of African ancestry. Understand your genetic risk before irreversible damage.
Phenylalanine and Phenylketonuria: Mutations, Carrier Impact
Phenylketonuria, also called PKU, is a genetic metabolic disorder that can cause neurological issues if left untreated.
Trimethylaminuria: FMO3 mutations that cause malodorous body odor
Often referred to as ‘fish odor disease’, trimethylaminuria causes a strong odor in sweat, urine, and breath. This article explores the FMO3 gene, which encodes the enzyme that breaks down trimethylamine.
Cystic Fibrosis: Check to see if you are a carrier
Being a carrier of a cystic fibrosis mutation increases the risk of several diseases including pneumonia from respiratory viruses, pancreatitis, and male infertility. (Member’s article)
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic Raw Data, Carrier Effects, Interactions with TNF
A genetic mutation in the SERPINA1 gene causes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This increases a person’s susceptibility to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and, in some cases, cirrhosis of the liver. Knowing that you carry this mutation can be a great incentive to avoid smoking and to be kind to your liver.
Mutations common in Ashkenazi Jewish populations
A list of the common Ashkenazi Jewish mutations that can be determined from 23andMe and AncestryDNA raw genetic data files.
Checking Your Carrier Status for Rare Genetic Diseases
The term “carrier status” when applied to a genetic disease usually means looking at whether or not you are heterozygous (have one copy) for a mutation that causes a Mendelian genetic disease. While genetic information from 23andMe or a similar DNA test is generally accurate, always re-confirm with a clinical test before making a major health decision. Your results on these variants could be a false positive or a false negative. (Member’s article)
Neurological and Neurodegenerative
Many neurological and neurodegenerative disorders have a genetic component. Understanding your susceptibility here can lead you to prevention solutions that are right for you.
Parkinson’s Disease: Genetics plus Environmental Factors
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.
BH4: Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthesis, Recycling, and Genetic SNPs
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor in the production of neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. Genetic variants impact BH4 levels which can affect heart disease, cognitive function, and immune response.
Alzheimer’s Gene: Find your APOE type from your genetic raw data
The APOE gene variants are linked with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Find out whether you carry the APOE risk type for Alzheimer’s – and learn what research shows about supplements and lifestyle changes to prevent this disease.
Fibronectin, Genetics, and Alzheimer’s Prevention
Genetic variants in FN1 that reduce fibronectin also protect against Alzheimer’s in people with APOE E4. Here’s how to check your genes.
Back Pain: Genetics, Root Causes, and Solutions
For some people, back pain is a daily occurrence that drastically affects their quality of life. For others, it may be an intermittent nagging problem, often without rhyme or reason. Your genes play a role in whether disc degeneration gives you back pain.
Wilson’s disease: ATP7B Gene Mutations and Copper Accumulation in the Brain
Mutations in ATP7B can cause copper dysregulation and Wilson’s disease. People carrying one copy of the mutation may also have subtle changes.
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.
Essential Tremor: Causes and Possible Solutions
Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disease causing involuntary shaking in places of the body while performing tasks such as writing or eating. Learn more about this disease and discover the genetic causes of ET.
Sudden Hearing Loss: Viruses, Vaccines, and Genes
Genetic variants can significantly increase your risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Learn more about the current research on sudden sensorineural hearing loss, including links to viral and vaccine causes.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Genes
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly. You will find supplements specifically promoted for preventing AMD. This article explains age-related macular degeneration, delves into the genetic risks, and then explains which supplements are likely to be protective and which may do more harm than good.
Gulf War Illness: Genetic susceptibility and current research
Many genetic variants have been studied for Gulf War Illness. Take a look into the research behind the illness and discover some possible solutions to help with symptoms.
Pain and Connective Tissue
You can use your genetic data to understand and prevent genetic conditions related to connective tissue and pain.
Gut Mucosal Barrier: Foundational and Underappreciated
Your gut mucosa protects you from microbes in the gut, your own digestive enzymes, and toxins from the environment. Learn what you can do to keep your gut mucosal barrier healthy.
COMT in Pain Disorders
Genetic polymorphisms in COMT affect how we feel certain types of pain. These variants are linked to increased susceptibility to chronic pain disorders.
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: Genes, Types, and Treatments
Ehlers-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.
Pancreatitis: Genetics, causes, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Genetic variants that increase inflammation also increase the risk of pancreatitis. Learn about causes and natural solutions for pancreas problems.
Dry Eyes: Using Genomics to Find Solutions
Do you suffer from dry eyes? Learn about current research-backed solutions and the genetics links that could increase your susceptibility.
Osteoporosis: Genetic Susceptibility and Prevention Strategies
Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease facing many of us as we age. Genetics plays a big role in susceptibility to osteoporosis. The good news here is that knowing where your genetic susceptibility lies can lead you to targeted, personalized solutions for osteoporosis. (Member’s article)
Cancer Prevention
Genetic susceptibility plays a role in specific types of cancer. Understanding how your genes interact with your environment can help with prioritizing cancer prevention strategies.
PCSK9: Cancer Recurrence & Prevention
Lower PCSK9 levels have been shown in research studies to correlate to a significantly reduced risk of metastatic recurrence in certain types of cancer.
Aspirin, Colon Cancer Prevention, and Genetics
For some people with specific genetic variants, aspirin may help to prevent colon cancer. Learn more about what the research says and check your genes.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations: Interactions with environment, other genetic variants
Women with BRCA1/2 mutations may face additional risk from certain environmental toxins or other genetic variants.
Prostate Problems: Genetic reasons and research on solutions
Do you know someone that suffers from prostate problems? Learn more about this important gland and how your genes affect your risk.
MSH3 gene: Cancer Risk and DNA Repair
The MSH3 gene helps protect the body from cancers. Learn more about MSH3 and the possible genetic variants that impact cancer risk.
FTO and m6A Methylation
Recently, researchers discovered that FTO is an m6A eraser that removes methyl groups from mRNA. This discovery has opened up huge avenues of research on topics from cancer to immune response to heart disease.
Skin Cancer: Genetics and Prevention
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and many forms are highly treatable if caught early. Learn more about the different types of skin cancer, your genetic risks, and lifestyle changes to help reduce risk.
Cancer Prevention Strategies for Lynch Syndrome Mutations
Lynch Syndrome increases the risk of certain cancers. The cause relates to inherited mutations in the genes responsible for stopping the replication of cancerous cells. Learn how cancer occurs, risks involved with this particular syndrome, and prevention strategies to implement for risk reduction
Does eating meat put you at a higher risk for colon cancer?
Depending on their processed meat intake, people who carry certain genetic variants are at an increased risk for colon cancer. You can check your genetic data to see if processed meat will likely increase colon cancer risk.
BMAL1: Core circadian gene with links to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
A core circadian rhythm gene, BMAL1, influences heart disease risk, diabetes, and cancer. Check your genes and learn how to mitigate the risk.
HIF-1a: Hypoxia, Cancer, and Athletic Superpowers
The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A) gene codes for a transcription factor, that responds to the amount of oxygen available to the cell. This is important in cancer prevention, and several HIF1A genetic variants alter the susceptibility to several types of cancer.
Will taking vitamin E increase your risk of cancer?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant often recommended as a supplement to prevent everything from heart disease to skin aging. But does everyone actually benefit from vitamin E supplements?
Why Light at Night Increases Cancer Risk
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes light at night as a probable carcinogen. Learn why dim light at night increases your risk of breast cancer — and what you can do to easily reduce this risk. (Member’s article)