Genetic variants play a huge role in your immune response — from how you fight off pathogens to your susceptibility to chronic inflammation. There is a wide variation in immune response genes, which makes us all unique in our response to different pathogens. Inflammatory cytokine genes, like TNF-alpha, have variants that increase susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions, but these same variants can help fight off a specific virus or bacteria.
Chronic inflammation is a huge – and vague – topic! You can use your genetic data to understand which pathways are likely involved for you, and then use the lifehacks sections to discover the right solution for your genes.
Where to start?
Summary Reports:
| Inflammation Summary | Immune System Summary Report |
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.
Mannose-binding lectin, also known as mannose-binding protein, is involved in the body’s innate defense against infections. Find out how genetic variants in this system increase your susceptibility to specific pathogens.
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a signaling molecule important in the immune response. Excessive IL-13 can tip you toward a Th2-dominant immune response, and variants increase the risk of allergies and asthma.
Have you tried acupuncture? This treatment has been around for thousands of years but did you know that your genetic variants can impact how well you respond?
Do you have problems with your tennis elbow, rotator cuff, knees, or Achilles tendon? Discover how your genes influence the risk of having tendon problems.
The APOBEC3 family of enzymes has a unique way of stopping viruses from replicating. Your genes can affect whether the virus becomes inactive or more virulent.
Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) results in burning pain, numbness, odd sensations, or autonomic nervous system issues. Learn more about the possible causes and potential solutions to this debilitating disorder.
Do you know of someone with unexplained heart palpitations, spiking blood pressure, dizziness, and tinnitus? Discover how research is linking these symptoms to histamine, mast cells, and the spike protein.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune-like disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Learn about the triggers of alopecia areata, why the hair falls out, genetic variants that increase susceptibility, and possible treatment options.
The CCR5 gene is an important player in the immune response. A mutation in the CCR5 gene, called the Delta32 mutation, significantly reduces the chance of an HIV infection.
Learn why zinc is important for your immune system and so much more. Find out how your genes impact your need for zinc and discover ways of boosting your zinc status.
Genetics plays a role in the susceptibility to antibiotic allergies. Learn which genetic variants increase your risk.
Will you get side effects from mRNA vaccines? A genetic variant in the HLA-A gene might cause an increase in your response to the vaccine.
Have you ever wondered why some people never seem to get the flu when it is going around? Simply put, some people are just more susceptible to getting the flu than others. Learn more and see if you are more or less susceptible to the flu.
In recent research, mutations in TLR7 (a sensor in our innate immune system) might cause severe Covid-19 in a small minority of healthy people.
Interested in low histamine foods and recipes? This article focuses on foods high in histamine so you can easily eliminate them from your diet.
Do you feel lightheaded when you stand? Does your heart suddenly race? POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a problem with the way that your autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate.
There are multiple triggers or root causes of this syndrome, and genetic variants can increase your risk for POTS.
Is the MTHFR mutation is a reason not to get the covid vaccine? Learn more with a look into the research behind MTHFR mutations and vaccines.
What makes people more susceptible to chronic inflammatory diseases? The root of the over-activation of inflammation for some people could be the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Do you have a food allergy? Discover how environmental factors and genetic susceptibility can shape individual reactions.
Not everyone gets sick when exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While there are many factors that come into play here, research points to genetics as playing a role. Several good genetic studies have recently been released showing which genes are important in COVID-19 susceptibility. Learn more and check your genes.
Mast cells are essential to your innate immune system, defending against pathogens and allergens. For some people, mast cells can be triggered too easily, giving allergy-like responses to lots of different substances.
Take a look into the role of platelets, their connection to blood clots, and a discussion of the research on adenovirus-vector therapy, thrombocytopenia, and platelet reactions.
People who carry the genetic mutations that cause G6PD deficiency are at an increased risk for hemolytic anemia when taking quinine-based medications. This article is intended to be a ‘heads up’ for anyone who is considering using quinine or chloroquine without a doctor’s advice for COVID-19.
Why do some people get such great benefits from CBD while others notice nothing? Your genes play a role in how your body responds to CBD.