Unlock your genetic potential or gift the power of personalized health. Browse our Supersaver Packs now.
Do you wake up tired and unrested every morning despite being in bed for 8 hours? Then it is likely that you are not getting the recommended 13-23% of deep sleep out of your total bedtime. It turns out genes play an essential role in influencing the deep sleep pattern of an individual.
Deep sleep is the third stage of sleep when it’s the hardest to wake up. It is also the most refreshing stage of sleep.
From the non-REM stage, people transition to the light sleep stage before moving to deep sleep. This stage is then followed by REM sleep.
During deep sleep, the body produces the human growth hormone and resets the body by repairing the physical stresses of the day.
The brain also converts the day’s events into long-term memories.
During the course of a typical night's sleep, an individual goes through four distinct stages.
If this cycle is disrupted, it can lead to poor sleep, particularly if the deep sleep stage is affected.
Disruption of deep sleep can be temporary and caused by factors such as jet lag, illness, stress, high caffeine intake, or medication side effects.
Chronic sleep deprivation can result from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or stress.
Additionally, if you suffer from any of the following sleep disorders, it can affect your deep sleep:
Research studies point out a change in the ADA gene that influences deep sleep.
This gene produces an adenosine deaminase enzyme that breaks down a molecule called adenosine. This reaction regulates many critical physiological processes.
ADA gene changes are associated with the reduced conversion of adenosine. Adenosine buildup may cause increased tiredness.
People with one or more copies of these changes may have lowered deep sleep and may experience more daytime sleepiness than others.
With the sleep/wake cycle, the longer you are awake, the greater the body senses the need to sleep. This phenomenon is called sleep pressure.
An increase in adenosine drives sleeps pressure. During the daytime, when we expend energy, ATP is broken down to fuel that, and adenosine is released as a byproduct.
Therefore, the more energy we expend, the more adenosine is released, making us more and more sleepy.
Curious about your sleep genes? Here’s how you can learn about it in 3 simple steps:
Are you tired of feeling forgetful, sluggish, and unmotivated? Do you wish to boost your brain function and improve your mental performance?
Many methods and techniques exist to achieve this, including brain exercises, meditation, and nutritional supplements.
One of the most popular supplements is BDNF, which is known for its potential to improve memory, learning, and focus.
But can BDNF supplements really boost brain function? Let's find out.
Many nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, are essential in supporting brain function. Even with a healthy diet, you may be at increased risk for some nutritional deficiencies due to specific genetic changes you carry.
BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a protein found in the brain. It is a neurotrophin, which is a growth factor for neurons.
BDNF helps develop, grow, and function the neurons in the brain.
Neurons are messengers that carry information to different parts of the brain and the nervous system as electrical and chemical impulses.
Brain BDNF levels keep neurons healthy and, as a result, improve brain functioning.
While most BDNF gets used in the brain, other organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, GI tract, and muscles also use this protein.
BDNF helps muscles take up glucose from the blood, thereby supporting glucose metabolism.
This protein also protects the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
BDNF supports heart muscle contractions and improves blood circulation in the body.
The brain has billions of neurons and connections. With time, the brain keeps forming new connections and eliminating unused ones.
The brain changing its connections, structure, and function based on external or internal stimuli is called neuroplasticity or brain plasticity.
Brain plasticity is essential for the brain to stay active, upgraded, and fully functional.
BDNF is vital for the process of neuroplasticity.
Alzheimer’s, dementia, depression, and other diseases of the Central Nervous System result from neural degeneration and eventual death of brain cells.
A 2014 study states that higher BDNF levels helped lower the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia by 33%.
Similarly, studies show that dysfunctional or decreased levels of BDNF can affect synaptic plasticity (plasticity occurring at the single-cell level) and lead to depression.
Image courtesy: https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/500839/fncel-14-00082-HTML/image_m/fncel-14-00082-g002.jpg
A 2004 article supported this theory and reported that BDNF supplements could exhibit antidepressant qualities and help treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in patients.
According to a 2020 article, low BDNF levels in the hippocampus region in the brain may increase the risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The BDNF gene controls the production of BDNF proteins in the body. Mutations or changes in this gene can influence BDNF production, affecting the body and the brain.
Studies show that changes in BDNF levels can stimulate a neurotransmitter receptor called glutamate. Overstimulated glutamate receptors can lead to mental fatigue and fibromyalgia (chronic fatigue and muscle pain).
rs11030104 is a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in the BDNF gene. People with the A allele of this SNP have a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia due to increasing BDNF expression than those with the G allele.
