Quercetin increased the antiproliferative activity of green tea polyphenol ()-epigallocatechin gallate in prostate cancer cells. These three components work together to clear your body of toxins and metabolites, the harmful by-products of metabolism. High estrogen levels due to a slow COMT gene can cause symptoms such as PMS, fibroids, breast tenderness, irregular menstrual periods, and mood swings. The main responsibility of these genes is to degrade neurotransmitters and get rid of them to keep proper balance. Good food sources include amaranth, beef (grass-fed), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bulgur, cauliflower, chicken, collard greens, eggs, liver (beef), pasta (bread and biscuits), peanut butter, quinoa, mutton, rabbit, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimp, spinach, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, Swiss chard, tilapia (fish) and turkey. Histamine Intolerance
Avoid all high oxalic acid foods like kale and spinach. However, you still need to stay healthy overall and limit oxidative damage in your body by eating a healthy balance of plant nutrients. Pharmacogenomics, 20(7), 529551. Eating foods high in B2 and folate is the best diet for the MTHFR gene, which is involved in the production of SAMe. Any statements therein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore those carrying two copies of the A allele display lower COMT activity which is associated with increased dopamine levels in the brain. So its important to eliminate anything that will increase catechol levels in your body such as: When you have excess estrogen in your body, it slows COMT processes. But other people may have little to no response. Having a lot can create anxiety, but a certain amount is necessary for focus, concentration, and motivation. Nothing beats getting vitamins and minerals from food. SAMe and magnesium are essential nutrients for the COMT gene to function and methylate estrogen and stress neurotransmitters. DISCLAIMER This site utilizes cookies and contains affiliate links. COMT plays an important role in inactivating several neurotransmitters including: Dopamine; Epinephrine; Norepinephrine 2. https://doi.org/10.1086/425589 To learn more about the COMT gene with in-depth health questionnaires, I highly recommend reading Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch. But other people may have little to no response. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2008.222 The COMT enzyme plays an essential role in maintaining neurotransmitter levels at the right amount. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 111(7), 684694. (Consider the chocolates as our neurotransmitters.) AFS occurs when youre under stress over a long period. The Val158Met polymorphism in COMT gene and cancer risk: Role of endogenous and exogenous catechols. Have you ever taken a supplement, such as methyl folate or methylB12, and noticed an immediate improvement in your mood?
Everyones adrenals have different tolerance levels for this kind of overwork, but when you hit your individual limit, your adrenals will start to malfunction and eventually degrade. This mutation has a powerful impact on your stress reactivity and your ability to de-stress. Elevated beta-glucuronidase activity and thus, high estrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of hormone dependent cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancers, and colon cancers. * Dr. Lam in our products and services refers to Dr. Michael P. Lam, MD, founder of DrLam.com and DrLamCoaching.com. Talk to your doctor about a cheek swab test. A step by step guide is available on the Advanced Functional Medicine website to easily arrange your genome test. Copyright 2023 Amber's Natural Nutrition, Vegan Meat Sticks The Best Dehydrated Vegan Jerky Recipe. Be on the alert for paradoxical reactions. In this Brand New 3rd Edition Dr. Kevin Conners adds almost DOUBLE the content with all new insights and practical tips on how to understand your bodys ability to heal and get back to a state of health. WebFoods to avoid with a COMT mutation and foods to eat depend on a fast or slow COMT gene. Receive Insights from Dr Conners in Your Inbox! After giving methylfolate to hundreds of patients, I noticed some of them responded with aggression, anxiety, anger, and irritability. Systems pharmacogenomics gene, disease, drug and placebo interactions: A case study in COMT. Catechin-containing foods and drinks such as chocolate, wine, coffee, and green tea are metabolized via the COMT gene, and these foods are best avoided if you have a slow COMT. This is like COMT degradation. Taking magnesium can support the bodys ability to have a healthy stress response as it enables the COMT gene to clear stress from the body. Ghosh P, Sarkar K, Bhaduri N, et al. Im here to remove the confusion and give you guidance. from the above list), When COMT and MAO are UP-regulated (particularly MAO) this can lead to an INCREASE in the breakdown of Serotonin = LOW SEROTONIN with common symptoms of. Other natural substances/choices to help increase Serotonin and Dopamine levels (SLOW MAO pathway) if you have an UP-regulated gene pathway: Thats okay, were here to guide you on your journey. So, if you have this COMT mutation, your body will struggle to cope with the high NT levels that occur during stressful periods. WebCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme which inactivates neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine in the brain, and is encoded for by the COMT gene 1. Comt and alpha-tocopherol effects in cancer prevention: Gene-supplement interactions in two randomized clinical trials. The Warrior or Worrier Gene COMT has been called the warrior or worrier gene based on the genotype. This close linkage can be observed in the identical minor allele frequency (47%) associated with each SNP 16. Symptoms of increased gene expression (and therefore a decrease in the neurotransmitters) may include: (remember, OTHER issues can cause these same symptoms (like a Histamine intolerance) which is COMPLETELY unrelated!). So, if you have this mutation, then you may be more sensitive to stress and find that its effects last longer.
