We’ve all experienced it before. You’re in a meeting giving a presentation, writing a paper for school, or talking to a friend when suddenly you just can’t seem to find the word you’re looking for. Or, you’re reading a book and suddenly realize that you have been looking at the same page for the last…

Key takeaways:~ The MTHFR gene impacts how your body utilizes folate (vitamin B9) for creating neurotransmitters, detoxifying toxicants, and maintaining a healthy heart.~ Genetic variants can impact how well this gene works.~ Optimizing diet and supplements related to methylation may impact several aspects of wellness. Check your raw data for C677T, A1298C, and more This…

Gut Health seems to be all the rage. There are yogurts actively designed to promote gut health and regulate your microbiome, to increases in whole food sales and a smarter more aware shopping experience. People are seeing their gut health as more than something to simply raise  awareness about – they’re making it their lifestyle….

By Melia Granath-Panelo and Enrique Carrera, Dominican University of California Graduate StudentsEdited by Dr. Pankaj Kapahi, Buck Professor Human metabolism is a complex but beautiful system. Acting as an orchestra, our metabolism has many facets that come alive at specific times, which ultimately culminate in an intricate song that serves to return our bodies back…

Key takeaways:~ The HPA axis controls cortisol levels.~ Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress, and it also plays many roles in your normal bodily functions.~ Genetic variants can impact how cortisol is produced and used.~ Stress, childhood trauma, and circadian rhythm all interact with genetics in HPA axis…

Key takeaways:~ Creatine acts as a backup energy source for muscles and the brain to use in times of stress.~ Genetic variants in genes related to creatine creation can impact muscle pain, athletic performance, and cognitive ability.~ Creatine supplements are inexpensive and readily available. Studies show that creatine monohydrate supplementation effectively boosts muscle power and…

Now, you can’t necessarily shortcut your way to health, there are ways to maximize your exercise time that go above and beyond traditional workouts. One of the recent most popular types of fitness “biohacking” is the ability to get maximum effects with a minimal effective dose of effort or to achieve more than one fitness…

Key takeaways:~ HbA1c is a test value used to diagnose and manage diabetes.~ Blood glucose levels affect HbA1c over the course of a few months.~ HbA1c isn’t always an accurate measure of blood glucose levels, though.~ Some people have genetic variants in red blood cell related genes that cause higher or lower HbA1c, impacting whether…

Right now, it seems like stress is just a part of life. Taking care of kids, working hard on our careers, and paying the bills – not to mention current world events – can put us in a daily pressure cooker if we’re not careful.  While stress levels fluctuate with changing conditions, and even though…