My Favourite Jeans (Genes)
1. COMT and Mood
You know how you have that favourite pair of jeans that fit so well and are just you? Well, some genes are like that. When you read about what they do and how they make you feel, you say to yourself, yep, that’s me!
I have several favourite genes which I will be writing about in this series. But first, a quick explanation:
Our genes are made up of DNA. While we as humans share 99% of our DNA, the 1% can make all the difference to who we are, how we look and how we feel, mentally and physically.
You will no doubt be familiar with DNA testing (link to website?) which can reveal details of our heritage and ancestry (I have an interesting story to tell at some point about what my own ancestry DNA testing revealed!!).
Genetic Testing for health rather than ancestry, enables us to look in detail at our DNA to understand our unique health blueprint. Small changes or variants in our genetic make-up – SNP’s (pronounced SNIPS – single nucleotide polymorphisms) can have significant impacts on every aspect of our health and well-being.
Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrition impacts our genes. Nutrigenomic Testing therefore focuses on certain genes which are important for our health and the influence that nutrition can have on them, positive or negative. Understanding your unique genetic strengths, weaknesses and predispositions can allow you to make informed decisions about your nutrition and lifestyle choices.
View the DNA/Genetic Reports glossary of terms page where I explain in simple terms, some of the language you may encounter when going through your DNA report.
COMT (Catechol-o-methyltransferase)
COMT is part of the Methylation cycle and degrades the neorotransmitters (catecholamines) dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. It also breaks down oestrogen, xenoestrogens and some medications.
Certain variants (SNP’s) can affect the rate at which these compounds are broken down. We tend to refer to people as having a “fast” or a “slow” COMT.
Since our neurotransmitters can very much affect our mood, understanding whether we our COMT is fast or slow can explain a lot of our behaviours. For example:
Slow COMT
- Tends to have higher levels of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline
Strengths
- Usually can focus and be productive for long periods of time
- Have natural enthusiasm and exuberance
- Are altruistic and generous.
Weaknesses
- Have trouble winding down
- Can have a tendency towards workaholism
- Often have sleep issues
- Can become irritable and impatient
- Have difficulties metabolizing oestrogen which can lead to menstrual issues, fibroids and female cancers)
- Caffeine can increase anxiety
Fast COMT
- Tends to have lower levels of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline
Strengths
- Naturally calm and able to relax
- Laid back, high tolerance for stress
- Sleeps well
- Often has lots of interests
Weaknesses
- Can find it difficult to get going in the morning and get and stay motivated
- Easily distracted and finds it difficult to complete tasks
- Can be forgetful
- Often relies on caffeine to get and keep going
- Can be lacking in confidence
- Can have low energy
Any of these traits sound familiar? Want to know more about your COMT gene? Want to know which nutrients can best support your version of the gene? The Methylation and Nervous System Tests both report on this gene. To order your package or contact me for more information visit my contact page