Low levels of BDNF cause dysregulation in the hippocampus region of the brain and can cause feelings of anxiety.
rs6265 is an SNP in the BDNF gene. People with the C allele of this SNP have an increased risk of developing anxiety compared to those with the T allele.
Cognitive function is the ability of the brain to think, reason, remember, make decisions, pay attention, and solve problems.
People with the beneficial C allele of the SNP rs6265 are associated with better cognitive abilities, including enhanced long-term memory and verbal ability, compared to those with the T allele.
The A allele of the SNP rs56164415 in the BDNF gene is associated with an increased risk of developing PTSD compared to those with the G allele.
The BDNF levels decrease with age, and this is natural. This is why the elderly are at higher risk for disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Studies show that BDNF levels increase with physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can lower BDNF levels in the brain.
The typical western diet, rich in saturated fats, sugar, and carbohydrates, can decrease BDNF levels, especially in the brain's hippocampus region. This region controls memory, learning, and thinking skills.
According to experts, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet could enrich BNDF levels.
A 2021 study reported that intermittent fasting (restricting food consumption to a small window and fasting for the rest of the day) could increase BDNF levels and keep the brain healthy.
Chronic stress may reduce the levels of BDNF in the hippocampus region.
Stress can trigger abnormal behaviors by changing the BDNF gene's expression levels in the brain.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified medical practitioner before making any significant changes to your diet. Do not consume any supplements without the advice of your physician.
BDNF keeps the brain healthy, active, and flexible and helps in brain plasticity. BDNF may strengthen connections between neurons, aiding in healthy cognitive functioning.
Some people could be genetically prone to BDNF imbalance, increasing their risk for mental conditions and cognitive decline.
Genetic testing may help you know if you have a mutated BDNF gene.
Choosing natural BDNF supplements, staying physically active, and living stress-free can all help regulate BDNF levels in the body and brain and keep the brain younger for a long time.
Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Are you tired of swiping left and right on dating apps, going on countless first dates, and still not finding that special someone? Have you ever wondered if something as simple (yet, complex) as your DNA could influence your search for love? In this article, we dive into the growing field of genetic matchmaking and explore whether our genes can influence love. Get ready to learn about the science behind attraction and the potential benefits and drawbacks of using DNA to find your perfect match.
When we say “attraction,” it often involves the “reward pathway system” of our brains.
This refers to how pleasurable we feel upon doing a particular activity or how rewarding the activity is.
The primary hormone that gives the “rewarding feeling” is dopamine, produced in the hypothalamus.
It is released when we do things that feel good/pleasurable to us. This can include spending time with loved ones or having sex.
When we are attracted to someone, the high levels of dopamine trigger the release of another hormone, norepinephrine, making us feel giddy, energetic, and euphoric.
This partly explains why the first few weeks of dating can be exciting, thrilling, and consuming!
According to research studies, brain scans of people “in love” have shown that the reward centers light up like crazy when shown photos of people they are attracted to.
The role of genetics in influencing compatibility between two people cannot be overlooked.
Specific genes are crucial to predicting the potential for a satisfying sexual experience and a successful marriage.
Other genes influence the traits we seek in a partner.
Studies have shown that specific genes, such as the DRD4 gene, can impact our preferences for certain personality traits in a romantic partner.
For example, individuals with a particular change in the DRD4 gene are more likely to be attracted to adventurous and spontaneous partners.
Similarly, some genes have been linked to our sense of smell and how it influences our attraction to potential partners.
Personality traits significantly influence who we are attracted to and who we form relationships with.
While these traits are shaped by a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors, recent research has shown that there is a genetic component to personality.
Studies have identified specific genes linked to traits such as extraversion, openness, and neuroticism.
For example, the 5-HTTLPR gene has been linked to levels of neuroticism, with specific changes in the gene being associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress.
When it comes to dating, our personality traits can have a significant impact on our preferences for potential partners.
Extroverted individuals may be more likely to be attracted to other extroverted individuals.
On the other hand, those who are more neurotic may prefer more stable and calming partners.
DNA dating, also known as genetic matchmaking, is a new approach to finding romantic partners based on genetic compatibility.
The idea is that analyzing a person's DNA makes it possible to identify genetic markers associated with compatibility in relationships regarding personality, sexual chemistry, and other essential factors.
This information can then be used to match individuals with partners who are more likely to complement these traits.
DNA dating typically involves taking a DNA sample through a simple cheek swab or saliva sample.
This sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to identify specific genetic markers associated with compatibility.
The results of this analysis are then compared with a database of other individuals who have also had their DNA analyzed to find potential matches.
The success of DNA dating is a subject of debate in the scientific community.
Some proponents of DNA dating argue that it offers a more scientific and objective approach to matchmaking than traditional methods such as online dating and matchmaking services.
They argue that analyzing specific genetic markers makes it possible to gain a deeper understanding of a person's personality and preferences, leading to more compatible and successful relationships.
On the other hand, many experts have raised several concerns about DNA matchmaking.
One issue is the lack of robust scientific evidence to support its claims of more excellent compatibility and success in relationships.
While some genetic markers have been linked to specific personality traits, the relationships between genetics and compatibility are poorly understood.
Furthermore, there is limited research on the long-term outcomes of relationships formed through DNA dating, making it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness.
It is important to note that while genetics shape our personality traits and attractions, they are not the sole determining factor.
Environmental factors such as upbringing and life experiences also significantly influence who we are attracted to and why.
Therefore, it is vital to approach DNA dating cautiously and view it as just one tool in the matchmaking process rather than the sole determinant of compatibility.
DNA matching for love may be a promising concept, but it is still uncertain whether it is possible or practical.
Further research is needed to fully understand the connection between genetics and compatibility and determine the feasibility of using DNA to match individuals for love.
The idea of dating and DNA is a fascinating concept that raises many questions about the role of genetics in our romantic lives.
While our genes may influence certain personality traits, it's important to remember that they do not dictate who we fall in love with.
Love is a complex and multi-faceted emotion influenced by many factors, including our environment, experiences, and personal preferences.
Ultimately, while our genes may shape who we are and how we behave, they do not determine our fate.
The beauty of love is that it allows us to choose our paths and create our destinies.
So, whether you believe in the power of DNA or not, remember that at the end of the day, it's up to you to make your own choices and forge relationships.
Are psychopaths born or made? Despite decades of research, the origins of psychopathy remain elusive, with some experts attributing the condition to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. In this article, we delve into the latest research on the genetic basis of psychopathy and examine the evidence for and against a genetic cause.
“Psychopath” is a term used to describe a person who consistently exhibits callous and unemotional traits.
A lack of empathy, impulsiveness, antisocial skills, manipulation, abnormal emotional response, and violence all fall under “callous and unemotional traits.”
However, it is important to note here that psychopathy is not an official mental health diagnosis. Several traits seen in psychopathy also occur in antisocial personality disorder or sociopathy.
There is no single known cause for psychopathy. But several factors have been documented to play a role:
Research suggests that psychopathy tends to run in families.
The “callous and unemotional” traits seen in psychopathy have moderate to strong heritability, according to studies.
Expert opinion
Dr. Igor Galynker, an American psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher, says that 60-70% of psychopathy is genetic.
He further adds that this has been confirmed by adoption studies that examined identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in different families.
According to a 2011 study done on adoptees, having a criminal biological father was associated with higher psychopathic personality traits in males.
In fact, it increased the odds of the adoptees ranking in the top 10% of the psychopathy scale by 8.5 times!
Since adoptees don’t grow up with their biological parents, this displays an undeniable genetic influence on psychopathic traits.
However, there’s no single “psychopathy” gene.
Rather, the effects of several gene changes combined with certain environmental or lifestyle factors can result in psychopathy.
Some genes implicated in psychopathy are:
Most of these genes are involved in the breakdown of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
Any variants or changes in these genes can result in an imbalance in brain chemicals and may lead to abnormal behaviors.
Of these genes, MAOA is of particular interest.
This gene gives instructions for the production of the monoamine oxidase enzyme.
The MAOA enzyme breaks down brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and noradrenaline.
Individuals with a particular variant of this gene - the MAOA-L, may produce lower quantities of the enzyme.
As a result, there may be an excess build-up of these signaling chemicals in the brain, leading to different impulsive behaviors.
In fact, in 2009, an Italian court reduced the sentence of a convicted murderer by one year, accepting the claim that he had a genetic version of the MAOA gene that encouraged aggressive behavior.
Will everyone with this variant of the MAOA-L gene show psychopathic traits?
Not necessarily!
This version of the MAOA gene only increases the likelihood of exhibiting psychopathic traits with specific environmental triggers.
In short, genetics plays a big role in the development of psychopathy by influencing brain structure and brain chemical levels. The inheritance of psychopathic traits is more pronounced in males than females.
Many environmental factors play a role in the risk of psychopathy.
