One of the most important parts of your 23andMe results is the DNA raw data, which contains information on more than 700,000 genetic markers. While only a fraction of these markers are utilized to trace your lineage, the remaining data holds invaluable insights into your health and wellness, including potential risks for certain diseases. Unlocking this wealth of information is straightforward. By following seven simple steps, you can swiftly download your DNA raw data file in under a minute. Xcode Life can then analyze this data to provide ten comprehensive reports, offering you a deeper understanding of your health.
Video explainer: How to download 23andMe DNA raw data.
Sign in to your 23andMe account from the 23andMe website
Click on the down arrow near your name from the top navigation bar
Select “Browse Raw Data” as shown below
Select ‘Download’
Make sure that you thoroughly go over the disclaimers and warnings provided.
Scroll down to the bottom of the download page until you see the “Submit request” button.
23andMe will send you an email notification once your raw data is ready, or you can just refresh your download page. This may take up to an hour
OR, you can directly access the download page here
Also see, Free tools for 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA raw data analysis
Final notes:
Your DNA raw data is a file of size 5-7 MB in the .zip format or 16-21 MB in the .txt format.
23andMe recently sent emails to many customers notifying them of a breach into the “DNA Relatives” feature in their account.
The email read, “There was an unauthorized access to one or more 23andMe accounts that were connected to you through DNA Relatives. As a result, the DNA Relatives profile information you provided in this feature was exposed to the threat actor.”
Further to this, they have also temporarily suspended the download of DNA data (as of 3rd November 2023)
You have received your 23andMe kit, promptly spit into it, sealed and sent it back. Now, how long do you wait till you receive your results? While 23andMe mentions an average 4-6 week timeline, some users report getting their results as early as 10 days after 23andMe receives their sample. This article explains the 23andMe process in detail; from placing an order to receiving the reports, while touching upon their services.
23andMe is a company that provides direct-to-consumer genetic/DNA testing and analysis. Its primary service is a saliva sample-based direct-to-consumer genetic test that includes information about customers’ ancestry, health, and traits. The company has been the subject of controversy due to its handling of customer data and privacy concerns. The company has over 12.5 million customers worldwide.
Between registering your 23andMe and getting your results, there are multiple steps.
Let’s have a look at them below:
Your 23andMe homepage should include information on what step of the process your sample is in and provide the estimated day of result delivery.
Once your kit is received at the lab, you should receive your results in 4-6 weeks.
Samples mailed from within the United States can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks to reach the lab.
So overall, it can take up to 10 weeks to deliver your results once you mail your DNA sample back. However, many customers report receiving the results much earlier.
These times are estimates, and the company cannot guarantee that you will receive the reports on the date mentioned.
In the last two years, 23andMe’s wait time appeared to have stayed under 25-30 days, making their service a pretty quick one!
The following can impact the time it takes to get your results:
Certain samples may require additional steps to be processed successfully, which can further increase the wait time.
About Xcode Life
The saliva collection kit is generally dispatched within 1 to 2 business days. There is also express shipping available if needed.
Once you mail them your barcode, which is unique for each kit, your reports will be prepared in approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Once they are ready, you will receive an email notification informing you that your reports can be accessed in your online account.
AncestryDNA has a much bigger database with 18 million users than 23andMe’s 12 million users.
This could mean that the accuracy of the former is latter than the higher.
According to the AncestryDNA website, “it can take up to 5 weeks from the date you mail in a sample for the laboratory to mark it as arrived, and 8 weeks from the date we receive your sample for your results to be ready.”
This means that 23andMe processes your report much quicker (by a couple of weeks to a month) than AncestryDNA.
The information in your report depends on the services you have chosen.
This provides information about your ancestry traits and ethnicity taking into account over 2000 geographical regions.
It also includes a “DNA relatives” feature that matches you with different people depending on how much DNA you share with them.
You also have an option of viewing your family tree based on this result.
The service further provides information on 30+ non-health traits like fear of heights, earwax types, etc.
You get all the information from the “Ancestry+Traits kit” and insights into 150+ health traits. This is divided into 3 categories:
You get all the information from the “Health + Ancestry kit” and access to heart health and pharmacogenetics reports.
An important part of your 23andMe result is the DNA data, which you can easily access and download from your account.
Your DNA data provides a massive amount of information that can be used to unlock thousands of more things outside what’s covered in 23andMe.
