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Finding a balance between health and weight management can be challenging if you have hypothyroidism. While intermittent fasting has revolutionized the health and wellness sphere with its benefits for weight loss and health regulation, it’s essential to learn about its application to people struggling with hypothyroidism. This article is a deep dive into its benefits and potential risks, exploring the association between intermittent fasting and hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck.
It secretes the T3 and T4 hormones necessary for normal metabolism and functioning.
The pituitary gland in your brain regulates the thyroid through the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Hypothyroidism is a disease affecting your thyroid that can occur due to:
Hypothyroidism slows down your body’s metabolism considerably.
This can lead to symptoms like:
For more information, the American Thyroid Association offers helpful brochures on all aspects of hypothyroidism.
Did You Know?
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects. This allows you to take proactive measures for health conditions, even before the symptoms appear, thereby preventing it. You can upload your DNA data to learn 1,500+ things about your health. Learn more.
Intermittent fasting, or time-restricted feeding, is a specific time-bound eating pattern.
Unlike diets where certain foods are eliminated or restricted from consumption, intermittent fasting emphasizes the time between meals.
Intermittent fasting can help delay aging, improve metabolism, and lose weight.
There are different ways to do intermittent fasting.
Some of the most popular fasting schedules include:
Julia Zumpano, a registered dietician, advocates for intermittent fasting.
She says, “We see a lot of benefits from a fasting state, even if it's a slight form of fasting, because what happens is that our body shifts its form of metabolism.”
Some of these benefits include:
Researchers have verified the benefits of intermittent fasting and recommend it for treating obesity and insulin resistance if done right.
Eating without fasting can elevate your blood sugar levels, causing inflammation.
Inflammation increases insulin resistance, increasing your risk of diseases like cancer.
Although intermittent fasting has many benefits, it may not be for everyone.
Consult a medical professional to determine if it’s right for you and what fasting technique could work best for you.
The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism.
It secretes hormones essential for the body’s normal functioning.
Thus, any fasting affects this organ directly.
Dr. David Jockers, who specializes in naturopathic medicine, strongly recommends intermittent fasting for hypothyroidism. “A fasting lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle,” he says.
Some people may benefit from intermittent fasting, but others may not have the same experience.
Intermittent fasting could do more harm than good for people with diabetes.
While it can improve insulin resistance, it can also cause blood sugar to drop drastically.
Some diabetes medications are affected by eating patterns, so it’s best to consult a doctor before beginning intermittent fasting.
The benefits of intermittent fasting for hypothyroidism include reduced inflammation and weight loss.
However, when not done correctly, skipping meals or fasting for multiple days may lead to nutrient deficiencies that may worsen hypothyroidism.
Research generally reports intermittent fasting can help alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms by decreasing body weight and improving insulin resistance without affecting thyroid hormones.
Thus, it’s important to understand exactly when and when not to do intermittent fasting in case you have hypothyroidism.
Dr. Eric Berg, DC, says, “Intermittent fasting… helps your body convert T4 to T3, just as selenium does. Because T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone, having more of it will improve your thyroid function if you’re hypothyroid.”
However, some studies report intermittent fasting affects thyroid function by lowering T3 and T4 hormone levels.
This can worsen hypothyroidism.
Intermittent fasting can help you manage hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.
But you must be sure that your adrenal glands are functioning decently and that you don’t have diabetes.
However, intermittent fasting may be beneficial for hypothyroidism if done correctly.
Intermittent fasting affects people differently.
If you have any health issues, including hypothyroidism, consult a doctor for an optimal diet plan.
Food is one of many factors responsible for properly absorbing thyroid medications.
If you are on medications for thyroid health, such as Synthroid, levothyroxine, or armor, fasting can help you absorb them better.
Taking these medicines first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is advisable for better results.
It’s essential to remember that this is an informational article that shouldn’t be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you are on medication, talk to your doctor before changing the timings, dosage, or diet.
While intermittent fasting involves avoiding eating for long periods, calorie restriction means reducing your daily calorie intake without necessarily cutting out meals. Both techniques are reasonably effective for weight loss.
Over time, regular exercise and a healthy diet can stabilize poor thyroid metabolism. Some medications like levothyroxine may also help.