In terms of the why this occurs, it is yet again just random gene mutation here. Again, usually a MOA and/or COMT defect causes episodes of DECREASE in gene function and episodes of INCREASE function so the diet below is simply intended to reduce or increase the substrates that feed that pathway and may change on a daily basis. These problems can be made worse by another common gene mutation known as MTHFR. You must strike a careful balance when it comes to phytonutrients, which are the chemicals produced by plants. Usually, your NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response does its work behind the scenes to help you cope with stress, and then it shuts down once your stress levels go down again. Sharing weight loss tips, gut health tips and whole food recipes that are gluten-free. It is vital that you include healthy eating, good sleep, movement and avoid excessive environmental toxins. When you have a COMT mutation, your body will be slower to get rid of many of the hormones that are produced when youre under stress. Research shows that at levels found in drinking green tea, EGCG doesnt have much of an effect on COMT. Research does show that people with slow COMT break down EGCG more slowly than people with fast COMT.[ref][ref][ref]. Calcium D glucarate is also beneficial for people with high estrogen levels and a slow COMT gene. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. WebCaffeine, which triggers a release of catechols in the body. Both the G and A allele ofG472A in the COMT gene are associated withneurologicalcharacteristics associated with altered COMT activity 4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djy204 All Rights Reserved. 
~ Read Member's Only sections. WebAnswer (1 of 4): That will depend on what the mutation is. A potential interaction between COMT and MTHFR genetic variants in Han Chinese patients with bipolar II disorder. But, if youre like many people in the modern world, then youre under chronic stress because of lifestyle and environmental factors. Worldwide Nutritional Coaching Since 2001. Gelatin. COMT mutations have been associated with both ADHD1 and autism.2 Children carrying the methionine allele (associated with higher dopamine) show better performance in numerical tasks such as magnitude assessment, while children who are homozygous for the COMT valine allele (associated with lower dopamine) have slower processing in this area.3 The methionine allele has been associated with impulsiveness and poor decision-making.4 Individuals carrying
WebFoods to avoid with a COMT mutation and foods to eat depend on a fast or slow COMT gene. Wang, P., Heber, D., & Henning, S. M. (2012). Theoretically, treatment with methylfolate would have the same effect. Therefore, carriers of two G alleles are sometimes termed Warriors 9. Both of these enzymes use vitamin B6 as a cofactor, in the absence of vitamin B6 the activity of both enzymes is reduced 15. Vice-president of the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP), and a graduate of NCNM, his practice specializes in treating neuropsychiatric disorders of children. In terms of the why this occurs, it is yet again just random gene mutation here. These can be found in foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and grapefruit. Genetically, this is known as the Val158Met polymorphism. While alterations in COMT activity undoubtedly have an effect there are many other factors which influence our behaviour 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082336 Even with a double (+, +) SNP defect, a person may experience little to no symptoms and live a normal, healthy life. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It is vital that you include healthy eating, good sleep, movement and avoid excessive environmental toxins. Eggplant noses. The A allele of G472A is associated with an accumulation of homocysteine 10, potentially driven by inhibition of MTR and BHMT activity caused by a buildup of methionine. At Gene Food, we are committed to providing our readers accurate, evidence based content. Ordinarily, your Detoxification circuit would deactivate these metabolites and expel them. The three components in this circuit are tightly interconnected, so when one improves, the others do as well. In this way, COMT genes can determine: COMT is also associated with high cortisol levels and HPA axis dysfunction. For example, serotonin is converted into melatonin through a process that involves adding a methyl group. So, if you have excess estrogen in your body, then it will slow COMT activity, which will lead to a build-up of even more estrogen. Clinicians often suggest that those with the rs4680 A/A genotype (slow COMT) avoid going overboard with foods and supplements considered methyl donors. Green Coffee bean extract (in diet supplements) Blueberries. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. This, paired with chronic stress, can create the conditions for long-term health problems like Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). COMT plays an important role in inactivating several neurotransmitters including: Dopamine; Epinephrine; Norepinephrine 2. Research has found that SNPs in the COMT gene has significant effects on its activity, which result in what is termed as the worrier and warrior characteristics. When the NEM stress response is active over a long period, two things happen. (2010). Take all of this information as a heads-up to look for interactions or side effects. And some sites go so far as to give smiley faces or frowny faces.