Recently, a hacker advertised that they had stolen millions of “pieces of data,” breaking into the DNA relatives feature that allowed the users to compare ancestry information with users worldwide.
While 23andMe is looking into this and attempting to solve this issue, they have blocked the download of DNA data indefinitely as a security measure.
Here’s how you can submit a request to access your DNA data.
With the information present in your DNA data, you can uncover insights into several aspects of your health and well-being.
To get your DNA raw data, follow the instructions from this page:
How to download your 23andMe Raw Data for 3000+ Health Reports
Once you ship your DNA kit, it should reach the lab in 2-4 weeks. After this, the lab takes 3-5 weeks to deliver your results. Overall, it can take up to 10 weeks. However, 23andMe has reduced its turnaround time over the last two years, with users reporting receiving results as early as 3-4 weeks.
The most important part of your 23andMe results is your DNA raw data. The company allows its users to download the raw data, which can be uploaded to many sites like Xcode Life to get insights into additional important health and wellness aspects.
Most of us are not strangers to the occasional scratchy, sore throat, an ailment that often heralds the onset of a common cold or a change in the weather. However, at times, what begins as a minor discomfort in the throat can evolve into symptoms that are more persistent and troubling. While many conditions could cause persistent sore throat, two common ones are tonsil stones and strep throat. Despite their distinct natures, both conditions share similar symptoms, like a sore throat, leading to a common dilemma in self-diagnosis. In this article, we aim to clearly differentiate between tonsil stones vs strep throat. We will explore the unique characteristics, causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for each condition.
About Xcode Life
Tonsils are two round, fleshy masses at the back of your throat.
They are lymph nodes that filter germs that enter the nose and mouth.
Tonsil stones are small white-colored pebble-like stones that form in the tonsils.
They are composed of minerals like calcium, food debris, and germs
Symptoms of tonsil stones and Strep throat infection can be very similar.
Most people may experience the following symptoms:
Tonsil stones are formed when food debris gets stuck in the folds of the tonsils.
These folds are usually small, but when debris is trapped, it enlarges them.
This results in minerals like calcium getting deposited and hardening into stones.
Strep throat is a contagious condition caused by a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is more common in children but affects people of all ages.
Common symptoms of strep throat are:
Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and body aches.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause strep throat.
Since tonsil stones and Strep throat show similar symptoms, it is often difficult to tell one from the other.
But, here’s how their symptoms are different, making diagnosis easy:
| Symptom | Tonsil stones | Strep throat |
| Runny nose | Absent | Present |
| Sore throat | Present | Present but has a sudden onset |
| Bad breath | Present | Absent |
| Cough | Present | May not be present |
| Postnasal drip | Present | Absent |
| Stiff neck | Present | Absent |
| State of tonsil | White or yellow small stones on tonsils | Swollen or red tonsil with streaks of white pus |
| Nausea and vomiting | Absent | Present |
Recurring strep infection or tonsilitis can increase the risk of tonsil stones; but tonsil stones need not always mean that there’s an underlying strep infection.
No, not always. The white streaks or spots in strep are usually pus formations due to the infection, unlike the white ones in tonsil stones, which are hardened and calcified stones.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and check your nose, throat, and ear for signs of infection.
If your doctor suspects strep throat, they will collect a swab from the back of your throat.
If you test negative for Streptococcus bacteria, a throat culture is performed to determine the causative organism of your tonsil stones.
The treatment for tonsil stones and strep throat varies.
In many cases, tonsil stones are treated at home. Some common home remedies include:
*do not try these at home before consulting a qualified practitioner.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if required. Some OTC painkillers may also be helpful.**
**do not try these at home before consulting a qualified practitioner.
Surgery
If tonsil stones keep recurring, your doctor may recommend tonsillectomy (a surgery to remove tonsils).
Treating Strep throat usually involves a prescription of antibiotics.
Usually, amoxicillin or penicillin is prescribed to treat strep throat.
A single benzathine penicillin G shot is also used to treat strep throat.
Other antibiotics like erythromycin or cephalosporins like cephalexin may be prescribed to those who are allergic to penicillin.
It is important to treat strep throat at the earliest to prevent complications, which include:
Home remedies like gargling with salt water, getting plenty of rest, drinking warm fluids, and lozenges can help relieve sore throat associated with tonsil stones and strep throat.
Tonsil stones and Strep throat are contagious and can spread quickly.