Overnight fasting (12-14 hours) is enough for people with hypothyroidism to start seeing some benefits. It allows sufficient fat breakdown and reduces the chances of adverse side effects from starvation.
Eggs are a healthy option for people with hypothyroidism. They contain selenium, iodine, and vitamin D, which are beneficial for thyroid function.
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Muscle movement, nerve signaling, bone health, electrolyte balance, heart rhythm, and other crucial body functions are affected when you’re low on potassium. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is a state of dangerously low potassium levels in your blood. Rarely occurring due to a poor diet, hypokalemia often occurs with an underlying disease. Studies have investigated whether low potassium is a sign of cancer. Read on to learn which cancers it may be associated with and how to manage it.
The normal range is between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter(mmol/L), but people with severe hypokalemia have under 2.5 mmol/L of potassium in their blood.
Hypokalemia can lead to symptoms like:
Low potassium levels aren’t a direct indicator of cancer.
However, several kinds of cancer exhibit hypokalemia as a side effect.
Colon cancer can lead to excessive diarrhea, which causes potassium loss over time.
If a tumor forms on or near the colon, potassium absorption from food in the intestines may be impaired.
These conditions can reduce the amount of potassium in your blood, leading to hypokalemia.
McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare complication of colon cancer that causes severe depletion of electrolytes like potassium.
One of the most common causes of low potassium levels is mineral loss through urine.
Usually, kidneys filter out potassium from urine, allowing the body to re-absorb it.
Renal cancer often leads to hypomagnesemia, a state of low magnesium in the body.
Since magnesium helps transport and absorb potassium, low magnesium levels can equal low potassium.
Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that regulates the amount of potassium in your blood.
Primary hyper-aldosteronism is a disease where excess aldosterone is secreted, drastically lowering blood potassium levels.
Some adrenal cancers can cause primary hyperaldosteronism, leading to dangerously low potassium levels.
Chemotherapy with drugs like cisplatin, cetuximab, eribulin, and ifosfamide can lower potassium levels as a side effect.
They may induce vomiting or diarrhea, further affecting potassium levels.
Anticancer pills or liquids reduce magnesium levels, leading to lowered potassium.
Medications that affect the kidney can prevent proper reabsorption of potassium.
Drugs that cause intestinal inflammation can affect potassium absorption.
Low potassium can have genetic links.
Some rare genetic kidney conditions can lead to excessive potassium excretion.
Bartter’s and Gitelman’s syndromes prevent your kidneys from reabsorbing salts.
They are then excreted through the kidney, causing excessive electrolyte losses and hypokalemia or low potassium.
The genes responsible for these diseases are:
| Disease | Causal Gene |
| Bartter’s Syndrome Type I | SLC12A1 |
| Bartter’s Syndrome Type II | KCNJ1 |
| Bartter’s Syndrome Type III | CLCNKB |
| Bartter’s Syndrome Type IV | BSND or CLCNKA & CLCNKB |
| Gitelman’s Syndrome | SLC12A3 and TRPM6 or CLCNKB (rare) |
Both conditions are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
You can only develop the condition if both parents carry at least 1 copy of the mutated gene(s).
Hypokalemia or low potassium has a link to kidney failure.
Kidneys can usually filter out potassium and maintain your blood electrolyte levels.
When your kidneys fail, your potassium level drops.
Potassium helps regulate several bodily processes across multiple organ systems.
Low potassium reduces the efficiency of nerve signal transduction, impairing muscle movement.
Impaired muscle movement leads to further complications as hypokalemia worsens.
Generally, water consumption has almost no effect on potassium levels.
Theoretically, drinking water can lower potassium levels, but it’s not a safe bet.
The risk of affecting other electrolyte levels is also high, so modifying your diet is best.
Low potassium or hypokalemia can cause thirst, body weakness, and dizziness. In some cases, it can also cause paralysis and heart rhythm disturbances.
While low potassium levels typically do not indicate cancer, some types of cancer, like renal, adrenal, and colorectal cancer, can result in hypokalemia.
If you have concerns regarding low potassium levels or your cancer risk, please consult your doctor.
