What is Genetic Lifehacks?
Genetic Lifehacks makes it easy to use your genetic raw data to find personalized health and wellness solutions.
- Learn how your genes influence your nutrition, longevity, wellness, and more.
- See your genotype report along with multiple research-backed solutions in each article.
- Use the information for personalized health optimization.
Use your genetic raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and more. Ad-free with genetic privacy as paramount.
Latest Articles and Genotype Reports:
Topic: Disease Prevention
- 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. - 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. - 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.
Did you know?
Drinking soda has been found to be associated with shorter telomeres, but drinking fruit juice was marginally associated with longer telomeres. Drinking soda daily was estimated to reduce telomere length, equivalent to 1.9 years of aging.[ref]
Read more about Telomere Length: Genetics and Aging
Topic: Traits
- Skinny Genes: Weight Loss from Aerobic Exercise
Have you ever thought, “If I just exercised a little more, I could lose that extra 20 pounds!” A new study published in September 2024 looked at the relationship between weight loss, aerobic exercise, and genetics. It attempts to answer the question, “Who loses weight and why? Losers and gainers: Studies of exercise for weight … Read more - Dyslexia: Genes + Early Life Stressors
While 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.
Topic: Inflammation / Immune Response
- 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. - 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. - 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.
Topic: Hormones
- Testosterone: Genetic Variants that Impact Testosterone Levels
While diet and lifestyle play a role in testosterone levels, in males, there is a strong genetic component as well. Check out your genes to see if they are playing a role in your low T levels — and then check out the Lifehacks. - HPA Axis Dysfunction: Understanding Cortisol and Genetic Interactions
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress, and it also plays many roles in your normal bodily functions. It is a multi-purpose hormone that needs to be in the right amount (not too high, not too low) and at the right time. Your genes play a big role in how likely you are to have problems with cortisol. - Thyroid Hormones: Genes, Hypothyroidism, and T4/T3 Conversion
The thyroid is a master regulator controlling many of your body’s systems. It is integral for metabolism and body temperature. Learn more about specific thyroid-related variants and check your genetic raw data.
Topic: Mitochondrial Health
- Glutathione: Master Antioxidant, Reducing Oxidative Stress, and Detoxification
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in all cells to balance out ROS. Genetic variants can impact your glutathione levels, which can alter your ability to detoxify certain substances or withstand stressors in the body. - 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. - Mold Genes: How mold and mycotoxins interact with genetics
Exposure to certain kinds of mold can cause chronic, negative health effects. Discover how genetic variants impact the ability to handle mycotoxins.
Topic: Nutrigenomics – Vitamins and Diet
- Vitamin K: Bone Strength, Blood Clots, Calcification, and Genetics
Genetic variations cause people to have higher or lower levels of vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting. Learn more about the genes that affect vitamin K and how it relates to your genetic raw data. - Vitamin B6: Genetics, Absorption, and Deficiency
Vitamin B6 is an important co-factor in hundreds of different enzymatic reactions. Low levels of B6 are linked to an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. B6 is also essential for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. - Manganese: Genetic Interactions, Diet, and Supplements
Manganese is an essential mineral needed in the right amount. It is important for health as an antioxidant cofactor, but too much is neurotoxic.
Topic: Supplements & Genes
- C15:0 Pentadecanoic Acid: Dietary Sources and Supplement Options
C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid linked in multiple studies to health benefits. Learn how to increase synthesis through dietary changes. - HMB Supplement and Muscle Mass
HMB – hydroxymethylbutyrate – is a supplement that helps to prevent muscle loss in aging and may help with building muscle when working out. - DAO Enzyme Supplements: Research Studies and Genetic Connections
DAO enzyme supplements work by providing the enzyme needed to break down histamine in food and from the gut microbiome.