You can prevent both conditions by practicing good hygiene, such as:
Alex, a seasoned construction worker, spends his days lifting and moving heavy materials. However, on a particularly strenuous day, while carrying a hefty piece of surveying equipment, Alex felt an unusual and disconcerting “popping” sensation in his lower abdomen. Concerned, he sought medical advice, and his fears were confirmed: Alex had developed a hernia. This diagnosis stirred a deeper anxiety within him. He recalled a pattern in his family—his father, uncle, and grandfather had all suffered from hernias. This familial recurrence led Alex to ponder a crucial question: Are hernias genetic? More importantly, Alex grappled with the concern that he might pass on the “hernia genes” to his own children.
In this article, we delve into the intricate relationship between hernias and genetics. We also aim to answer the pressing questions that linger in the minds of those who, like Alex, find themselves caught in a web of familial medical history.
About Xcode Life
A hernia is a condition that occurs when organs or fatty tissue protrude through fragile areas in the surrounding muscle or fascia, similar to a bubble in a balloon.
These weak spots are common in areas like the abdomen or groin, and several factors can lead to their development.
Not all hernias are the same. These bulges of organs happen in different places and have unique causes. Let’s take a clear look at some common types of hernias:
Hernias happen when muscles get weak or strained. This can happen quickly or slowly.
Common causes:
No, there is no single root cause for hernias. Their development is often a multifactorial process, meaning multiple factors contribute to their formation, with the two main contributors being:
Based on the reviewed studies, evidence suggests that groin hernias have a genetic component.
The research, which analyzed family histories and inheritance patterns, found that having a family history of inguinal hernia notably raises the risk of developing a primary hernia.
The studies also indicated a tendency for increased hernia recurrence rates and earlier recurrence when there is a family history of inguinal hernia.
The current evidence focuses on groin hernias, but other types, like umbilical or hiatal hernias, might have different genetic influences.
More research is needed to understand the potential genetic link in other hernia types.
According to a recent systematic review, the inheritance of groin hernias appears to have a notable familial component. However, there’s no clear inheritance pattern for hernias.
Studies on twins in children didn’t always confirm a clear genetic link. Still, research on family histories and reliable databases revealed a higher risk of inguinal hernias in children with a family history.
Notably, there’s a significant connection between mothers and daughters and between sisters, suggesting that the tendency to inherit hernias is stronger among females.
In adults, people with inguinal hernias were more likely to have a family history of the condition compared to those without hernias.
A nationwide study pointed out that the risk of getting surgery for an inguinal hernia was highest when a sister had already undergone the same surgery compared to a brother.
Also, having a sibling who had hernia surgery increased the chances of needing surgery for a femoral hernia.
However, the research indicates that having a family history is a significant factor in developing inguinal hernias, with a stronger inheritance pattern among females.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an unusual condition that occurs in babies before birth.
It happens when the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen, doesn’t close properly, creating a hole known as a hernia.
This opening allows abdominal organs like the intestines, stomach, and liver to move into the chest, affecting normal development.
The presence of intestines in the chest can lead to complications like malrotation, where the typical connections holding the intestines in place are disrupted.
This may cause twisting and cutting off of the blood supply (volvulus).
Additionally, the affected side’s lung is smaller, and the development of both lungs is impacted.
The air sacs inside the lungs may not form correctly, leading to blood flow issues and increased pressure in lung blood vessels.
This higher pressure makes breathing challenging for the baby after birth, and some infants may also experience heart development problems.
Treatment for CDH depends on factors like when the condition is discovered, its severity, and whether there are associated heart issues.
While hernias are often associated with increased physical strain or pressure, a subset can have a genetic component.
These “genetic hernias” are caused by mutations in specific genes that affect the proteins responsible for building and maintaining strong connective tissues, particularly collagen.
Beyond genes: Additional risk factors
Hernias are usually fixed through surgery, especially if they’re big or causing a lot of trouble. Here’s what can be done:
Diagnosing and checking hernias:
Note: Remember, it’s crucial to consult your doctor for personalized advice, whether considering surgery, using a supportive belt, or undergoing diagnostic tests.
Hernias, when organs bulge through weak spots in muscles, might have a family link, especially for groin hernias.
If someone in your family had it, you might be at a higher risk. This connection is stronger among females.
While groin hernias seem connected to genes, we’re still figuring out if other types, like belly button or upper stomach hernias, have the same link.
Some gene mutations and family history can make you more prone to hernias.