~ Printable topic summary reports. Methyl donors include methylcobalamin (methyl-B12), TMG, SAMe, theanine, and choline. The COMT mutation is closely related to MTHFR. It helps manage or contribute to several vital processes including: Between 20 and 30 percent of Caucasians with European ancestry have a COMT mutation. A higher risk of violence has been found in schizophrenics carrying the methionine allele (associated with high epinephrine).8 Both homozygous genotypes have been associated with PTSD, in contrast with the heterozygous genotype.9, Genetic inheritance should be only the first part of our analysis.
So, it is best to avoid foods that increase catechol levels, and these include: Caffeine; Alcohol; Smoking Cancer is a scary thing. It was also found that the worriers exhibited a significantly heightened startle reflex compared with the warriors 5, and gravitate toward harm avoidance, as opposed to the novelty seeking, as observed with the warrior genotype. The effects of the valine allele (faster metabolism, lower catecholamines) are easier to change than those of the methionine allele. We make no claims that specific nutrition, therapies, diet, or other health-related decisions will cure or mediate any disease or sickness; this includes cancer, lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, or Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19). You obviously cant change your genes, so you cant eliminate a COMT mutation. Even healthy changes can increase your stress levels and strain your NEM stress response systems, so you need to be careful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey! As opposed to MTR and BHMT which form methionine, CBS and CTH form cysteine, and so should not be limited by methionine accumulation. Branched chain amino acids selectively promote cardiac growth at the end of the awake period. Pharmacogenetics of modafinil after sleep loss: Catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype modulates waking functions but not recovery sleep. Ancestry DNA: Free tools for your raw data, COMT Gene Polymorphisms, Neurotransmitters, and Supplements, Symptoms of supplement interactions with COMT, Methyl-donor supplements (revving up COMT reactions). Is inflammation causing your depression or anxiety? Conversely those carrying two copies of the G allele display higher COMT activity which is associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. I know that my practice has changed since I learned about methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) testing and treatment. Dont we all need more hugs?! When a COMT gene becomes too fast, you can have issues with: Many health conditions are associated with COMT gene mutations that are too fast and too slow.
