How can I make the most of a genetic analysis?
First, save your information. SelfDecode lets you download your raw data, and while uploading it to other genetic platforms negates any chances you have of being compensated for a data leak (standard for the industry), you’ll have a copy of your code. The average genome is about 750MB or the same size as a 15-minute HD video, so it probably won’t throttle your computer.
The next thing you can do is use the SNP & Gene Explorer. We recommend using an online database (such as SNPedia) to find genes correlated with specific issues you’re interested in looking at — from eye color to serotonin reuptake — and doing deep dives for your information. It helps to have both tabs open simultaneously, which will let you look back and forth to interpret the data yourself.
For SelfDecode, much of this work is already done for you. Here, the recommended steps in an action plan based on your genes are also an excellent place to start. Take notes of common suggestions you see across reports and genes you regularly see referenced. These genes likely play a significant role in your overall health, so taking the time to do a little more research into what they do — and don’t do — could help you find new ways to improve your health. But, if you’re not interested in doing the work on your own, even just comparing any health problems you experience, your genes and SelfDecode’s action plan suggestions can make a big difference.