Some of them include:
The brains of people with psychopathy show structural and functional differences in certain brain regions.
The PFC, located on the frontal lobe, is responsible for cognitive functions, while the amygdala regulates emotions.
Studies show that those with psychopathy exhibit reduced connections between these two brain regions as well as lower gray matter volume in both regions.
A review study that looked at neuroimaging in people with psychopathy reported a reduced gray matter volume in the hippocampal region.
The hippocampus is responsible for memory, learning, and emotional processing.
Identifying gene variants associated with psychopathy can help with early intervention in terms of providing the right environment or therapeutic support.
However, researchers have identified only a handful of genetic variants associated with psychopathy.
More genes could play equally important roles in causing the condition, which are yet to be discovered.
Future research on psychopathy will focus more on epigenetics and try to understand precise interactions between genes and the environment.
Such an understanding can help reduce the risk of individuals developing psychopathic traits.
Specific gene variants can increase one’s risk of developing psychopathy, and one can inherit these genes from the parents.
However, environmental factors like prenatal exposure, parenting techniques, neighborhood, and childhood can influence psychopathic traits equally.
Therefore, both genes and environment are interrelated and are equally important in determining whether or not a person grows to develop antisocial behaviors, including psychopathy.
How Does Anxiety Affect Your Brain?
The Gut-Brain Connection: Probiotics For Depression
Genetic Testing For Mental Health
When should you work out to reduce weight? The debate over the best time of day to exercise for fat loss has been going on for years. Some people swear by working out in the morning, while others prefer to hit the gym after work. So which is better? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the science behind exercising in the morning or evening and help you decide which approach is best for you.
How much weight you lose with exercise is greatly influenced by your genes! Learn more:
Before exploring the benefits of morning vs. evening workouts, we need to get one thing out of the way - the best time to exercise is whenever you can.
Not all of us may have a flexible schedule allowing us to do a 90-minute power-packed workout session, followed by a visit to the juice bar for a dose of green smoothie.
If you can get in a 20-minute workout mid-morning, doing it consistently will yield better results than forcing yourself to wake up at 5 AM and work out (only to miss it 4 out of 7 days).
Nevertheless, morning and evening workouts both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
Research has shown that both morning and evening workouts can effectively lose weight.
However, the optimal time of day for exercise may depend on individual factors such as circadian rhythms and personal preferences.
It's important to remember that consistency and frequency of exercise are key for weight loss, regardless of the time of day.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined the relationship between exercise time and fat loss in mice.
The results are published in the journal PNAS.
The researchers subjected the 10- to 11-wk-old mice to a 1-hour session of high-intensity exercise twice daily - late morning (early active phase) and late evening (early rest phase).
They then studied the mice's adipose (fat) tissue to check the markers for fat metabolism and analyze the activities of the genes involved in fat burning.
Some of the fat metabolism markers examined were:
The study observations were as follows:
Even though mice and humans share many physiological functions, it is essential to consider that mice are nocturnal.
More studies are needed to draw reliable conclusions about the relevance of our findings to humans.
If you're not a morning person, waking up early to exercise can seem daunting.
However, with a few strategies and some persistence, it's possible to become a morning workout person and stick with it.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Becoming a morning workout person and sticking with it requires planning, persistence, and patience.
With time and consistency, you may find that waking up early to exercise becomes easier and more enjoyable.
Are you often troubled by morning headaches and daytime sleepiness? This can point to an underlying sleep order, specifically obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is heritable, and studies have identified genetic factors that directly and indirectly contribute to this condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of breathing cessation (breathing stops and starts) during sleep.
These episodes, called apneas, are caused by a partial or complete airway blockage.
This leads to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can cause the brain to wake the person briefly to open the airway.
This can happen several times per hour and disrupts the normal sleep pattern, leading to daytime fatigue and other symptoms.
OSA can have a significant impact on an individual's health.
The recurrent episodes of breathing cessation during OSA can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels, which can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs if left untreated for a long time.
Additionally, OSA can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
OSA can also cause or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to poor quality of life due to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Additionally, it can affect the ability to drive and work, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents.
Therefore, diagnosing and treating OSA is essential to prevent these adverse health effects.
Researchers have identified genetic factors contributing to a person’s risk of developing OSA.
People with a family history of OSA are at greater risk of developing the condition.
Genes associated with OSA are involved in many body processes like
Other than your genes, several factors increase the risk for OSA.
Curious about your obstructive sleep apnea genes? Here’s how you can learn about it in 3 simple steps:
