How to Read Your MaxGen Genetic Report: A Step-by-Step Roadmap

Getting your genetic report back can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. This guide is here to help you make sense of it all.

At MaxGen, we believe in starting simple. You don’t need to understand every gene or implement every recommendation overnight. Your report is a personalized roadmap designed to help you make smarter decisions about your health, based on your DNA.

This article will walk you through how to read your report, section by section. We’ll break down the key terms, explain how to interpret your results, and show you how to turn your genetic insights into actionable steps. You’ll also find helpful tips, videos, and links along the way.

Sample Reports:

• The Works Kit

• The MaxFunction Kit

1. Start with the Basics: What Your Report Is Really Telling You

Before you dive into your results, it’s helpful to understand what you’re actually looking at, and what it doesn’t mean.

What Is Nutrigenomics?

Nutrigenomics is the study of how your genes interact with the foods you eat, the supplements you take, and the lifestyle you live. The goal? To help you make choices that actually match your genetic needs. Instead of guessing what diet or routine might work, nutrigenomics helps personalize it, based on your unique DNA.

What Are SNPs?

Your MaxGen report focuses on SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), which are small variations in your DNA. These SNPs can impact how your body responds to things like sugar, caffeine, inflammation, detoxification, and even stress or sleep. Think of them as genetic tendencies, not medical diagnoses.

"Once you know which SNPs you have, your health issues start to make a lot more sense." - Ben Lynch, Author of Dirty Genes

What Do the Symbols Mean?

Each gene result in your report will show one of the following:

• WT (Wild Type): Typical/common version of the gene
• +/- (Heterozygous): One variation present
• +/+ or -/- (Homozygous): Two copies of the variation

These results help identify areas where your body may need more support, like breaking down histamine, absorbing certain vitamins, or managing inflammation.

Remember: DNA Is a Starting Point

Your genes don’t determine your destiny, but they do offer helpful clues. Just because you carry a certain SNP doesn’t mean you’ll experience symptoms. Your environment, diet, stress levels, and lifestyle all play a major role in how your genes “show up.”

This report helps you take the guesswork out of wellness—so you can make informed, proactive choices that fit you.

2. Know the Structure of Your Report

Your report is structured in three tiers, each designed to guide you step-by-step from the basics of your health to more personalized insights.

1. Foundational: Focuses on everyday lifestyle influences like sleep, stress, diet, and inflammation. These are the building blocks for your overall health.

2. Core: Explores how your body processes nutrients, detoxifies, and maintains methylation balance. This is often where people begin making targeted changes.

3. Advanced: Covers hormones, enzymes, and long-term wellness indicators like longevity and fertility genes.

Don’t skip ahead! Each tier builds on the one before. Starting with the basics helps you apply the more advanced insights effectively.

3. How to Navigate Each Section

Each page of your report is designed to be approachable, even if you’re new to genetics. Here’s what to look for:

• Your Genetic Result: WT (wild type), +/– (heterozygous), ++ (homozygous risk)
• What It Means: A summary explaining what the gene does and what your result could indicate
• Personalized Recommendations: Actionable tips including diet, lifestyle, and supplements
• Symptoms to Monitor: Signs or risks that may be more relevant for you based on your results
  

4. Where to Start: The Foundational Section

Start here—this section includes genes that influence your everyday habits and baseline wellness.

• Lifestyle: Sleep quality, stress resilience, smoking impact, weight tendencies
• Diet: Carb sensitivity, cravings, satiety, sweet tooth
• Inflammation: Balance of omega-6 vs. omega-3, inflammation triggers
  

If you only implement one section this month—make it this one.

Suggested reading:

1. Dirty Genes by Ben Lynch, ND.

2. Sleep Stress and Your Genes: Foundational Lifestyle Tips for Better Health

3. What is Histamine and Why Does it Matter for Your Health?

Watch: 

1. The Truth About Genetic Testing: How Your DNA Can Transform Your Health with MaxGen:
   Tune in as Dr. Chad Yarbrough breaks down the MaxGen report with the Truth Moms, showing how DNA testing turns raw results into real health insights.

2. Take Control of Your Health in the New Year:
   Join Debi Bryk, BCHN, as she talks all things nutrition based genetics, resolutions vs. goals, healthy lifestyles, and more.

5. Digging Deeper: Core Nutrients & Detox Pathways

Once you’ve addressed the basics, move into your body’s processing systems.

• Key Genes: MTHFR, COMT, GST, and CYP pathways
• Why They Matter: These influence your ability to absorb nutrients, eliminate toxins, and maintain balance
• Supplement Guidance: Start low and slow, and consider working with a practitioner for guidance
  

Suggested reading:

1. Could an MTHFR Variant Be Impacting Your Health? Understanding the Role of MTHFR in Methylation and Health

Watch:

1. Detoxing The Truth and Myths
   Join Greer McGuinness, MS, RD, CLT. As a detox specialist, herbalist, and founder of Biomedical Healing for Kids, Greer empowers families with holistic solutions for Autism, ADHD, and pediatric health

2. Unraveling Genetic Links to Mental Health, Inflammation and Women's Health
   Join Brendan Vermeire, FMHP to learn how COMT gene variations influence neurotransmitter balance, mental health, estrogen metabolism, and inflammation—shaped by methylation, gut health, and related genetic pathways.

6. Long-Term Wellness: The Advanced Layer

This tier is for those ready to explore more personalized wellness strategies, especially if working with a practitioner.

• Genes Covered: Hormonal pathways, enzymes, neurotransmitter balance
• Relevance: These genes often relate to longevity, fertility, performance, and complex chronic conditions
• When to Use It: If you’re working with a practitioner or want to fine-tune health goals
  

Watch:

1. Dr. Tara Scott The Hormone Guru
   Join Dr. Tara Scott on her mission to empower women with the information they need to revitalize their health and prevent chronic disease. In this Q&A style webinar, Tara will provide insights on common problems in women's health and wellness

7. Common Questions & How to Track Progress

1. “Why does my report say I’m sensitive to X but I’ve never noticed?”
   Genetic tendencies don’t always show up right away—environment and lifestyle can “activate” or suppress certain traits.

2. “Should I retest later?”
   No need—your DNA doesn’t change. However, you can track changes in your lab work or symptoms over time.

3. “How do I track what’s working?”
   Use a habit tracker, or a supplement journal

Watch Our Live Q&A:
Understanding Your DNA: Top Questions Answered About MaxGen's Genetic Report

8. When to Work with a Practitioner

MaxGen-trained practitioners are available to help you personalize your wellness plan and interpret more complex results.

• Use the MaxGen Labs Practitioner Directory to find a provider
• Consider support if you’re managing things like:
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Migraines + MTHFR
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Fertility concerns
    

Additional Reading:

1. Toxic Summer? How Sunscreen, Pool Chemicals & Your DNA May Be Colliding

2. FDA Bans Red No.3: What Synthetic Food Dye Restrictions Mean for Your Health and Genetics

3. Genetic Insights for a Healthier Summer: Inflammation & Nutrition Tips

Your DNA, Your Roadmap

Your MaxGen report gives you more than data, it offers a clear path to better health. Start with the basics, build from there, and use your genetics as a guide to make smarter, more personalized choices every day.

Want more tips and insights? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest in genetic health and wellness.