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Obesity

Contrary to popular belief, obesity doesn’t result as much from laziness and gluttony than it does from genetics. For most overweight people, keeping the pounds off may be significantly harder because they have genes that predispose them to be larger, or cause them to be more addicted to food. Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic and an estimated 70% of adults in the US are considered overweight or obese. Both conditions are serious health problems because they exponentially raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and heart failure. Unfortunately, many researchers believe that genetics are responsible for at least 50% of all obesity cases. There is not only one gene that influence this, but a multitude of as much as 30 genes.

The average population’s risk for obesity is around 35% and the heritability of obesity is estimated to be around 75%, which means genetics are more responsible for a person’s weight than life style and environmental factors. For instance, the well studied FTO gene accounts for an extra 6.6 pounds of difference in weight. Unfortunately, even if you are not at a genetic risk for obesity, a sedentary life style and unhealthy diet can substantially increase your risk of gaining extra pounds. Everyone is at risk for obesity and you can minimize your risks even further with a proper diet.

The FTO gene

SNP markers around the FTO gene appears to be linked exclusively with fat tissue and BMI. A faulty version of this gene causes energy from food to be stored in excess in fat cells. In research, when this faulty gene was knocked out in mice, they became 50% leaner and burned more fat while sleeping despite the fact that their diet and exercise stayed the same.

What You Can do to Decrease your Risk

It would be wise to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to protect yourself from the odds.

➣ Assess yourself Keep track of your weight and BMI and try to stay in the ”healthy” range.

➣ Genetic testing and personalized diet plan Did you know that people who used genetic testing as part of their weight loss plan lost 2.9 times more weight and reduced their waist size by more than 2.2 times than those who didn’t? For maximum results, download the diet plan app if you are concerned about your weight.

➣ Don’t drink your calories One of the most natural and healthiest ways to keep off unwanted pounds is to reduce or even eliminate sugar laden beverages such as carbonated soda for healthier, low calorie options such as green tea. This way you can still have your slice of cake without doubling sugar and calorie intake with a calorie heavy beverage

➣ Be active Staying physically active not only burns calories but it keeps your metabolism up and boosts mood and productivity

➢Focus on smaller portion sizes People in westernized countries often eat until they feel full, which is bad for weight loss. Try to stop eating right before you get that full feeling to avoid overeating.

➢ Replace calorie heavy, low nutrient foods with fruits and vegetables Eating a lot of food in moderation isn’t bad, but it matters what kind of food you put in your body. Low fat, low calorie food items like vegetables are a great source of energy.

Myths and Fun Facts

✓Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight

✓ Infants and children who are overweight are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults

✓Now that research is showing that genes are closely tied with weight, scientists are working on treatments that can reverse this genetic trait

People who lost 10% of their body weight reported a significant increase in their sex lives (Duke University Medical Center)

✓5 % of Americans said they would rather lose a limb or go blind than be overweight

by kirakira44 — May 16, 2016 in Health A-Z 0

ADHD is Genetic

Have trouble concentrating? What about staying organized or controlling your behavior? These might be symptoms of ADHD. The percentage of children with this diagnosis have skyrocketed in recent years, and some children and even adults live their entire lives without officially being diagnosed.

Evidence from research show that ADHD is more of a genetic disorder, as there are many genes linked to ADHD. Although each play a small role, when added up with each other and combined with other complex factors from the environment , they can have a substantial impact on the overall risk. Attention deficit disorder is a heritable disease, but does not have significant correlation with parenting style. Luckily, treatment is available.

What are the symptoms of ADHD/ADD?

What Can You Do?

ØConsult professional advice. ADHD is a disorder that requires the diagnosis of a physician. Some people with ADHD struggle with their jobs and relationships until they receive a diagnosis and get help. This can drastically improve your productivity and overall quality of life.

Ø Be aware that ADD/ADHD can overlap with other behavioral disorders. A person with ADHD is 6 times more likely to have another psychiatric or learning disorder like depression, anxiety or Asperger’s.

Ø Exercise regularly. Exercise releases feel-good neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin, which helps with attention, memory, mood and cognition. This is important because serotonin and dopamine imbalance are thought to cause ADHD. However, the best exercises that raise neurotransmitter levels are aerobic activities such as running, swimming and dancing. Martial arts can improve the synaptic networks in the brain as well as boost serotonin levels.