Treatment involves surgery, lifestyle changes, and sometimes using a supportive belt.
Regular check-ups and tests help keep an eye on things. Remember, talking to your doctor about your situation is crucial.
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia
https://www.healthline.com/health/hernia
https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142334
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23423330/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36443569/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6061067/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4131122/
If there’s any food that can break the myth that plant sources don’t provide enough protein, it is definitely pumpkin seeds! They are also a great testament to the saying, “Good things come in small packages.” A small amount of pumpkin seeds eaten every day can enrich your body with magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Pumpkin seed powder is made by roasting pumpkin seeds, which increases its antioxidants due to heat exposure. It’s also touted to be one of the best plant protein alternatives for those who avoid animal or dairy-based proteins.
Did You Know?
Protein is one of the most important macronutrients for weight loss. It not only supports muscle mass building but also keeps you fuller for longer resulting in lesser calorie intake. However, not everyone may experience the same kind of weight loss with protein intake, with one of the most significant reasons being genetic makeup. Some genes interact with protein to influence its effect on the body.
At Xcode Life, you can upload your existing DNA raw data from ancestry genetic tests to understand how your body interacts with nutrients so that you can modify your diet to achieve your nutritional goals. Learn more.
As the name suggests, pumpkin seed powder is obtained by grinding raw or roasted pumpkin seeds.
It has been found that pumpkin seed powder prepared from roasted pumpkin seeds has greater health benefits as roasting them increases the antioxidant content.
Roasting pumpkin seeds also improves their flavor and taste.
However, roasted pumpkin seeds may result in the loss of micronutrients.
Regardless of how you consume pumpkin seed powder, it is an excellent source of plant protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Pumpkin seed powder is prepared from 100% pure roasted or raw ground pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin protein powder, on the contrary, contains pumpkin seed powder along with other plant proteins obtained from flaxseeds or quinoa. Therefore it is pumpkin flavored but does not contain 100% of pumpkin powder.
Always check the ingredient list to know if you are consuming pure pumpkin powder.
Sometimes, pumpkin protein powders contain whey or casein as the main protein source with pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin seed powder and pumpkin seed protein are often the same product, provided the ingredient in both of them is pumpkin seeds.
One ounce of 28 g of pumpkin seed powder can give you 18 g of protein. Other nutrients you get from it are:
| Nutrient | Value |
| Calories | 80 |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Calcium | 33 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
| Potassium | 462 mg |
| Zinc | 7 mg |
| Magnesium | 319 mg |
It also contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acid, and small amounts of vitamin E and carotenoids.
There is ongoing research about the benefits of pumpkin seed protein.
Some of these include:
Researchers have found that pumpkin seed extract has anti-cancer effects on several cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, liver, and colon.
This is attributed to the antioxidant properties of various phytochemicals present in it.
Pumpkin seeds contain oils that have been found to improve urinary symptoms.
Some studies show that pumpkin seed extract improves prostate health.
However, more studies are required to prove this conclusively.
Many studies have stated that eating pumpkin seeds may help prevent depression. This is attributed to the amino acid tryptophan present in them.
Tryptophan is the precursor of serotonin.
Serotonin is the ‘feel good hormone’ and may have anti-depressant effects.
Several animal studies have found that pumpkin seed powder and extract have improved blood sugar levels.
This has been attributed to the protein, fiber, and fat content in the pumpkin powder.
Pea protein and pumpkin seed protein are both protein-rich.
The question of ‘which is better’ depends upon your needs.
Pea protein is rich in proteins, whereas pumpkin seed powder is rich in fiber.
Pumpkin seed protein is also rich in iron.
Pea protein and pumpkin seed powder have similar amino acid profiles, helping build muscle mass.
Pumpkin seed powder is versatile and can be used in multiple ways.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends you consume a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds (30 g) daily as part of a healthy diet.
This comprises protein, healthy fats, fiber, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
While you can eat up to 30 g of pumpkin seeds daily as part of a healthy diet, it is always best to consult your dietician to determine the right quantity for you.
Pumpkin seed protein contains all nine essential amino acids, similar to pea protein.
However, it is low in threonine and lysine, making it an incomplete protein.
Side effects due to pumpkin and pumpkin seed powder are rare.
However, some side effects may include:
Pumpkin seed powder can be added to a variety of recipes.