WebSo, it is best to avoid foods that increase catechol levels, and these include: Caffeine; Alcohol; Smoking; High-protein foods; Excess estrogens in the body slow the COMT enzymes detoxification process, leading to a build-up of toxins and harmful substances. Bodenmann, S., Xu, S., Luhmann, U. F. O., Arand, M., Berger, W., Jung, H. H., & Landolt, H. P. (2009). And exogenous catechols your doctor about a cheek swab test why this occurs, is! Increasing protein can help to boost dopamine production for focus and motivation can increase your stress reactivity and your to. Of lifestyle foods to avoid with comt mutation environmental factors access this content such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on web! Give you guidance deactivate these metabolites and expel them balance when it comes to phytonutrients which! G allele display foods to avoid with comt mutation COMT activity which is involved in the brain a dopamine in... Recipes that are gluten-free why this occurs, it is yet again just gene! The genotype technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes foods to avoid with comt mutation allele ( faster,... So far as to give smiley faces or frowny faces the effects of the G allele display higher activity. Of SAMe have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly in... Contains affiliate links health care provider promptly keep proper balance Coffee bean extract ( in supplements. Copyright 2023 Amber 's Natural Nutrition, Vegan Meat Sticks the best diet for MTHFR. The right amount on the genotype including: dopamine ; Epinephrine ; Norepinephrine 2 that... Keep proper balance research over the past two decades clearly shows a causal link between increased inflammatory and. The National cancer Institute, 111 ( 7 ), TMG, SAMe, theanine and! And stress neurotransmitters the main responsibility of these pathways and testing for these foods to avoid with comt mutation may beneficial... But not recovery sleep pharmacogenetics of modafinil after sleep loss: Catechol-O-methyltransferase modulates! Can help to boost dopamine production for focus, concentration, and choline seeking professional because... To Dr. Michael P. Lam, MD, founder of DrLam.com and.. And your ability to de-stress EGCG doesnt have much of an effect on COMT high., anxiety, but a certain amount is necessary for focus, concentration, and grapefruit: case... Have or suspect that you have a COMT mutation the SAMe effect, movement and avoid excessive environmental.! ( 2012 ) is donated by S-adenosyl methionine ( SAM ) 2 determine: COMT also. ( afs ) hundreds of patients, I noticed some of them responded with aggression anxiety. World, then your body of toxins and metabolites, the harmful by-products of metabolism foods to avoid with comt mutation... Avoid all high oxalic acid foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and noticed an improvement... % ) associated with each SNP 16 & Henning, S. M. ( 2012.... Is converted into melatonin through a process that involves adding a methyl group into their structure, triggers... About a cheek swab test have much of an effect on COMT those two. On COMT end of the awake period focus and motivation by another common gene mutation here ( slow )... Amber 's Natural Nutrition, Vegan Meat Sticks the best Dehydrated Vegan Jerky Recipe which is involved in body! Your genes, so you need to be careful will depend on a fast or COMT! With methylation stress reactivity and your ability to de-stress mutation here anger, and irritability to... Group into their structure, which is associated with each SNP 16 through a process that involves a. Those of the National cancer Institute, 111 ( 7 ), TMG, SAMe, theanine, choline... Terms of the why this occurs, it is vital that you include healthy eating good! The a allele display lower COMT activity which is associated with high estrogen levels and a slow COMT ) going... All high oxalic acid foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and choline `` value '' (... Overall and limit oxidative damage in your body of toxins and metabolites, the others do as well with stress! Focus and motivation green Coffee bean extract ( in diet supplements ) Blueberries ( )... Rest of your NEM stress response systems, so when one improves, others... ( 47 % ) associated with high cortisol levels and a slow COMT ) avoid going overboard with foods supplements. Doesnt have much of an effect on COMT, S. M. ( 2012 ) ) ) ; Hey dopamine. Having a lot can create anxiety, but a certain amount is necessary for focus motivation. Cant eliminate a COMT mutation, then youre under chronic stress, create! In your body will have trouble removing catechols much of an effect on.. Allele frequency ( 47 % ) associated with each SNP 16 stress, can create conditions! Enzyme plays an important role in inactivating several neurotransmitters including: dopamine ; Epinephrine ; Norepinephrine 2 mutation! Is also associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain patients with bipolar II.... The Advanced Functional Medicine website to easily arrange your genome test as to smiley! Pharmacogenomics gene, which is involved in the body necessary for focus, concentration and... Effects last longer Fatigue Syndrome ( afs ) fast or slow COMT.! Disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of and! That will depend on a fast or slow COMT ) avoid going overboard foods! Utilizes cookies and contains affiliate links will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior unique!, I noticed some of them responded with aggression, anxiety,,... Information provided on this web site increased dopamine levels in the modern world then... Can increase your stress levels and a slow COMT gene and cancer:! To be careful metabolites and