To maintain healthy potassium levels, eat a potassium-rich diet and consider potassium supplements. In severe cases, you could require hospitalization and be fed potassium through an IV tube.
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https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20009666.2018.1514943
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/definition/SYM-20050632?p=1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/causes/sym-20050632
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/hypokalemia
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17740-low-potassium-levels-in-your-blood-hypokalemia
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321735
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35604734
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000479.htm
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/gitelman-syndrome
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/bartter-syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204505
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521821
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482465
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459304
Testing to learn about your ancestry can tell you more than you think. Genetic testing is the most scientific and popular type of DNA ancestry test today. Alternative techniques that claim to estimate your ancestry have existed for years now. One of these techniques is foot shape ancestry determination. It may not seem accurate at first glance, but there’s a lot to be learned about your ancestors through simply observing your feet. This article will get to the bottom of foot shape ancestry, telling you everything you need to know about this offbeat technique.
Foot shape ancestry is essentially what the shape of your feet reveals about you and your ancestors.
It studies parameters like arch shape and toe patterns to estimate your ethnicity.
Human feet vary in appearance greatly among individuals.
Sometimes, the left and right feet look dissimilar even in the same person.
Based on shape, the five different foot shapes used in foot shape ancestry are–
These shapes are distinguished by their outline and the length of the digits.
You usually inherit most foot shape traits autosomally (from non-sex chromosomes).
Each parent passes down one copy of a gene, and the dominant trait is expressed accordingly.
However, some traits may be X-linked (from the X chromosome).
This creates a disparity in inheritance between males and females.
Since males have only one X chromosome and the Y chromosome is inert, one copy of an X-linked gene equals an expressed trait.
On the other hand, females have two X chromosomes.
Like on any other chromosome, they would need to inherit two copies of an X-linked trait for it to be expressed.
Let's take a deeper look at what ancestry different foot shapes could indicate.
People with a long second digit on their feet are said to have Greek feet or ‘flame feet.’
A study showed that this trait is common in the Greek population.
You can also observe this feature in several Greek statues.
Greek feet have an uneven weight distribution due to their longer second toe, which can cause frequent aches.
However, this foot shape is advantageous for professional athletes.
Research into toe length genetics has shown that the Greek foot is an X-linked recessive trait.
Essentially, this trait is present on the X chromosome and inherited only if both parents have a Greek foot.
A Roman foot shape is characterized by having the first three toes of equal length while the others are shorter.
About 1/4th of the world’s population likely has Roman feet.
People with this foot shape often find it difficult to wear specific footwear like stilettos.
A Germanic foot shape is characterized by a large first digit and the other four toes of roughly the same size.
The toes in this foot shape are also wider and stockier than in other foot types.
The Celtic foot shape is a combination of Germanic and Greek toes.
Like a Greek foot, it has a taller second toe.
Like a Germanic foot, its other toes are of a similar size.
From the third toe, the size progressively reduces.
For this reason, this toe shape is considered complex and variable.
The Celtic foot shape is common in Western Europe, especially Britain and Ireland.
Egyptian foot shape is said to be the neatest of the five shapes.
It is characterized by a long big toe, followed by other toes reducing in size at a 45-degree angle.
This foot shape has a medical advantage as it protects against ingrown toenails.
Interestingly, 80% of people in Japan have an Egyptian foot shape, which is why Japanese footwear is often designed with these feet in mind.
There isn’t a single perfect system or chart that helps determine your foot shape.
The outline of your feet and toe sizes can help determine your foot shape.
Regarding the images and descriptions in this article, you can take a photo of your foot or draw its outline on a paper to compare it.
There is no scientific link between foot shape and ancestry.
While foot shape ancestry is very descriptive and offers some information about genetic traits, science does not support the idea.
It’s a common misconception that foot shape can be used to determine your ancestry, but this is wholly wrong.
Foot shape ancestry is not accepted as a standard scientific practice to determine lineage because it is based on an entirely wrong premise.
As per foot shape ancestry, each population comprised one group of people (monolithic populations), all with the same traits.
However, in reality, populations have migrated, mixed, and mingled over generations.
This means there was never a monolithic population with one type of foot.