Here are a few ways to do so:
Losing weight is a personal choice. It might be either because of serious health concerns or because one wants to look and feel good about themselves. Social media pages are full of fad diets and supplements that claim to reduce your weight miraculously. Some people claim that taking DHEA supplements has helped them reduce weight.
But is this true?
Are there any side effects of taking DHEA supplements? Read on to find out.
Your adrenal glands located in your kidney produce a hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).
Scientists are not entirely sure what role DHEA plays in the body, but this hormone is a precursor to male and female sex hormones.
DHEA supplements are made from wild yam or soy.
Proponents claim that this supplement:
This supplement can be availed without a prescription.
DHEA is known to block an enzyme named glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which is essential for fat synthesis.
DHEA can also inactivate some enzymes related to fat synthesis.
Over time, this means that more fat is burned than produced.
A study was conducted on older men and women to find if DHEA reduced abdominal fat.
The subjects were divided into two groups.
One group was given DHEA supplements for six months, while the other did not.
After six months, the group that received DHEA showed a significant reduction in abdominal fat.
But the results of this study do not automatically mean that you should buy DHEA supplements over the counter.
Insulin is a metabolic hormone that plays a crucial role in the body.
Insulin regulates blood glucose levels in the body.
The same study also showed that DHEA supplements could make people more sensitive to insulin and reduce resistance.
Understanding how genes interact with nutrition is crucial for healthy and long-lasting weight loss.
Each person’s genetic makeup is unique, and how our body responds to different nutrients in our diet can vary based on this genetic composition.
Expanding on the genetic response to specific nutrients and its influence on weight loss:
The interaction between genetics and dietary fats, particularly saturated fats, is a prime example of how our genetic makeup can influence weight management.
Saturated fats are found in foods like red meat, dairy products, and certain oils. The APOA2 gene is particularly noteworthy in this context. It plays a role in the body’s handling of these fats.
People with specific variants of the APOA2 gene have been found to be more sensitive to saturated fats.
For these individuals, consuming a diet high in saturated fats can lead to a greater propensity for weight gain and accumulation of body fat, compared to those without this variant.
Essentially, their bodies respond to saturated fats in a way that promotes fat storage more than fat burning.
Another example of how genetics can influence the body’s response to specific nutrients, thereby affecting weight loss, involves the gene AMY1, which is responsible for the production of salivary amylase.
This enzyme is crucial for the breakdown of starches in our diet.
Individuals with more copies of the AMY1 gene produce more salivary amylase and are generally better equipped to break down starches efficiently.
On the other hand, those with fewer copies may find it harder to process these carbohydrates. This difference can significantly impact weight management.
For someone with fewer AMY1 copies, a diet high in starchy foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes might lead to more pronounced weight gain compared to someone with more copies of this gene.
Understanding these genetic predispositions allows for a more nuanced approach to nutrition and diet planning.
It’s not just about the type of food consumed, but also how an individual’s body processes these foods based on their genetic makeup.
This knowledge paves the way for personalized nutrition, offering tailored dietary recommendations that align with each person’s unique genetic profile.
Some proponents of DHEA supplements claim that they can reduce cervical cancer and heart disease risk.
It can also reportedly treat sexual dysfunction.
However, these claims are yet to be proven.
DHEA is a hormone whose secretion reduces with age.
Therefore, many scientists speculate that supplementing your body’s reduced DHEA levels can slow aging.
Some studies have shown that it has some effect on aging, while others have reported no effect.
There are also other health concerns to long-term DHEA usage.
DHEA has shown some promise in reducing mild depression in middle-aged and older adults.
The National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study that showed a reduction in mild to moderate depression in the elderly.
However, more research is required to back this claim.
Some scientists even claim that DHEA supplements can treat Alzheimer’s disease, Schizophrenia, and infertility.
However, there is little evidence to support this claim.
DHEA and weight loss might be linked.
Some preliminary research has shown that DHEA does help in weight loss.
However, taking it might result in side effects.
Moreover, a proper diet and regular exercise are much more holistic approaches toward weight loss than consuming supplements.
If you still want to check it out, consult your doctor before buying it over the counter.
DHEA is a hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands.
It is a precursor to male and female sex hormones.
This hormone decreases in the body with age.
Some people claim that DHEA supplements can contribute to weight loss and strengthen the immune system.
However, scientists still need to learn about the benefits of DHEA supplements, although some research shows that it is beneficial.
DHEA supplements might only be for some, as they may have side effects.
It is always advisable to consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
