AI Prompt Guide: Getting the Best Answers from ChatGPT & Claude
This guide shows you how to write effective prompts when using SelfDecode's AI integration with ChatGPT or Claude, so you get accurate, personalized answers based on your own results every time. New to the integration? Learn how to set it up here.
Three Rules for Great Prompts
1. Connect your account first
Make sure your SelfDecode account is connected before you start prompting.
2. Always address Decody by name
Start every prompt with Decody so the AI activates your SelfDecode integration instead of answering from general knowledge.
✅ "Hey Decody, please look at my results and…"
❌ "Please look at my results and…"
3. Reference the source of information
Tell Decody which report, lab data, or lifestyle data to pull from. Vague prompts (like "based on my genetics") can lead to arbitrary results.
✅ "…using my Cardiovascular Health Summary Report…"
❌ "…based on my genetics…"
✅ "…using my relevant lab markers and lifestyle data…"
❌ "…based on my health…"
Tip: For reliable, predictable responses, reference a specific report (for example, your Gut Health Summary Report). For a more exploratory answer with extra insights, reference a health area instead (for example, "gut health genetics").
The Prompt Formula
A simple structure that works for almost any request:
Hey Decody, please reference my [source of information]. Based on this, [your specific request].
Example:
"Hey Decody, please reference my Mood & Mental Health Report and my relevant lab markers. Based on this, give me my top 10 supplement recommendations, and for each one, explain which results are driving the recommendation and why the supplement helps."
Start Small, Then Expand
Complex, multi-part requests reduce accuracy. Break big questions into focused ones instead.
Instead of:
❌ "Considering my whole health picture, give me a full plan with supplements, diet, lifestyle, labs, fitness, and mental health."
Try a sequence:
- "Based on my Health Overview Report, what are my top 5 supplement, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations, and why?"
- "Based on my Medication Check (PGx) Report, which medications may require caution?"
- "Based on my Longevity Screener, which chronic conditions am I at higher risk for, and what lifestyle changes should I focus on?"
Prompt Ideas — Getting Started
Top supplement recommendations
"Hey Decody, reference my [Cardiovascular Health Summary / mental health genetics / gut health lab markers / lifestyle factors]. Give me my top 10 supplement recommendations, and for each one, explain why it works especially well for me."
Diet plan
"Hey Decody, based on my genetic results in the Diet & Nutrition Report and my Diet questionnaire, draft a 2-week personalized diet plan."
Lifestyle action plan
"Hey Decody, based on my [Fitness Summary Report / weight control genetics / most important lab results], create a detailed one-month lifestyle and workout plan."
Cardiovascular risk summary
"Hey Decody, reference my Cardiovascular Health Summary. Summarize my key genetic cardiovascular risks and suggest an action plan that prioritizes the highest-risk areas."
Prioritize by importance
"Hey Decody, open my [Health Overview Report / Gut Health Summary / lifestyle assessments]. List my 5 most important risks, and suggest my top 5 supplement and lifestyle recommendations."
Prompt Ideas — Going Deeper
Important: SelfDecode is for informational and wellness purposes and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. Use these prompts to understand your results and prepare better questions for your doctor — not to start, stop, or change any medication on your own.
Medication and gene interactions to discuss with your doctor
"Hey Decody, I've been prescribed metformin and a low-dose SSRI. Based on my Medication Check (PGx) Report and metabolic genetics, what interaction risks, metabolizer status, or nutrient depletions should I bring up with my doctor or pharmacist?"
Fatigue and burnout root-cause exploration
"Hey Decody, I've been dealing with chronic fatigue, poor sleep, and low motivation. Using my genetics, labs, and lifestyle data, identify the most likely root causes and build a prioritized recovery plan I can review with my provider."
Pre-conception nutrition
"Hey Decody, I'm planning to conceive in the next 6 months. Based on my nutrigenetics — especially methylation, folate metabolism, and inflammation markers — design a targeted pre-conception supplement and diet plan I can confirm with my OB or provider."
Post-illness / long-haul recovery
"Hey Decody, I've had brain fog, fatigue, and gut issues for 4 months after an illness. Based on my genetic predispositions for inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune regulation, suggest a personalized recovery plan."
Cardiovascular risk and lifestyle
"Hey Decody, I have a family history of heart disease. Based on my lipid metabolism genetics, inflammation markers, and current lifestyle, what are my highest-priority modifiable risks, and which specific dietary and supplement changes are best matched to my genotype?"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why it's a problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not naming the tool | The AI may not activate the integration | Always start with "Hey Decody" |
| Not naming the source of info | The AI picks a source arbitrarily | Always reference the specific report, lab, or lifestyle data |
| Asking too many things at once | Lower quality, scattered output | Break it into focused prompts |
Do Even More From Your AI Chatbot
You can now generate and download PDF reports, buy new reports, upload labs, and answer lifestyle questions — all directly from your AI chatbot. Read more about it here. [→ link to consumer AI upgrades article]
Coming Soon
An in-house LLM — an AI model trained specifically on genomic and functional health data, enabling full data privacy without third-party apps.
Questions & Feedback
To submit feedback, use the built-in feedback tool — reference Decody and say you're submitting feedback. You'll receive a confirmation once it's gone through.
Found a prompt that works really well? Share it with us at support@selfdecode.com.