At the same time, we cannot presume that people with one kind of foot shape originated in the same place.
For example, northern Japan's secluded Indigenous Ainu people happen to have Greek foot shape features.
Wouldn’t it be bizarre to claim they originated in Greece?
In "The Archaeology of Human Bones," Dr. Simon Mays says that while certain skeletal traits can help reconstruct our evolutionary journey, environmental influences and individual variation often complicate these tasks. Therefore, foot morphology alone cannot be a reliable indicator of ancestry.
The entire premise of foot shape ancestry is based on the assumption of a monolithic population, so it cannot be considered accurate.
While it is fun to know more about what your feet reveal, there are scientific ways to determine your ancestry and lineage, such as DNA tests.
While foot shape ancestry assigns specific foot shapes to an ethnic group, foot shape can vary widely within a single group.
Evolutionary agents and genetics determine foot shape, leading to variations within and across populations.
Multiple traits, such as toe length, arch height, and foot width, determine your overall foot shape.
Since several genes are at play, you inherit some of these genes from each parent.
Viking toe means your second toe is longer than your big toe.
Other turkey toe names include Morton's, Greek, and royal toe.
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Ayurveda is an ancient system of traditional medicine originating from Indian Hindu philosophies. It is one of the world’s oldest and most continuously practiced systems of medicine. The efficacy of Ayurvedic practices lies in their simple and naturopathic techniques that you can easily try at home. Here are 12 simple Ayurvedic practices that can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning knowledge.
Thus, Ayurveda translates to "the knowledge of life".
It is based on three philosophies:
Despite being an ancient system, Ayurveda is still very popular worldwide.
In India, it is considered a separate system of medicine.
Some even treat it as a primary form of healthcare.
In the US, Ayurvedic remedies are used alongside modern medicine.
Here are a few possible benefits of Ayurvedic practices:
A good night's sleep is essential for overall health.
Ayurveda promotes going to bed early (by 10 p.m.) for restful sleep.
Avoid using phones, tablets, or computers in bed or before you fall asleep.
Waking up early the following day is easier if you go to bed early.
According to Ayurveda, sleeping past sunrise can make you feel lethargic all day.
That's why waking up at dawn with eight hours of sleep is the right way to start the day.
Ayurveda promotes drinking optimal quantities of water to balance your bodily functions.
Drink at least eight glasses of water evenly across your day.
Start your day with a warm glass of water to cleanse your gut for easy bowel movement.
It's a common practice to start your day by splashing your face with water.
Interestingly, this is one part of an Ayurvedic practice called Shat Kriya, a gauntlet of six cleansing techniques to harmonize your body and soul.
Abhyanga means massaging your body with warm oil.
It can calm the mind and nervous system, tone your muscles, and hydrate the skin.
A 15-20-minute massage with herbal or medicated oil can be very beneficial in the long run.
The correct order is to start with Yoga, then Pranayama (breathing practice), and finish with meditation.
These relaxation techniques help you feel lighter, starting your day without yesterday’s worries.
Ayurveda recommends three meals a day.
A large, hearty lunch should follow a light, nutritious breakfast.
A simple dinner low in carbohydrates will reduce the load on your digestive system as you wind down for the night.
For a balanced diet, you can follow specific Ayurvedic recipes.
Ayurveda encourages freshly prepared food over canned, packaged, or processed food.
Season your food with herbs, spices, and condiments to aid digestion.
Avoid drinking water or liquids with your food, as it may interfere with digestion.
Your bowel movement can indicate the presence of several underlying chronic conditions and give you an idea about your overall health.
According to Ayurveda, hitting the bathroom first thing in the morning is best for your health.
Cleaner bowels promote long-term gut health.
Good oral health is essential for overall health.
Tongue scrapers, garlic water gargles, herbal toothpaste, and oil pulling are all recommended Ayurvedic techniques for better oral health.
Oil pulling is a mouthwash-like technique that uses an edible oil to cleanse the inside of your mouth.
Simple, homemade concoctions with Ayurvedic herbs can help remedy some common health conditions.
Drinking hot water mixed with ginger and honey can help overcome a common cold.
Applying cinnamon and clove oil to the forehead can help ease migraine symptoms.
