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Most of us have a vitamin supplement or two in our medicine caddy that we take every day, hoping to get that energy boost or shake off the winter blues. In fact, according to a recent report, around 60% of adults in the US use dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most common, closely followed by vitamin D. While we rely on these supplements to enhance our well-being and fill nutritional gaps, how can you tell if they're working, and how long does it actually take to see results? This article serves as an in-depth guide to vitamin consumption and provides effective tips on increasing vitamin absorption.
There are several proven benefits of taking vitamins as supplements:
Vitamins are present in the food we consume and supplements we take.
Like all other nutrients, they are absorbed by the body through the digestive system.
When you consume a food or supplement containing vitamins, the food is broken down in the stomach and intestines and absorbed into the blood.
The presence of certain foods in your diet can speed up the absorption of vitamins.
Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D require fat in your meals to be absorbed.
Besides food, gut bacteria also play an essential role in supporting vitamin digestion.
Different types of vitamins take different durations to show their effects.
Generally speaking, water-soluble vitamins start working within days; in contrast, fat-soluble vitamins take weeks to months to start working.
However, both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins may take, on average, 3 months to correct a vitamin deficiency.
Other factors that determine how long it takes for vitamins to work include:
Consuming fat with fat-soluble vitamins enhances their absorption.
Some factors that affect the efficacy of vitamins are:
Hand-picked Article For You: Top 7 Vitamins and Nutrients For Clearing Brain Fog
When vitamins start working, you will notice signs like:
and improvement in other symptoms you experienced before taking supplements.
However, a sure-shot way to tell if your vitamins are actually working for you is through blood test that examines the levels of various vitamins and minerals in your body.
While no one method can make vitamins work like magic, there are certain things one can follow to get the maximum benefit.
Did You Know? Mutations in certain genes that influence the absorption, conversion, and transport of vitamins can put you at a high risk for deficiency. Uncover your complete nutritional profile with Xcode Life's Gene Nutrition Report.
reports are generated with ancestry test raw data. xcode life does not ship out DNA kits
If you are taking vitamins and are still experiencing signs and symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, bleeding gums, brittle nails, or vision problems, your vitamin supplements may not be working.
While it takes some time for your body to get used to the vitamin supplements, persistent signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency must be evaluated by your doctor.
Adding vitamins to your daily routine is easy and quick.
Here are a few tips that may be helpful:
There is no right time to take vitamins. However, doctors recommend taking them with or after meals to increase absorption.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right multivitamin:
It’s a common misconception that earlobes are simply either free or attached. The genetic reasoning behind earlobes manifesting as attached or detached is much more complex than we previously thought. Scientists have isolated several genetic loci and environmental factors that help form our earlobes. This article will dive into earlobe attachment and the intricate genetics responsible for those seemingly insignificant bits of skin beneath your ears.
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.
Earlobes are the soft, fleshy part of the outer ear, situated beneath the ear's rim and extending towards the jawline.
Earlobes are composed of soft tissue and fat, with no cartilage, making them soft and pliable.
They can range from large and hanging down to small and hardly noticeable.
There are two main kinds of human earlobes:
This distinction is known as "earlobe attachment" and is a widely used example in the study of human genetics.
Earlobe attachment is a genetic trait influenced by multiple genes,
The combination of various genes inherited from your parents determines your earlobe attachment type(attached or detached).
Most individuals have the same earlobe attachment type on both ears.
However, in rare instances, one earlobe is attached, and the other is detached.
This condition is known as asymmetric earlobe attachment.
Scientists don't fully understand the exact reasons for this asymmetry.
It's likely a result of the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
The prevalence of attached earlobes varies globally.
It's important to remember that these figures are estimates, and actual frequencies may differ within specific populations.
Yes, earlobes can change in size and shape as we age.
Over time, ear cartilage becomes thinner and weaker, causing ears to droop and grow longer.
Earlobe fat tissue content also decreases, making them flatter and less noticeable.
Additionally, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, resulting in wrinkles and sagging.
However, your earlobe attachment trait won’t change with age.
The genetic basis of attached earlobes is complex.
Some researchers say many different genes influence earlobe attachment, while others disagree.
A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 49 genetic locations associated with earlobe attachment.
The researchers found several candidate genes, including EDAR, SP5, MRPS22, ADGRG6, KIAA1217, and PAX9.