Ø Eat ADHD helpful foods. Food can improve or worsen concentration and other similar ADHD symptoms. Eat a high-protein diet such as eggs, nuts, lean meat, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates such as vegetables.

Ø Avoid food additives and artificial colors, and sugar. Some studies have shown that some food coloring ( especially red and yellow) increased hyperactivity in children. Overall, the American Acadamy of Pediatrics agree that eliminating food additives is a reasonable option for people with ADHD.

Ø Create a routine and follow it.

Ø Love yourself and surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good. It is proven that love, positive feelings and nurturing drastically improves ADHD symptoms in children while agitation, stress and neglect worsen it. Set goals, complement, and treat yourself.

Ø Take a Time-Out from your electronic devices. Children and adults with ADHD often find that their symptoms worsen with increased technology and screen use. Put those iPhone and iPads away when it’s close to bedtime.

by kirakira44 — May 9, 2016 in ADHD 0

People Don’t Like You? Blame Your Genes

Do people tend to like you?

Do you believe you are a kind, empathetic person? Your genes may be able to tell you the honest answer. In facts, there is a gene that is so influential in our socio-emotional sensitivity, that in one research, people were able to observe and accurately judge whether a complete stranger had the “empathy” gene in under 20 seconds. Multiple studies have proven that we are genetically predisposed to how kind we are.

Empathy and kindness lies in our genes. Oxytocin, dubbed “the cuddle chemical” or “love hormone” is a hormone associated with trust and is necessary for forging intimate relationships with loved ones. The OXTR gene, or the oxytocin receptor gene has three variants- A and G and AG and each are strongly correlated with a certain social behavior.

You are one of three types of people: GG, AG, or AA

The GG Variant People

Predisposed for empathy and kindness
Displays altruistic and charitable behavior
Greater ability to cope with stress [PMID 19934046]
Greater parenting skills and maternal sensitivity to children [PMID 19015103]
Reduced risk for social anxiety and autism [PMID 20724662]
Better social and communication skills; more likeable by strangers at first impression
Optimistic
Displays more pro-social behavior
Less lonely [PMID 19376182]

Better able to discern the emotional state of others [PMID 19934046]

The AG or AA Variant People

Less pro-social physical and verbal cues that display empathy
increased risk for impaired social interaction & communication [PMID 20724662]
Twice as less likely to be charitable and altruistic, especially under stress or fear
Less trusting
Does not handle stress well
Less maternal sensitivity and parenting ability [PMID 19015103]
Feels more lonely and more emotionally co-dependent on others [PMID 19376182]
Higher risk for social anxiety

However, social behavior is influenced by other genetic factors and many non genetic factors as well, such as culture, environment, and childhood experiences. Even though this genetic marker is strongly associated with socio-emotional sensitivity and well-being, this does not mean you absolutely have the associated social behavior. However, it is interesting to note all the different research that manifested from this gene.

The Significance of this Gene

Oxytocin is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter that influences social and emotional processing throughout our body. It is dubbed the “cuddle hormone” because it is released when two people deeply bond. OXTR is an oxytocin receptor gene that has two variants- G and A- that is associated with empathy and stress reactivity. Due to genetic variation, people can be either GG, AA or AG. Compared with people with the homozygous GG allele, people with AG or AA allele showed far less empathy and higher stress reactivity. Injections of oxytocin increased prosocial behaviors, generosity, feelings of trust and empathy in humans. If this OXTR gene is completely knocked out (eliminated) in lab animals, they display aberrant social behavior, increased aggression and offspring neglect.

Even slight genetic variation can quickly be noticed by others- even complete strangers. In one research, strangers watched a 20 second silent recording of 23 couples interacting with each other and judged how trustworthy and likeable someone seemed based on prosocial traits. In the 10 least trusted people, 9 had at least one copy of the A genotype.

Mice that has the OXTR receptor gene completely knocked out showed aggressive and aberrant behavior and even refused to acknowledge it’s own offspring.

Those with at least one copy of the A genotype is more likely to have an autism diagnosis.