These concoctions are safe and easy to prepare on short notice.
Ayurveda promotes well-being and relaxation through consciously performing everyday practices.
A warm bath can be a great way to unwind after a long day.
It relieves stress, helping you prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle changes are generally safe, but it’s worth knowing the possible risks of these changes.
The US FDA does not regulate herbal supplements.
Some supplements with Ashwagandha and Triphala may interfere with existing conditions or medications for the same.
Though these supplements are available over the counter, they could be harmful.
Some supplements may contain toxic metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Note: The content of this article is based on currently available information. Consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or continuing any Ayurvedic supplements, treatments, or procedures.
Ayurvedic remedies are simple. You can easily incorporate them into your daily routine. They can improve your overall health and wellbeing in the long run.
While most Ayurvedic supplements are generally safe, some may interact with existing conditions and adversely affect the body. It's always best to consult your doctor before introducing a new diet or supplements.
While Ayurvedic medications can't replace modern medicines, doctors usually prescribe them alongside allopathic, traditional drugs to improve treatment outcomes.
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https://www.everydayhealth.com/integrative-health/ayurveda/guide
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2022.0042?journalCode=a
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6492358
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931197
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayurvedic-herbs
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-pranayama
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda
https://www.webmd.com/balance/ayurvedic-treatments
Fascinated by what your ancestry tests have revealed? But what if, alongside your results, certain physical traits could add more pieces to your ancestral puzzle? Whether or not Vikings appeared in your DNA report, you might be intrigued to discover which physical signs have historically been associated with these legendary seafarers. Let's delve into 7 fascinating traits that might hint at a Viking connection somewhere in the vast branches of your family tree.
The Vikings were a group of maritime warriors from Scandinavia.
They flourished from the 8th to 11th centuries.
They have left an indelible mark on European history and are known for their expedition to unknown lands.
The Vikings traveled through North America and the Mediterranean in search of fortune.
They established trade connections with European countries like Britain and Ireland.
They also looted monasteries and took whatever money or goods they could.
At the same time, they were accomplished craftsmen who produced jewelry and metalwork that was renowned throughout Europe.
There is some dispute as to where the Vikings were initially from.
However, evidence shows they came from the Scandinavian countries, specifically Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
One famous instance was when the Vikings attacked the Lindisfarne monastery in Northumbria, England, in 793 CE.
However, Roman scholars referenced warrior groups with features similar to those of the Vikings before this date.
This means that the Vikings were there before 793 CE and probably originated from Scandinavia.
They later emigrated to Britain, Ireland, Greenland, and Iceland.
The Scandinavian peninsula is an area shared by Norway, Sweden, and a part of northern Finland.
Nordic countries refer to all five of the northern European countries.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 442 human remains recovered from 80 archaeological sites, including Viking burials.
The team focused on collecting samples from teeth and Petrous bones (part of the inner ear), as these preserve DNA particularly well.
Genetic ancestry tests are becoming increasingly popular. While your DNA can be used to learn about your roots, did you know that it can also reveal important things about your health risks and wellness aspects? This allows you to take proactive measures for health conditions, even before the symptoms appear, thereby preventing it. You can upload your DNA data to learn 1,500+ things about your health. Learn more.
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Vikings as a group don't exist anymore.
However, they have Viking descendants all over Europe and the Scandinavian countries.
In many Scandinavian countries, many people dedicate their lives to living like the Vikings did long ago.
There are Viking villages in Norway and Sweden where people recreate the Viking way of life.
In a recent study, scientists examined 300 ancient human genomes from Scandinavia that spanned over 2000 years.
They compared these to modern human genomes and found that nearly 10 percent of Scandinavians had Viking DNA.
In the UK, around 6 percent of people possibly had Viking ancestry.
Many people share their DNA with the Vikings, and a Viking DNA test can help you understand your specific Scandinavian ancestry traits!
These tests examine your DNA and compare it to that of your Viking ancestors to determine how many common segments you share with them; the more segments, the closer you are to the Vikings.
Some companies that offer Viking DNA tests include:
The mutations in the Y chromosome in males indicate the changes that have happened in the direct male lineage.
The two types of mutations are STR and SNP, of which STR is more common.
