Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
Do you accept insurance?
At this time we do not accept insurance, but our services do qualify for use of Health Savings Accounts.
Do you have payment plans?
We offer payment plans through Affirm financing. Once approved through Affirm, you can choose the payment plan that works best with your budget. Simply choose “Affirm” payment in the checkout section of the shopping cart to apply.
I have questions. Can I speak with someone?
While we are a cutting-edge health technology company, rest assured that when you contact us through our Chat Box, you are talking to a real human on our support team.
Additionally, you can book a free 15-minute consult with one of our health coaches.
We prioritize human connection and relationships with the clients and providers we serve because it’s necessary for our health and longevity!
Testing
How does your testing work?
Health Hacker IQ is a biotechnology company and data interpretation service that analyzes your genetic data, obtained from a CLIA/CAPP certified lab, against numerous genetic markers identified by their research team. This analysis, combined with a personalized questionnaire, helps generate a personalized wellness plan specific to your needs, goals, biochemistry, and epigenetic profile.
How is DNA collected?
DNA is collected using a cheek swab provided in the DNA Collection Kit. The process involves rubbing the swab inside your cheek for 30 seconds, drying it, and placing it into the provided sample envelope.
What information is used to create my personalized wellness plan?
The plan is created using both your genetic data and responses to a comprehensive questionnaire, ensuring a personalized health strategy. Additional data points such as recent blood, saliva, hair, and stool/gut microbiome testing, and our AO scan reports may be incorporated to provide additional insights. Our Health Hacker IQ proprietary analysis software is able to analyze and create a personalized wellness plan incorporating many sources of health data. You will be able to confidentially share additional tests within our Healthie App for analysis. You may also book a consult with one of our coaches who can recommend additional testing based on your needs and goals.
How long does it take to receive my results and personalized plan?
Once the lab receives your test kit, you will be sent an email confirming receipt of your kit. It takes about 2-4 weeks to process your results. Once Health HackerIQ receives your results, we will curate your personalized wellness plan based on the recommendations provided by our lab partner. We utilize our proprietary lab and genetic analysis software to look for patterns across your health intake data, labs (optional) and your genetic and epigenetic reports. This pattern analysis allows us to provide precision insights specific to your needs and goals and further optimize your results. This is the Health Hacker IQ difference that is cutting edge in the genetic and epigenetic testing industry.
How is your testing different than other providers?
Health HackerIQ is pioneering the future of personalized wellness by providing niche genetic and epigenetic testing options combined with our proprietary AI driven pattern analysis of a client’s biochemistry, health history, and genetic and epigenetic profile. By combining multiple data points, we are able to provide precision insights that empower you to fully optimize all aspects of your health and wellness journey.
The Science of Genetics & Epigenetics
What is Epigenetics
Epigenetics is the study of how environmental and behavioral factors can influence gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are reversible and can be passed down through generations.
Key Terms:
- Epigenome: The full set of epigenetic changes in a genome.
- Epigenetic Modifications: Chemical changes to DNA or proteins that interact with DNA.
- Gene Expression: The process of turning genes on or off.
Factors Impacting Epigenetics:
- Diet: What you eat can affect your epigenome.
- Exercise: Your level of physical activity can influence your epigenome.
- Drugs and Chemicals: Exposure to drugs and chemicals can alter your epigenome.
- Cell Division: Epigenetic changes can be inherited by daughter cells during cell division.
Impact of Epigenetics:
- Epigenetic changes can affect disease risk.
- These changes can influence protein production in cells.
- Epigenetic modifications ensure cells only produce proteins necessary for their specific functions.
How does food affect my genes?
Genes are like instructions for your body. They tell your cells what to do, like how to grow, repair, or function. But not all genes are active all the time. Some genes are “turned on,” meaning they are actively working, while others are “turned off,” meaning they are not doing anything at the moment.
