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.
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 CYP2B6 enzyme is part of the body’s first line of defense in detoxifying and breaking down certain and important for metabolizing several medications. Genetic variants of this enzyme can either speed up or slow down its function.
What are the physiological effects of mercury and how does the body eliminates it? Discover how genetic variants play a role in how quickly you excrete mercury.
Some people are unique in their ability to form clots more easily. This article covers six different genes and the seven genetic variants that increase the risk of blood clots. It is a timely topic because blood clots seem to be a severe complication for people with COVID-19.
Ferritin is the storage protein for iron in the body. Storing too little or too much iron can be an indicator of an underlying problem. Discover the genetic variants that impact ferritin and how to increase ferritin with supplements or foods.
The UGT family of enzymes is responsible for an important part of phase II detoxification. This article explains what the UGT enzymes do in the body, how your genes impact this part of detoxification, and lifestyle factors that can increase or decrease this detox process.
The CYP1A2 gene breaks down caffeine, melatonin, several major prescription drugs, and interacts with smoking. Learn how your genes influence caffeine metabolism and more.
The NQO1 gene codes for an important enzyme in phase II detoxification. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing the cancer-causing benzene (e.g. from air pollution) and cigarette toxins. Learn more and check your genes. (Member’s article)
Is it smart to boost your BDNF levels? Discover more by digging into the research studies that show when, how, and why it is important to focus on BDNF.
The CYP2D6 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing about 25% of commonly used medications. There are several fairly common genetic variants in CYP2D6 that affect how quickly you will break down a drug.
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.
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.
Mushrooms contain a healthy antioxidant called ergothioneine. But for people with a SLC22A4 genetic variant, this antioxidant can be too much of a good thing, leading to intestinal problems. Check your genetic data to see if you carry this mushroom intolerance variant.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune system attack on the joints, causing thickening and inflammation of the joint capsule. It is caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers.
Nitric Oxide Synthase is an important signaling molecule in the endothelium of our blood vessels. It has roles in the regulation of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, brain health, and more. Genetic variants in nitric oxide genes are important for a healthy heart. Find out how your genes could play a part in the interactions with cardiovascular disease risk and blood pressure.
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can impact several different systems in your body. Learn more about how your genetic variants impact the “why” for this autoimmune disease.
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.
Uterine fibroids are a problem for a lot of women, especially after age 30. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle cells of the uterus. This article will dig into the causes of fibroids, explain how your genetic variants can add to the susceptibility, and offer solutions that are backed by research. (Member’s article)
One cause of many of the diseases of aging is the buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Your genes interact with your diet – and cooking methods – in the build-up of AGEs. Learn whether this is something that is important for you to focus on. (Member’s article)
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.
You brush, you floss, and your gums still bleed… perhaps you carry some of the genetic variants associated with gingivitis? Check your genetic data to see. (Member’s article)
Acne is thought to be 80% heritable. Learn how your genetic variants increase your risk of acne and find specific solutions that work for those genetic pathways.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes dry, sometimes itchy patches of skin. It is caused by the immune system attacking your skin cells, speeding up the turnover of the cells. Genetics plays a role in your susceptibility.
Low levels of BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are linked to introversion, stress resilience, cognition, and depression levels. Discover ways to increase your BDNF levels and mitigate the problems associated with the BDNF gene variants. (Member’s article)