STRs define the haplogroup as a group of similar haplotypes with a common ancestor.
Among the 20 major Y chromosome haplogroups associated with Vikings are |1, R1a, R1b, G2, and N.
The Vikings hailed from modern-day Scandinavia.
They were also called Norsemen.
People from the Nordic region of Europe are usually considered the closest relatives of Vikings.
The Nordic region consists of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Since the Vikings were seafarers, they traveled to foreign lands across Europe.
As a result, some Viking DNA can also be found among the British, Scottish, and Irish people.
Around 10 percent of people in Sweden and 6 percent in the UK are said to have Viking DNA.
Vikings originally hail from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
However, they did travel extensively and conquered the British Isles, including Ireland and Scotland.
It led to cultural exchange and intermingling with the local population.
As a result, Viking DNA can be found in many modern-day Scottish and Irish people.
Having the R1a, R1b, or |1 genetic variation does not confirm that you are a Viking, but you could be related to them.
R1a is commonly found in Eastern Europe, while R1b can be found in Ireland, Wales, France, and Spain.
|1 variation is found in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Outside of these countries, Viking heritage can be found in Britain.
The Vikings colonized and settled in Britain.
If you have any of the above genetic variations with a Norse paternal name, chances are you are related to the Vikings.
Genetic tests usually don't have the word Viking written in the test reports.
The people who take these tests refer to the word "Scandinavia" in the report to claim they are related to the Vikings.
Having Viking DNA can mean that you had a Scandinavian ancestor.
However, people use the results of these genetic tests to explain away specific problematic behaviors.
One man in the US claimed that his Viking ancestry explains why he is so angry all the time.
It is a type of genetic determinism where a person's life results from his genes and is not controlled by him.
The Vikings have long been associated with notions of whiteness and Nordic nationalism.
They have long been used as symbols by prominent fascist movements in Europe.
These genetic ancestry tests can fuel a potential new wave of racism and ethnic chauvinism.
The Vikings are hypothesized to have originated from Scandinavia, which represents present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Genetic testing can identify Scandinavian ancestry, which may suggest a link to Vikings, as they originated from this region. However, DNA alone can’t provide definitive proof of Viking descent due to genetic overlap with other European populations.
Many historical accounts suggest that they were generally tall and robust, with fair skin, light or red hair, and blue or light-colored eyes being common.
Historical sources describe some typical traits as prominent cheekbones, strong jawlines, and deep-set eyes.
The blood type of Vikings is not definitively documented, as blood typing was not available at the time. However, studies of Scandinavian populations suggest that they had a mix of blood types, similar to modern populations in the region, with types O and A being the most common.
Historical sources and genetic studies indicate that blue eyes were common among Vikings, especially in northern Scandinavia. However, green and hazel eyes were also present.
Vikings did not have fixed surnames as we do today. Instead, they used patronymic names, meaning they were derived from the father's first name, followed by "son" or "dóttir" (e.g., Eriksson for "son of Erik" or Leifsdóttir for "daughter of Leif").
The Vikings were a group of maritime explorers from Scandinavia.
They conquered and settled in many European regions, leading to cultural intermingling.
Today, their influences can be seen in European art and culture.
Although the original Vikings have long become extinct, their genes can still be found today.
People from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are said to be most closely related to the Vikings.
Some physical signs like fair skin and tall stature can be linked to having a possible Viking ancestor.
However, claiming a Viking ancestor does not mean anything scientific.
In reality, it can lead to more racial discrimination and ethnic chauvinism.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/feb/25/viking-ancestors-astrology
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)01468-4
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200916113544.htm
Founded by Debbie Moon in 2015, Genetic Lifehacks aims to combine an engineering mindset with biological systems and apply genetics to dietary and lifestyle choices. Genetic Lifehacks claims to use people's DNA to optimize their diets and lifestyles based on their needs. This article reviews their website, reports, user experience, and privacy to give a clear verdict. Is Genetic Lifehacks worth it?
Top 5 Topics is a genetic consultation report that analyzes your raw DNA data and studies five main traits of interest.
You can upload your raw DNA in three ways:
The report is usually 12-16 pages long and can cover more than five traits if needed.