The EDAR gene is particularly interesting because it influences the probability of having attached earlobes.
Other genes responsible for cell signaling, adhesion, and differentiation are also associated with attached earlobes.
Further research is underway into how these genes influence earlobe attachment together.
Attached earlobes are a recessive trait.
They result from the absence of a dominant allele on the chromosomes.
In genetics, traits are influenced by alleles, which are different manifestations of the same gene.
Some dominant alleles have a stronger influence than others, leading to a particular trait.
The recessive allele exerts influence when the dominant alleles are absent, enabling the opposite trait.
Let’s study a gene responsible for earlobe attachment.
There are two alleles (versions) of this gene: the dominant A allele(for free earlobes) and the recessive a allele (for attached earlobes).
The genotypes AA and Aa will result in the dominant trait, free earlobes.
The genotype aa will result in the recessive trait, attached earlobes.
In reality, the inheritance of this trait is complex and goes beyond a single gene’s influence.
Parents with attached earlobes could have children with different earlobe types.
Most people consider earlobe attachment as a simple Mendelian trait, which is meant to follow a clear pattern of inheritance based on dominant and recessive alleles.
It’s more accurate to describe earlobe attachment as a complex trait following two kinds of inheritance patterns.
Polygenic inheritance means multiple genes determine the trait, each having a modest effect.
Multifactorial inheritance signifies that environmental factors also play a role, introducing more variation.
Thus, predicting earlobe attachment isn't as simple as examining your parents’ traits; it also involves an element of chance and other contributing factors.
Some genetic conditions can affect the shape and size of the earlobes, including:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/earlobe-anatomy-5092216
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Genetics-of-Earlobes.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812923/
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/beckwith-wiedemann-syndrome
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/cornelia-de-lange-syndrome/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125
Studies suggest that female relatives of people with anorexia are 11 times more likely to develop it. This points towards the involvement of genetics in some capacity. Though the exact genes that influence it are unknown, it may be caused by a combination of several genes and other lifestyle and environmental factors. This article explores anorexia in-depth, discussing its causes, symptoms, genetics, and treatment options.
Anorexia nervosa, also referred to as anorexia, is a psychological and potentially life-threatening eating disorder.
It is characterized by an excessive fear of weight gain.
Anorexia is typically seen in adolescent girls and young women, but anyone can develop this metabolic condition.
Professionals who are expected to be fit and lean at all times tend to develop this condition more commonly.
These include athletes, models, actresses, etc.
| Restrictive | Binge/Purge |
| Involves restricting calorie consumption by avoiding certain types of foods, skipping meals, and over-exercising. | Starvation is accompanied by periods of binge eating. Gear of weight gain results in self-induced vomiting and misusing enemas and laxatives. |
The role of genetics in eating disorders has been a subject of research for decades.
Several studies have examined the genetic angle of anorexia nervosa:
Eight genes were found to play a role in anorexia, and they are all involved in appetite control. Mutations in these genes could change your perception of hunger.
The signs and symptoms of this metabolic disorder can be classified into – physical, psychological, or behavioral.
People with OCD have a higher risk of developing anorexia.
They are more likely to follow strict diets, forego eating and go hungry for days without food.
They also tend to go to extremes to achieve perfection; feeling like they aren't at their “ideal” body weight.
Many people tend to develop anorexia due to societal pressure that gives a lot of importance to “being thin.”
Peer pressure could fuel young girls’ need to be thinner, leading to eating disorders.
Anorexia is more common in women and often seen in teenage girls, but there is a rising trend of this disease occuring in women over 50..
Though studies are still underway, a new study has suggested that there may be a neurological reason for the disparity of the disease occurrence in men and women.
Women are more likely to experience a negative perception of their bodies than men, making them think they must be 'thin.'
While social media can’t directly cause an eating disorder, the toxic environments it creates can certainly lead to problems down the road.
The information shared on social media can significantly influence how a person thinks, feels, behaves.
It has a big impact on their self-image and self-esteem.
A 2017 meta-analysis identified a positive correlation between the use of social media and irregular eating behaviors.
The study further confirmed that the excessive use of social media is associated with an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.
Disordered eating impacts our physical and mental well-being.
Eating disorders like anorexia can significantly affect the nervous system and the brain.
The following are some effects anorexia has on the brain:
Research has shown that people who have recovered from or are currently experiencing anorexia have abnormal brain activity.
