Genetic variants influence our immune response, affecting both our ability to combat pathogens and our susceptibility to chronic inflammation.
We are all unique in our response to different pathogens, and this can increase susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases. For example, variants in the TNF-alpha gene may increase susceptibility to chronic inflammatory conditions while at the same time increasing your ability to fight off specific viruses or bacteria.
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.
Chronic Inflammation & Immune Regulation
These articles look at the genetic underpinnings of inflammatory mediators and the body’s regulation of inflammation, which often ties into chronic disease.
Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs): The Resolution of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is at the root of all diseases. New research discusses how pro-resolving mediators are the key to the resolution of inflammation.
NLRP3: Genetics Variants that Increase Chronic Inflammation
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.
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.
Chronic Inflammation: Causes and Natural Solutions
Take a deep dive into the causes of chronic inflammation and learn how to target specific inflammatory pathways to reverse or prevent chronic disease.
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.
Fatigue: Root Causes, Genetics, Personalized Solutions
Are you always tired even when you know you slept well? Discover more about the newest research on fatigue and how genetic susceptibility plays a part for some people.
TNF-alpha: Inflammation, Chronic Diseases, and Genetic Susceptibility
Discover the role of TNF-alpha in inflammation and its link to chronic diseases. Learn how genetic variants affect TNF-alpha levels and explore natural solutions for chronic inflammation.
IL-13: Elevating Th2 Immune Response and Asthma risk
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.
Tendinitis (Tendonitis): Genes, Inflammation, and Targeted Solutions
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.
IL-17: Chronic Inflammation & Autoimmune Risk with IL17A, IL17F
The IL17 gene codes for an important part of the immune system. When it is overactive, IL-17 can contribute to the risk of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
HMGB1 gene: inflammatory response protein important in sepsis and COVID-19
The HMGB1 protein has a unique role in activating the inflammatory response pathways. Increased HMGB1 levels will call up the troops for a big response to an infection. Discover how genetic variants of this protein vary the risk of cancer, inflammation, and sepsis to name a few.
Increased Inflammation and IL-17A Genetic Variants
Some people have a more sensitive immune system and are more prone to inflammatory reactions. We need a balance in the body between fighting off pathogens and not having too much of an inflammatory response. Learn more about what triggers inflammation and how your genes play a part.
Pain, Neurological & Musculoskeletal Disorders
Elevated inflammation or immune system activation is often at the heart of genetic susceptibility to conditions like chronic pain, fatigue, and other neurological or musculoskeletal issues.
Fibromyalgia: Underlying causes and genetic connections
Learn about the potential causes of fibromyalgia, including inflammation, genetics, and hypersensitivity to pain, along with overlapping conditions that complicate diagnosis.
Migraines: Genes, Root Causes, and Personalized Solutions
Your genes play a role in your susceptibility to migraines. Find out what is going on when you have a migraine and solutions that fit your genes.
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.
Small Fiber Neuropathy: Genetics, Causes, and Possible Solutions
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.
ME/CFS: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (and Long Covid?) Genes
Take a look into the science of the lingering effects of viruses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and long-haul viruses.
Ringing in your ears? Genetics, Tinnitus, and Meniere’s Disease
Genetics plays a role in both Meniere’s disease and tinnitus. Understanding your genetic susceptibility may help point you to the right solutions.
Infectious Diseases & Immune Response
These articles focus on how your genes influence your body’s ability to fight off infections, respond to vaccines, and manage viral exposures.
Flu Season: Genetics and Your Immune Response
Are you more genetically susceptible to the flu? Learn how your genes play a role and discover research-backed natural options to beat the flu.
Long Covid: Genetics, Multiple Causes, and Possible Solutions
Long Covid is the persistence of symptoms after having COVID-19. Learn more about the underlying causes and treatments backed by the newest research.
Avoiding Getting Sick: Research-backed Ways to Prevent Covid, Colds, and Flu
Explore the research-backed strategies for preventing or managing respiratory illnesses. Don’t let a cold get you down this year.
Chronic Lyme: Genetic Susceptibility
The interesting thing about Lyme disease is that the genetic variants you carry impact both how the disease affects you and how well antibiotics work for you. Learn whether your genetic variants are linked to post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms such as joint pain. (Member’s article)
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.
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.
Genetics of Mannose-Binding Lectin Deficiency
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.