Study examining the relationship between 176 mothers and their children showed that mothers with the GG genotype has a significantly more sensitive parenting style than those with AG or AA genotypes. [PMID 19015103]

by kirakira44 — May 5, 2016 in Fun 0

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age- related Macular Degeneration, or AMD is an incurable, but treatable eye disease that causes vision loss and blindness. The vision loss usually becomes noticeable in a person’s sixties and to worsen over time. AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in older people, and 7% of the general population over age 75 has some form of AMD. Specific variants of different genes are present in most people who suffer from macular degeneration, which means genetic factors contribute much to the development of AMD, along with some environmental factors such as age, diet and medical history. Early detection is key to slowing the progression of the disease, and there are eye exams available to test for AMD.

The average chance for developing AMD for the general population is 7%. The heritability of AMD varies from 45% to 71%. Most people who develop AMD have genetic variants that are associated with this disease. Although you can’t change risk factors such as age and genetics, you can significantly reduce your risks through your diet, lifestyle and environment.

About the Gene

The rs1061147 marker in the CFH gene is associated with influencing AMD. The CFH gene is known to be one of the greatest genetic risk factors for AMD. The CFH gene encodes a protein that regulates clearing out pathogens and cellular debris. If this system malfunctions, it can lead to chronic inflammation and cellular damage that is thought to damage eye tissue as well.

What you can do to decrease your risk

Based on your genotype, you have a low risk for Age-related Macular Degeneration. It would be wise to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to protect yourself from the odds.

➣ Get routine eye exams after the age of 50 and know the symptoms Early detection and awareness is key to preventing or slowing the disease.

➣Do not smoke Smoking is one of the strongest and best known environmental risk factors for AMD. Smokers have up to three times increased risk compared to non- smokers.

➣Wear Sunglasses and limit direct UV and blue light exposure to the eyes Research suggests that UV light and blue light increases AMD risk

➣ Eat dark leafy greens and food with antioxidants Research suggests that antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C, E, beta carotene and zinc slows the progression of AMD. Kale, spinach and colorful vegetables are good sources of antioxidants and necessary vitamins.

➣Learn your family history A family history of AMD increases your risk factor substantially.

➣ Eat fish at least twice a week or eat daily omega-3 supplements People who eat fish 2-3 times a week have a lower risk for AMD. Fish contain omega-3 which is a crucial nutrient for eye and heart health. Fish like salmon have the highest Omega-3 content.

➢ Ask your doctor about supplements If you believe you are at a higher risk for AMD there are supplements proven to slow the progression of AMD that your doctor can prescribe

by kirakira44 — April 24, 2016 in AMD 0

Calculate your Alzheimer’s Risk

Overview– Some diseases are extremely unpredictable, random, complicated or under-studied which makes it impossible to let you calculate your odds. Luckily, Alzheimer’s Disease isn’t one of them. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative and fatal disease that is characterized by a decline in memory, language and cognitive skills that degrade over time. People with AD eventually lose response to their environment, and develop complete dependence on a caregiver. Knowing risk factors for this disease and calculating your own risk factor and making life-style adjustments can dramatically lower your chances of getting this disease in old age.

The General Odds of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a relatively common disease of old age: roughly 1 in 3 seniors will die from this disease and the average person’s lifetime risk is estimated to be around 10-12%. AD is caused by a mixture of genetic, life-style, and environmental factors, with genetics factoring in at around 50-80%. This means if one or both of your parents or grandparents has Alzheimer’s, your odds increase several fold, and you and your siblings have a 50-50 chance of getting AD.

The Most Influential Gene APOE

AD is a complex, multifactorial disease and multiple genes are at play before this disease develops. However, the most well known and influential genetic risk factor for AD is having one or both copies of the e4 variant in the APOE gene. We all have the APOE gene but we have a combination of different allele possibilities (e2, e3, e4). Depending on the combination of our alleles, we are either genetically predisposed to the disease, or protected from it.

Up to 80% of people with Alzheimer’s possess at least one copy of the APOE e4 variant.If you have one or more e4 variant, then you are at a genetically increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s by the time you are 65. If you have both copies, then you are at a 7 times increased lifetime risk for the disease.

However, other risk factors such as family history, environment, and health conditions alter your overall risk. Although you can’t change risk factors such as age and genetics, you can significantly reduce your risks through your diet, lifestyle and environment.