Their brains react to stimuli and produce serotonin differently.
Insomnia is also a symptom associated with anorexia.
The weight loss, malnutrition, and starvation seen in people with anorexia can also contribute to poorer sleep quality and duration.
However, whether these changes in pathways and brain responses are seen before a person develops anorexia remains unknown.ith an increased risk of disordered eating behaviors.
The American Psychiatric Association classifies eating disorders as mental illnesses that often develop due to unresolved underlying issues.
If left untreated, they can result in more serious medical conditions.
Females are generally at a higher risk of developing AN, but a recent study conducted at Harvard found that 25% of AN and bulimia cases were people assigned male at birth. They posited that these numbers were lower because these cases are often unreported or undiagnosed.
Not everyone who suffers from anorexia has a stereotypical 'anorexic' look.
Anorexia can look like someone with a healthy weight who’s unhappy with their appearance and trying to lose weight.
Additionally, not all thin people have anorexia.
Some people suffering from other eating disorders like bulimia can also appear excessively thin..
It’s a common misconception that anorexia is a lifelong condition.
With enough treatment, time, and effort, anorexia can be overcome.
While they’re called eating disorders, they result from a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.
People with anorexia are more fixated on their appearance than on what or how they eat.
Patients who are suspected to be suffering from anorexia are diagnosed as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fifth Edition (DSM-V), published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013.
As per the manual, a person is anorexic if they fulfill the following criteria:
By keeping the above DSM-V criteria in mind, doctors will perform multiple tests to rule out any other disorders. These tests include
Other Tests: X-rays to check for bone density and fractures and ECG to detect any cardiac abnormalities.lities.
Physical Examination: Measurement of BMI, vital signs, skin health, and abdominal examination.
Lab Tests: Routine tests to analyze blood and detect the levels of electrolytes and liver enzymes that indicate the body’s fasting mode.
Psychological Evaluation: Mental health professionals evaluate patients' thoughts, feelings, emotions, and eating habits.
The treatment is usually a team approach.
It involves efforts by doctors, mental health specialists, dieticians, and the willingness of the patient.
If the patient suffers from serious effects of eating disorders, they may need hospitalization.
It can help correct medical complications, malnutrition, and psychiatric problems.
After the patient is stable, the next step is to nourish them to a healthy body weight.
Nutritionists work with psychologists to develop strategies that correct the patient’s perception of their appearance and weight.
A dietician works to monitor the patient’s diet and nutritional intake constantly.
The treatment process and management are incomplete without mental and emotional support from family and friends.
If you are diagnosed with anorexia, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
Along with their recommendations, some home remedies can help manage the condition.
Anorexia is one of the most dangerous, potentially life-threatening mental health illnesses.
In most cases, these individuals appear to have ‘healthy’ lifestyles but are fighting battles within themselves.
It’s important to remember that ‘eating disorder’ implies a distorted eating behaviour, not a tantrum about eating food.
Such recurrent, disordered thoughts overtake the person's mind slowly.
Recovering from an eating disorder is challenging but not impossible.
Substance abuse is overcome by cutting out dangerous substances, but eating disorders are overcome only by recognizing that we need food to stay alive and well.
More than anything, people with anorexia desperately need love, care, and reassurance from the people around them.
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Have you ever wondered how your body knows when to wake up, when you're hungry, or how it reacts to stress? Well, that’s all thanks to a little teamwork between your genes and hormones. Let's dive into how these two key players interact to keep your body ticking—and how they can shape everything from your mood to your long-term health.
Hormones are like the body's text messages—sent out from different organs to relay important instructions.
For instance, when you’re stressed, the brain sends a signal to release a hormone called cortisol.
Think of cortisol as your body's natural “stress responder.”
It helps you manage a tough situation, whether you're preparing for a big presentation or just stuck in traffic.
But hormones don’t act alone—they’re influenced by your genes, the unique code that makes you, well, you.
Some genes are like the architects behind hormones. They help build them, decide how they’re used, and even determine how quickly they break down.
Why do some people seem to handle stress better than others? Part of the answer lies in their genes.
Take the CRH gene, for example. It produces corticotrophin-releasing hormone, the first step in the cascade that forms cortisol.
Depending on how your version of this gene works, your body might produce more or less cortisol in response to stress.