APOBEC3 Family of Genes
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.
Spike Protein, Mast Cells, Histamine, and Heart Rhythms
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.
Mutation that blocks you from getting AIDS or HIV
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.
Antibiotics: Genetics and Antibiotic Reactions
Genetics plays a role in the susceptibility to antibiotic allergies. Learn which genetic variants increase your risk.
Genetic Variant Linked to Side Effects from mRNA vaccines
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.
Are you genetically less likely to get the flu?
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.
TLR7: Susceptibility to COVID-19
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.
COVID-19 & Genetics: Who gets sick and why?
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.
G6PD Deficiency: How to check your genes
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.
FUT2: Check to See if You Are a Secretor or Non-Secretor
A genetic variant in the FUT2 gene controls whether or not you secrete your blood type into your saliva and other bodily fluids, such as your intestinal mucosa. This alters the gut microbiome – and protects you from Norovirus.
Vitamin D, Genes, and Your Immune System
Vitamin D is more than just a ‘vitamin’. It is actually a hormone essential to many processes in your body – including your immune system. Learn how vitamin D helps the immune response to coronavirus, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
9 Genes that Impact the Response to Vaccines
Genetics plays a huge role in how an individual responds to a vaccine. Learn more about vaccines, immunity, and genetic variants that affect the response.
Kawasaki Disease: Inflammatory disease in children due to pathogens
Kawasaki disease is an excessive inflammatory response that some children have due to viral or bacterial illnesses. Several genetic variants are tied to an increased susceptibility to Kawasaki disease.
Chronic Sinus Infections: Genetics, Reasons, Solutions
Genetics plays a role in the likelihood of having chronic sinus problems. This article looks at the genetic reasons driving some people to have chronic sinus infections.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Genes
ARDS is caused by an overwhelming immune response to a virus, bacteria, or lung injury. Learn more about which of your immune system genes are involved in ARDS.
Circadian Rhythm and Your Immune Response to Viruses
Your circadian rhythm influences your immune response. Learn how this rhythm controls white blood cell production and why melatonin protects against viral and bacterial infections.
Genetic Susceptibility to Viruses
Viral immunity-your genes protect you. Your genetic variants shape your immune system and give you superpowers against some pathogens, perhaps more susceptible to others.
Mast Cells, Allergies, & Sensitivities
These articles explore how genetic variations affect allergic reactions, mast cell behavior, and sensitivities/intolerances.
Asthma Genes: Understanding your genetic pathways
Genes and environmental factors combine to cause asthma. Learn how your genes impact the pathways involved in the different types of asthma.
Histamine Intolerance: Genetic Report, Supplements, and Real Solutions
Genetics plays a big role in how well your body breaks down histamine. You can use your genetic data to figure out if your genes are part of the reason why you have histamine intolerance.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Meat Allergy, Tick Bites, and Genetics
Alpha-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.
MRGPRX2: Mast Cells, Itching, & Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Fluoroquinolones
MRGPRX2 is a recently discovered mast cell receptor. It is linked to drug hypersensitivity reactions as well as asthma, rosacea, and IBD.
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.
Acupuncture and Genomics: Who is more likely to respond?
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?
Mast Cells: MCAS, Genetics, and Solutions
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.
Are you allergic to grass pollen? It may be genetic.
Allergies are usually due to a mix of genetic susceptibility and being exposed to certain triggering molecules. Several different gene variants have ties to an increased risk of grass pollen allergies.
Research studies on histamine intolerance and mast cells
Histamine plays several important roles in the body. Learn more about the newest research into histamine intolerance and mast cells.
Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue
Elevated inflammation or immune system activation is often at the heart of genetic susceptibility to conditions like chronic pain, fatigue, and other neurological or musculoskeletal issues.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Genetic Causes and Possible Solutions
Hidradenitis suppurativa is caused by overactive inflammation and hyperkeratosis. Genetics plays a big role – along with environmental factors.
Rosacea, Genetics, and Solutions
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is driven by upregulated inflammation. Learn how your genes interact with environmental factors to cause rosacea.
Osteoarthritis: The Role of Genetics and Natural Solutions
Inflammation and breakdown of cartilage are at the root of osteoarthritis. Learn how your genes impact the pathways involved in arthritis.
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.
Alopecia Areata: Reasons for Rapid Hair Loss
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.