Calculating Your Odds

Your odds ratio varies depending on which allele variant you have in the APOE gene. The average person’s risk for getting AD is around 12% and we’re going to say 1.0 is the averaged, general odds ratio for everyone in the population. Without knowing any genetic or environmental risk odd ratio, we say everyone’s risk is at 1.0

This chart below shows the different odds ratio for different alleles of the APOE gene. You can get your APOE genotype if you have done whole genome sequencing or used a genotyping service like 23andMe or DeCodeMe. Simply look up the rs ID number and identify your genotype.

If your odds ratio is 0.23 it means compared with the average, 1.0 , you have a very low chance of getting Alzheimer’s. Likewise, if your odds ratio is 7.0 it means you are 7 times more likely than the average person, 1.0 , to get Alzheimer’s before the age of 65.

Environmental Factors Count Too

Environmental factors substantially influence overall predicted odds ratio. Even if your genetic odds are low, you can still have an overall high chance if you reinforce habits that is associated with a high risk for Alzheimer’s.

The most influential environmental factors associated with AD:

Smoking
Drinking Alcohol
Education level

Heat injury/Head trauma (applies only to individuals with one or more copies of the e4 variant).

What can you do after knowing your risk factors?

➣ Get tested and know the symptoms Early detection and awareness is key to preventing or slowing the disease. Click here for list of symptoms.

➣Prevent Head Trauma There is strong evidence of a correlation between head injury and future risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Especially repeated head trauma or concussions for contact sports and accidents puts you at an increased risk. Avoid playing rough sports such as football or boxing and always make sure to buckle your seatbelt in a vehicle. A significant head injury increases a person’s risk with 2 copies of the e4 gene by 1000%.

➣Exercise regularly Research shows that regular physical activity (at least 4 times a week) protects the brain from dementia and also improves symptoms if you already have the disease. Recent studies show that exercise can reduce your overall risk by as much as 30%.

➣Keep learning Staying in school longer or using your brain more is proven to reduce your overall risk. If it isn’t possible for you to stay in school or go back to school, keep your mind active by taking up a new language or hobby.

➣Take care of your heart There is a definitive link between heart health and brain health. Heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can raise the risk of getting AD.

by kirakira44 — April 23, 2016 in Alzheimer's 0

Personalized Wine

Ever have a mild panic attack when you’re presented with a mammoth selection of wine? If you are not a wine connoisseur, you probably had an instance or two when you looked up reviews online or sheepishly asked your server for a recommendation. But crowd-sourcing wine ratings is like asking a stranger what type of music or art you’d like. It’s a complex beverage with thousands of different kinds, and individual preference vary with culture, geography, personality, and genetics. That’s right. Genetics. Wine preferences among people vary vastly based on their unique genetic makeup. The same wine can very much taste differently depending on which version of gene they have.

Wine Characteristics

There are over thousands of different types and flavors, but all wine can be described with 5 basic taste characteristics listed below:

Sweetness: Or “dryness,” this is the sweet sensation due to the sugar content in the wine. This can be the sweetness of the fruit, the actual sugar content, or the alcohol itself since alcohol is a sweet liquid.
Acidity: The sour, tart, or zesty flavor in a food or beverage. As grapes ripen the amount of acidity goes down. The acidity of wine feels tart, fresh, and tingly.
Tannin: The source of bitterness in wine. This flavor comes from the phenolic compounds in the skin and seeds of grapes and tend to have a drying feeling in your mouth.
Fruit: A distinguishing feature of wine is the main fruit or floral flavor.
Body: The viscosity, or the weight, of the wine, which is affected by alcohol content. Light bodied wines are usually more watery, thin, and have lower alcohol content. Medium to full-bodied wines are thicker, more rich in flavor, and usually have higher alcohol content.

Understanding these 5 tastes allows you to fine tune your sensory abilities and find favorites easily. It allows you to categorize, distinguish and recognize wine tastes. However, even if you don’t speak ‘sommelier’, your genes got you covered when it comes to finding the best drink for you.

Can your DNA determine your wine preference?

Taste preferences are partly genetically determined. While most of us can taste and experience those 5 characteristics, the degree of liking for those tastes inherently varies individually. Luckily, there are known genetic markers that measure preference for each of those tastes. Your DNA will let you know exactly what type and characteristic of wine your taste buds prefer. With this information, you will never have to guess your favorites or play Russian roulette with wine ever again.

by kirakira44 — April 12, 2016 in Wine 0