It's like having a thermostat that’s a little too sensitive—some people's cortisol levels spike at the slightest hint of stress, while others stay cool under pressure.
So, if you tend to feel frazzled often, your genes might be partly to blame!
Just as genes help regulate hormones, hormones can flip the switch on certain genes.
Imagine hormones as tiny light switches—they can turn genes on or off depending on what’s happening in your body.
For instance, during puberty, hormones like testosterone and estrogen surge, activating genes responsible for growth and development.
That’s why you get that sudden growth spurt or might have felt more emotional during your teenage years.
And here’s where it gets fascinating: These hormone-driven gene changes don’t just affect your appearance—they can influence your behavior, too.
So, if you felt more rebellious or moody as a teenager, you can thank your hormones for pulling the strings behind the scenes.
This gene-hormone interaction isn’t just something that happens during puberty. It continues throughout your life.
For example, genes and hormones work together in adulthood to control your metabolism, immune system, and even your risk for certain diseases.
Here’s a fun fact: If you were born underweight, your genes might respond by making your hormones work overtime to help you "catch up" in growth.
Research has shown that children who experience rapid growth after being born with a low birth weight tend to have higher levels of certain hormones, like IGF-1, which helps regulate growth.
These hormonal shifts can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes later in life.
Let’s look at some important health aspects overseen by the gene-hormone interaction.
Think of the tallest person you know. It’s fun to joke about them walking into door frames, but behind the scenes, the growth hormone is responsible for their height.
It’s secreted from the pituitary gland in our brain and regulates our growth and metabolism.
This is also a perfect example of the gene-hormone interplay at work.
If you have a version of the gene that causes normal growth hormone production, you may end up with an average height.
However, if the gene version causes high growth hormone production, you grow very tall.
During puberty, hormones like testosterone and estrogen flood your body, triggering the genes responsible for growth and development.
They also play a role in fertility.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone.
The SRY gene helps regulate testosterone production.
If it malfunctions, fertility is affected, leading to a host of reproductive disorders.
Conversely, testosterone can activate or deactivate the genes that control how much sperm is produced at a time.
Why do some people seem to eat anything they want and never gain weight, while others gain pounds just by looking at dessert?
Part of the answer lies in the interaction between your genes and hormones.
Your metabolism—the process your body uses to convert food into energy—is regulated by hormones like thyroid hormones and insulin, which are influenced by your genes.
Some people inherit genes that make their hormones super-efficient at burning calories, while others may have slower metabolic rates.
In addition to this, hormones like ghrelin and leptin regulate hunger and satiety, respectively.
The ideal combination would be gene variations that result in lower ghrelin and higher leptin so that you don’t get hungry very often but easily get full upon eating!
This is why weight management can feel like a breeze for some and a battle for others.
Lately, stress has become an unavoidable part of our lives, but it isn’t the real enemy.
The stress response is also called the fight-or-flight response, an important process that helps us navigate through various situations in life.
The stress hormone, called cortisol, prepares your body for this.
Certain genes influence how much cortisol you produce and how quickly it’s cleared from your system.
For some, cortisol levels spike and remain high longer, which can lead to feeling frazzled or anxious.
For others, the stress response is more like a short-lived blip on the radar.
This gene-hormone connection helps explain why some people are calm under pressure, while others may struggle with stress management.
Have you ever had those days when you just can’t shake off a bad mood?
Your hormones could be playing a major part, and your genes may be directing them.
Hormones like serotonin and dopamine, known as the “feel-good” hormones, are partly regulated by your genes.
Some people are genetically more likely to have higher or lower levels of serotonin, which can influence their mental health.
For instance, individuals with certain genetic variants may be more prone to anxiety or depression, as their genes may not allow them to produce or process serotonin effectively.
Now that we know how genes and hormones interact, what can you do to ensure this relationship stays balanced and supports your overall health?
Here are a few practical tips:
Chronic stress can throw your hormone levels out of whack.
Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or daily walks.
These simple practices can help regulate your cortisol levels, allowing your genes to work in a more balanced environment.
A nutrient-rich diet supports healthy hormone function.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds) can improve hormonal balance.
Foods rich in antioxidants(like berries) help reduce oxidative stress.
This allows your genes and hormones to work efficiently.
Exercise boosts mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine and helps regulate hormones like insulin and cortisol.
Aim for a mix of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises to keep hormones in check and support healthy gene function.