Now, epigenetics is about how the environment (like what you eat) can change whether a gene is turned on or off without changing the gene itself. It’s like flipping a light switch—turning a gene “on” or “off” can affect how your body works, but the gene stays the same.
Here’s how food influences this process:
DNA Methylation: Think of this as adding a tiny “sticker” (called a methyl group) to the DNA. When this sticker is added to certain spots on your genes, it can stop the gene from being active. Some foods, like leafy greens or foods with folate, can add or remove these “stickers,” turning genes on or off.
Histones and DNA Packaging: Your DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones, kind of like how a ribbon is wrapped around a gift. When your body “loosens” or “tightens” this ribbon, it makes it easier or harder for genes to be active. Foods like berries, green tea, or turmeric can help “loosen” this wrapping, allowing some genes to turn on and work more efficiently.
MicroRNAs: These are tiny molecules that act like “mood swings” for genes. They decide if the gene will do its job or not. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can influence these molecules, affecting which genes are active.
In simpler terms: Food can change how your genes behave, like telling them to work more efficiently (or less) by adding “stickers” or loosening their packaging. These changes can affect everything from your risk for diseases to how your body processes food and burns fat.
If epigenetics matter so much, why do I need a genetic test?
How do toxins affect my genes?
Toxins can affect gene expression through epigenetic changes in a similar way that food does. When harmful substances like pollution, chemicals, or drugs enter the body, they can influence how genes are turned on or off, potentially leading to negative health outcomes. Here’s how it happens:
DNA Methylation: Toxins can add “methyl groups” to certain genes, which can silence them. This might prevent genes that are important for protecting against damage or diseases (like cancer-suppressing genes) from working. For example, exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke can cause abnormal DNA methylation patterns that increase the risk of cancer.
Histone Modification: Toxins can also affect the proteins that DNA wraps around (histones). When toxins interact with these proteins, they can change the way DNA is packaged. This could either silence protective genes or make harmful genes more active. For example, chemicals in air pollution may lead to changes in histone modifications that promote inflammation or increase the risk of respiratory diseases.
Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals: Many toxins, like those from cigarette smoke or environmental pollution, produce free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage cells and their DNA, leading to changes in gene expression. Free radicals can alter DNA, histones, and even microRNAs, disrupting normal gene function and contributing to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
MicroRNAs: Toxins can also affect microRNAs, which are tiny molecules that regulate gene activity. Some toxins may disrupt the normal balance of microRNAs, turning harmful genes on or silencing protective genes, leading to adverse effects on health.
In summary, toxins can interfere with the way genes express themselves by changing how DNA is marked, packaged, or regulated. This can lead to the activation of harmful genes, the silencing of protective ones, and contribute to various health problems over time.
Elite IQ Membership
How do I get started with the Elite IQ Annual Membership?
- Upon purchasing the annual membership option you will receive an email with instructions on booking a 15-minute consult to meet with a Health HackerIQ Health Coach.
- During your consult, your coach will schedule your first True Age IQ test and initial blood lab appointment.
- You will also complete an in-depth health assessment form and download our Healthie App.
- Once your health coach has received all of your test results, you will receive a personalized wellness plan and the next steps for implementing your plan.
Can I cancel my membership?
- We do not offer refunds on testing or coaching services already performed.
- If you wish to cancel before your year ends, we will prorate the value of services yet to be performed and refund any monies paid upfront through the end of your coaching term.
- If you paid upfront through Affirm financing, you must cancel your financing agreement through Affirm. We are not responsible for any monies not returned through Affirm or other third-party financing agency.
Can I change coaches?
- In our intake process we aim to match you with a coach of your preference (male or female) and a coach who is best qualified to suite your specific needs and goals.
- If at anytime you are not satisfied with your coaching experience, a member of our leadership team will handle any concerns you may have and arrange for a seamless transition to another Health HackerIQ coach.
- We aim to offer 100% satisfaction on your coaching experience and strive to meet your expectations for a positive and affirming experience with Health Hacker IQ.