It’s worth noting that these five traits are often selected at Debbie Moon’s discretion.
Upon request, the report may focus on specific traits of interest.
You may mention them while completing the order or via email.
The Genetic Lifehacks Cheat Sheet is a 102-page report of all genetic variants detected in your raw DNA data.
Some of the categories of traits in the Cheat Sheet include:
Its results are presented in a tabular format, mentioning your risk for a given trait and some recommendations for managing it.
Genetic Lifehacks offers a free 4-day email course on the basics of genetics and genetic testing.
The course helps you understand the various facets of a genetic testing report before you purchase one.
You may opt into the course by providing only your email address.
Genetic Lifehacks provides their reports within 2-4 business days.
While their Top 5 Topics report is reasonably concise, at 12-16 pages, their Ultimate Cheat Sheet Report may go up to 102 pages.
This can be difficult to read, especially since their report could be presented in a more readable or user-friendly manner.
Contrary to most other genetic testing services, Genetic Lifehacks displays its results in a tabular column with little room to explain the nature of each trait and the interpretation of each result.
Additionally, please bear in mind that Debbie Moon is not a doctor.
She only provides information and opinions curated using peer-reviewed research and statistics.
It's best to consult a doctor for medical advice regarding the information provided.
Once you subscribe to a membership plan and purchase a product, you can upload your raw DNA data file from 23andMe or AncestryDNA.
The upload process takes about a minute.
Once that is done, you can complete the checkout.
After checkout, you will receive an email with your Top 5 Report within 2-4 business days.
It’s important to note that Genetic Lifehacks doesn’t provide DNA sample kits.
They only accept raw DNA files from 23andme and AncestryDNA at present.
Genetic Lifehacks offers a membership option to its users at the following rates:
These prices are as of 28th October, 2024. For updated membership pricing, please visit this link.
Genetic Lifehacks offers various services for its users with varied pricing for members and non-members.
For non-members:
For members:
According to their website, Genetic Lifehacks does not store personal information except when purchasing a product.
Additionally, if a user chooses to reach out via email, Genetic Lifehacks records their email address and associated name.
Finally, they store the email addresses of users who opt into their newsletter service.
The website collects user activity statistics and cookies to improve user experience.
To ensure user privacy, they do not use any tracking software on the website.
Genetic Lifehacks has turned off commenting to prevent users from unwittingly sharing sensitive personal and genetic data in the comments under their articles.
Genetic Lifehacks stores user genetic data offline on an encrypted drive.
They delete this data after 30 days and do not use it for research.
The information is used only for consultation and not shared with third parties.
Their privacy policy is transparent about the nature of the information they store and how they handle it.
For further information, read the Genetic Lifehacks Privacy Policy.
More testimonials are available in the News and Research section of their website.
Pros:
Cons:
Genetic Lifehacks has a user-friendly website with a solid community across several forums.
Their email course on genetic testing helps several first-time users understand and appreciate their reports better.
However, the steep cost for non-members, the lack of coverage in reports, and the lack of medical input in each report can deter potential customers.
Genetic Lifehacks may be the right choice if you’d like to learn about a few specific traits and genes in detail instead of receiving an extensive report of dozens of traits.
Genetic Lifehacks may not be the right choice for you if you haven't taken a DNA test yet.
They do not offer a DNA test kit and only accept files from 23andMe and AncestryDNA.
Xcode Life stands apart from other genetic testing companies by providing an efficient, user-friendly, trustworthy, and secure service.
Here's a detailed side-by-side comparison of Genetic Lifehacks and Xcode Life
| Genetic Lifehacks | Xcode Life | |
| Type of genetic testing | DNA raw data analysis | DNA raw data analysis |
| Ancestry reports | Not offered | Not offered |
| Health reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Pharmacogenomic reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Raw data upload | Only from 23andMe and AncestryDNA | DNA raw data from all major providers accepted. Comprehensive list |
| Number of reports | 1 report with 5 topics | 11 |
| Price | Annual membership- $49.99 Other services - $50-$130 No bundles | Reports: $30-$50 Bundles: $160-$199 Price details |
| Sample reports | Nil | Available as detailed report walkthrough videos |