Topic: Mood and Brain
- OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Genes
Genetic variants play a role in susceptibility to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Understanding your genes may help you understand OCD better and help you to target the right treatment. - HPA Axis Dysfunction: Understanding Cortisol and Genetic InteractionsCortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress, and it also plays many roles in your normal bodily functions. It is a multi-purpose hormone that needs to be in the right amount (not too high, not too low) and at the right time. Your genes play a big role in how likely you are to have problems with cortisol.
- ADHD: Causes, Neurochemistry, and How to Check Your Genetic Raw Data
Discover 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.
Topic: Detoxification & Medications
- Glutathione: Master Antioxidant, Reducing Oxidative Stress, and DetoxificationGlutathione is an antioxidant produced in all cells to balance out ROS. Genetic variants can impact your glutathione levels, which can alter your ability to detoxify certain substances or withstand stressors in the body.
- CYP2J2: Arachidonic Acid, Inflammation, and Heart Disease
The CYP2J2 gene is important in the metabolism of arachidonic acid into either pro- or anti-inflammatory lipid signals. - Mold Genes: How mold and mycotoxins interact with geneticsExposure to certain kinds of mold can cause chronic, negative health effects. Discover how genetic variants impact the ability to handle mycotoxins.
Topic: Heart Health
- Salt Sensitivity and High Blood Pressure
Genetic variants significantly influence individual salt sensitivity, with certain genotypes making people more prone to high blood pressure in response to high salt intake - Homocysteine: Genetics, High Homocysteine Levels, and Solutions
High homocysteine levels are strongly linked to an increased relative risk of cardiovascular diseases. Find out how your genes impact homocysteine levels. - Niacin and Heart Disease: Genetic Interaction
Higher intake of niacin, along with certain genetic variants, has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Check your SNPs here.
Topic: Autoimmune Diseases
- Thyroid Hormones: Genes, Hypothyroidism, and T4/T3 ConversionThe thyroid is a master regulator controlling many of your body’s systems. It is integral for metabolism and body temperature. Learn more about specific thyroid-related variants and check your genetic raw data.
- HLA B27: Genetic Variant That Increases Susceptibility to Autoimmune Diseases
The HLA-B27 serotype is linked to an increased risk of several autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and IBD. - Leaky Gut Genes: Emulsifiers in Processed Foods
Emulsifiers, found in many processed and packaged foods, can trigger an inflammatory response in the intestines based on whether you carry specific genetic variants.
Topic: Methylation Cycle Genes
- Are You Getting Too Much Folate?
Folate is an essential vitamin with many benefits from getting an adequate amount. However, excess folate from high dose supplements may have potentially detrimental effects. - AHCY Gene: Tying together methylation and homocysteine
AHCY is a key gene in the conversion of SAH to homocysteine and in the regulation of the SAM/SAH ratio. It also plays an important role in the circadian regulation of gene expression. - Homocysteine: Genetics, High Homocysteine Levels, and SolutionsHigh homocysteine levels are strongly linked to an increased relative risk of cardiovascular diseases. Find out how your genes impact homocysteine levels.
Topic: Longevity / Healthspan
- HMB Supplement and Muscle MassHMB – hydroxymethylbutyrate – is a supplement that helps to prevent muscle loss in aging and may help with building muscle when working out.
- Aspirin, Colon Cancer Prevention, and GeneticsFor some people with specific genetic variants, aspirin may help to prevent colon cancer. Learn more about what the research says and check your genes.
- 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.
Topic: Circadian Rhythm and Sleep
- How to Shift Your iPhone Screen to Red at Night
Learn how to shift your iphone screen to be completely red at night (no blue light) with a triple-click of the power button. - Melanopsin: Light response, Circadian Rhythm, and Blue Light Exposure
Melanopsin 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 Insomnia
Histamine rising in the early morning hours may cause early waking insomnia. Mast cells and circadian rhythm disruption at the root.