Quality sleep is essential for the optimal function of hormones like melatonin and growth hormone.
It’s crucial for everything from cell repair to stress regulation.
Create a sleep routine that includes unwinding before bed, avoiding screens, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool.
Understanding your genetic predispositions can be incredibly empowering.
Genetic testing services allow you to get insights into how your genes influence hormone levels.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make more informed lifestyle and health choices that work for your body.
Researchers are just scratching the surface of understanding the full interaction between genes and hormones.
From alcohol consumption to mental health, scientists are uncovering more ways in which gene-hormone interaction influences our lives.
With enough research, we could even tailor medical treatments based on our unique genetic and hormonal profiles.
Ghrelin Receptor Gene: The Hunger Hormone And Eating Behaviour
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Is GERD Hereditary?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445642
https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/15/9/1229/670462
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6065213
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345409
Every menstrual cycle phase brings different physical and mental changes in females. GI issues, especially bloating, are common problems for millions. Bloating during ovulation occurs mid-menstrual cycle and can cause discomfort and a constant feeling of fullness. If you struggle with fluctuating weight and body shape, your menstrual cycle could be the culprit. Know more about why the ovulation phase causes bloating and the lifestyle changes to help combat this.
Did You Know? Your genes hold precious clues about nearly all aspects of your health and wellness. Harnessing this information can help you understand your genetic makeup and decide about your nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle choices. Learn more
Bloating is a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen area.
Bloating is a common problem in Americans, with 1 in 7 adults experiencing the symptoms weekly.
According to research, females are more likely to experience bloating than males (19% vs. 10.5%).
Some of the common reasons for bloating are:
Menstrual cycles are a part of the reproductive system in those with a uterus and are a preparation of the body for a possible pregnancy.
Most females have a menstrual cycle of 24-38 days.
The body goes through varied changes throughout the cycle, from day one of bleeding to the start of the next cycle.
There are different phases to the menstrual cycle; one such phase of interest is ovulation.
The ovulation phase is the fertile window where the ovary releases the egg and can fall between day ten and day 17 of the menstrual cycle.
Bloating during ovulation is a common problem faced by millions globally.
The female reproductive hormones drive ovulation.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels rise to help release the eggs from the ovaries and prepare them to travel toward the fallopian tube.
The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen levels also increase during this phase.
Progesterone, another sex hormone, slowly increases levels from day one of ovulation to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
Some of the physical signs of ovulation are:
Hormonal fluctuations are the reasons for most physical and mental discomforts women face in their menstrual cycles.
During ovulation, sudden surges in the reproductive hormones could be causing fluid retention in the body.
Fluid retention adds to the signs of bloating during ovulation.
Many women also see that they slightly gain weight during their mid-menstrual cycle.
The weight gain could also be because of these hormonal surges.
Increased hormonal levels lead to fluid retention in the body.
Fluid retention worsens bloating signs and contributes to slight weight gain.
A 2011 study recorded self-reported fluid retention during different menstrual cycle phases in 62 healthy women.
This study reports that fluid retention in the body was highest on the first day of menstruation and started increasing during the ovulation phase.
So, it's normal to experience sudden weight gain and signs of bloating during the ovulation phase.
Yes. It is normal to be bloated during ovulation.
For women with regular menstrual cycles, the bloating usually subsides 1-2 days after ovulation and may reappear during menstruation.
In women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, bloating could be a constant discomfort throughout the menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in the sex hormones.
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cycle#/media/File:MenstrualCycle2_en.svg
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms showing up between the ovulation and menstruation phases.
3 out of 4 women may experience PMS every month, and the symptoms can range from GI issues to mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, and body pain.
The PMS symptoms peak during the late-luteal phase, about a week before the onset of periods.
In this phase, once the body realizes that there was no successful conception, the hormone levels start fluctuating again.
The levels of progesterone, FSH, and estrogen start dropping.
This drop in hormones can cause fluid retention and bloating too.
The differences between premenstrual bloating and ovulation bloating are explained below.
| Premenstrual bloating | Ovulation bloating |
| May occur 2-7 before the onset of bleeding. | Occurs during the ovulation phase (10-17 days into the menstrual cycle). |
| Could be accompanied by cramps, mood swings, tender breasts, and food cravings. | Could be accompanied by cervical mucus changes, libido changes, slight menstruation-like cramping, and breast tenderness. |
| Can last for 2-7 days or until the start of menstruation. | Can last for 1-2 days. |
A low-FODMAP diet may help handle the signs of bloating during ovulation.
FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols.
These are short-chain carbohydrates found in high amounts in foods like the ones below.
These high FODMAP foods can trigger or worsen bloating.
Instead, choose low-FODMAP foods like the following to help handle bloating.
Studies report that being physically active after a meal can help bring down the intensity of abdominal bloating.
In a 2021 study, 94 participants were divided into two groups, and one group was asked to walk 10-15 minutes after every meal.
The intervention group’s signs of bloating and fullness were reduced after walking.
Probiotics are good bacteria that are beneficial for gut health.
Probiotic-rich foods can help reduce gas production, thereby improving bloating.
Some natural sources of probiotics are yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso.
There are different ways water can help bloating during ovulation.
An excess sodium in your diet can encourage water retention in the body.
It is common to have junk food cravings and enjoy packets of crisps and other processed foods during ovulation.
However, this can be a major cause of bloating during ovulation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32809533/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3154522/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27529/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221123213555.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6824367/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3322543/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8035544/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35143108/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/a-new-diet-to-manage-irritable-bowel-syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7122060/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3322543/
Have you ever wondered why some people are more sensitive to stress while others handle it easily? The answer might lie in a gene called COMT. COMT, short for catechol-O-methyltransferase, is a gene that plays a crucial role in regulating stress response and dopamine levels in our brains. In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to have a slow COMT gene and discuss effective strategies to navigate its effects.
What does it mean to be a COMT Warrior or Worrier? Is a warrior better than a worrier in handling stress? All your questions about the COMT gene are answered in the video below.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that regulates the breakdown of catechols.
Catechols include dopamine, norepinephrine epinephrine, and estrogen metabolites.
The COMT gene helps the body in making this enzyme.
The COMT gene provides instructions for the functioning of the COMT enzyme.
The COMT enzyme breaks down brain chemicals called catecholamine neurotransmitters.
They include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
The slow variant of this gene has been associated with anxiety and mood disorders.
The COMT gene produces two types of COMT enzymes.
There are three variants of the COMT gene.
| Genotype | Amino acid | Enzyme activity | Stress response and other effects |
| AA | Met/Met | Low: Worrier | Poor; lower pain threshold, more efficient at processing information under most conditions |
| AG | Met/Val | Intermediate | Average; moderate pain threshold, moderate cognitive performance |
| GG | Val/Val | High: Warrior | Good; higher pain threshold, modest reduction in executive cognition performance under most conditions |
It is important to note that even though the AA variant of COMT is associated with poor stress response, it also provides an advantage in memory and attention tasks.
The worrier variant or the COMT Met allele is also called the slow COMT gene since it results in the slow breakdown of dopamine and other catecholamines.
When you have this variant, your body has difficulty removing catechols from the system.
As a result, you are more sensitive to stress and more prone to anxiety.
About 20-30 % of Caucasians of European ancestry have the slow COMT gene.
It limits the body's ability to remove catechols.
It directly affects stress reactivity, health, and well-being of a person.
No set of symptoms can conclusively tell that you have a slow COMT gene. Only genetic tests can reveal this information.
However, there are certain symptoms that are characteristic of a slow COMT gene. They include:
COMT is a methylation gene
DNA methylation is a biochemical process required for normal development. Several B vitamins play an important role in DNA methylation.
A slow COMT gene may have difficulty removing them from the system as they trigger catechol release.
**Please consult a qualified specialist before making any significant changes to your diet. The content above is for informational purposes only and doesn’t substitute for medical advice.
If you have done an ancestry genetic test with companies like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, etc., you can learn your COMT gene status in just 3 steps.
In your report, look at the “Warrior Personality” and “Worrier Personality” sections in your report.
The COMT gene plays an essential role in our health and well-being. It regulates the COMT enzyme, which removes catechols from the body.
This gene can have 3 variants: a slow variant, an intermediate variant, and a fast variant.
Having the slow variant means that your body has a hard time removing catechols. It might make you more sensitive to stress and traumatic events and predisposed to depression.
Cutting out certain protein-rich foods from your diet might help deal with a slow COMT gene.
Practicing stress reduction techniques helps deal with stress.
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https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/comt/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345409/