Explore by Symptoms, Supplements, Diet, or Pathway:
Symptoms
allergies anemia anxiety arthritis blood pressure brain fog depression dysautonomia eyes fatigue gallbladder hair loss heavy menstrual bleeding high blood pressure intestinal issues itching migraine migraines neuropathy pain peripheral nerves POTS sinus skin small fiber neuropathy stress teeth tinnitus tremor
Supplements
Akkermansia muciniphila alpha-ketogluterate alpha-lipoic acid andrographis apigenin ashwagandha astaxanthin astragalus bacopa berberine biotin calcium calcium d-glucurate carnitine cat's claw CBD cinnamon copper CoQ10 cordyceps creatine curcumin d-mannose dihydromyricetin EGCG fisetin fish oil frankincense ginkgo biloba ginseng glycine glycyrrhizin hesperidin inositol iodine l-arginine l-theanine lion's mane lithium orotate lutein luteolin magnesium manganese melatonin methylene blue methylfolate NAC naringenin nattokinase niacin nicotinamide riboside nigella sativa NMN noopept PEA peppermint probiotics quercetin reishi resveratrol rhodiola riboflavin rosemary rosmarinic acid rutin selenium St. Johns wort sulforaphane taurine thiamine TUDCA vitamin A vitamin B12 vitamin B6 vitamin C vitamin D vitamin E vitamin K zinc
Pathways & Processes
acetylcholine AGEs anandamide arachidonic acid autophagy bile acids bone brown fat cannabinoids catecholamines cholesterol circadian rhythm clots cognitive cold collagen complement system connective tissue dopamine endothelium GABA ghrelin glutathione GSTs gut microbiome HbA1c heat shock proteins histamine hypoxia inborn error of metabolism inflammation intelligence klotho lactose lungs macrophages mannose binding lectin mast cells methylation microbiome mitochondria mTOR muscle neurons non-secretor oxidative stress plant sterols platelets pro-resolving mediators senescence serotonin sirtuins T cells taste receptor triglycerides tryptophan tyramine uric acid vagus nerve vascular
Diseases, Conditions
adenovirus ADHD alpha-1 antitrypsin Alzheimer's asthma autism bipolar cancer celiac cystic fibrosis diabetes dry eyes Ehlers-Danlos epilepsy Epstein-Barr virus fibroids fibromyalgia flu gout heart hemochromatosis IBD infertility lupus lyme macular degeneration ME/CFS miscarriage multiple sclerosis NAFLD nickel obesity osteoporosis osteoporsis Parkinson's PCOS periodontal periodontitis Propionibacterium acnes psoriasis rheumatoid arthritis rosacea seasonal affective disorder Sjogren vaccination vaccines virus
Lifestyle & Diet
acupuncture alcohol anthocyanins aspartame athletics caffeine carbs choline coffee corn syrup cruciferous vegetables fasting fiber fodmaps fructose gluten healthspan iron keto light at night liver longevity organic PFOS polyphenols saturated fat sauna sleep
Genes, Proteins
ACE ADAMS adora2a APOE BDNF BH4 CCR5 COMT Covid GLP-1 GSTM1 GSTP1 hemoglobin HLA HMGB1 homocysteine HPA IGF1 IL-13 IL-17 IL-18 IL-1A IL-1B IL-6 interferon-gamma lp(a) MAO NF-kB nitric oxide NLRP3 telomeres TLR4 TNF-alpha TRPV1 UGTs X chromosome
Hormones
Medications
anesthesia antibiotics aspirin CYP450 drugs metformin nicotine NSAIDs psychodelics rapamycin statins
Toxins
Topic: Metabolic Health
- Picking the Right Weight Loss Diet for Your Genes
Is there an easy way to compare what diet might be best based on your genotype? Research shows some interesting associations between genotype and diet interactions and weight loss. - Adenoviruses: Causing Weight Gain and Obesity
There 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 Cause
Genetics combined with diet causes insulin resistance. While dietary sugar can be involved, genetic research points to BCAAs as having a causal role in IR.
Topic: Pregnancy / Infertility
- Trying to get pregnant? Targeted Approaches to Improving Egg Quality
Trying 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 Fertility
MTHFR 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 Infertility
Almost 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.
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