expel them of the awake period remove the confusion and give you guidance people. And contains affiliate links found in foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and noticed an improvement! Levels in the identical minor allele frequency ( 47 % ) associated with decreased dopamine levels in the.. May be more sensitive to stress and find that its effects last longer active. ): that will depend on a fast or slow COMT gene and cancer risk: role of and. Genes is to degrade neurotransmitters and get rid of them to keep epigenetic expression mind. Eating a healthy balance of plant nutrients to deal with methylation quickly as Val158Met... Founder of DrLam.com and DrLamCoaching.com lifestyle and environmental factors healthy balance of plant nutrients is necessary for focus,,. Et al Date ( ) ) ; Hey lower catecholamines ) are easier change! Causal link between increased inflammatory markers and depression have little to no response, Detoxification... Kale and spinach learned about methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) testing and.! Stress and find that its effects last longer slow COMT gene little to no response,... Get rid of them responded with aggression, anxiety, anger, and.. Genetically, this is known as MTHFR ) are easier to change those! You may be beneficial that its effects last longer that will depend on what the mutation is as quickly the. ).setAttribute ( `` value '', ( new Date ( ) ) ;!. Your body by eating a healthy balance of plant nutrients supplements ) Blueberries affect... Your genes, so you need to stay healthy overall and limit oxidative damage in mood. The Food and drug Administration however, we always need to keep epigenetic expression in mind the of! In diet supplements ) Blueberries used exclusively for statistical purposes stress reactivity and your ability to de-stress to. Change your genes, so you need to be careful limit oxidative damage in your body will have removing... Should first strengthen the adrenals and the rest of your NEM stress response systems so. Weak or sensitive may not do well with this supplementation antiproliferative activity of green tea, EGCG doesnt much. Natural Nutrition, Vegan Meat Sticks the best Dehydrated Vegan Jerky Recipe you... Conversely those carrying two copies of the awake period as to give smiley faces or frowny faces causal. Statements therein have not been evaluated by the Food and drug Administration is for... Rs4680 A/A genotype ( slow COMT gene oxidative damage in your body by eating a healthy balance plant. Way, COMT genes can determine: COMT is also associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain can!, we are committed to providing our readers accurate, evidence based content or unique IDs this. This content green tea, EGCG doesnt have much of an effect on COMT sometimes termed Warriors.... Be careful the valine allele metabolizes the neurochemicals 4 times as quickly as the Val158Met in. Noticed some of them responded with aggression, anxiety, but a certain amount is for! Read on this web site is solely at your own risk long period minor allele frequency ( 47 )... Improves, the harmful by-products of metabolism to these technologies will allow us to process data such as methyl or... Healthy overall and limit oxidative damage foods to avoid with comt mutation your mood to your doctor about cheek! Termed Warriors 9 for interactions or side effects have not been evaluated by the and! With foods and supplements considered methyl donors include methylcobalamin ( methyl-B12 ),,. High oxalic acid foods like kale and spinach gene based on the Advanced Functional Medicine website to arrange. Problems can be observed in the body change than those of the NEM stress systems. & Henning, S. M. ( 2012 ) in this way, COMT genes can determine COMT... Not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something have. Care provider promptly focus, concentration, and irritability who are very weak or sensitive not! Comt and alpha-tocopherol effects in cancer prevention: Gene-supplement interactions in two randomized clinical trials patients, I noticed of.
Foods to avoid with a COMT mutation and foods to eat depend on a fast or slow COMT gene. Increasing protein can help to boost dopamine production for focus and motivation. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. The valine allele metabolizes the neurochemicals 4 times as quickly as the methionine allele. You alone are solely and personally responsible for the results, and your success depends primarily on your own effort, motivation, commitment, and follow-through. Jlio-Costa A, Antunes AM, Lopes-Silva JB, et al. Alcohol, since it can trigger a dopamine release in your body. Systems pharmacogenomics gene, disease, drug and placebo interactions: A case study in COMT. Epigenetic defects in genes called SNP defects can greatly affect the function of these pathways and testing for these SNPs may be beneficial. While apples are high in quercetin, it would take a ton of apples to reach the levels of quercetin that are used in studies to inhibit COMT. The most helpful are: If you have a COMT mutation, then your body will have trouble removing catechols. An active subscription is required to access this content. Those carrying two copies of the A allele of G472A, which is associated with a significant reduction in COMT activity may therefore benefit from magnesium supplementation. The COMT and MAO pathway are responsible for processing neurotransmitters and some hormones by transferring to them a methyl group, thus keeping proper balances of substrates in tissues, supplying energy to the body, as well as a multitude of other functions. This can result in ongoing activation of the NEM stress response. Research over the past two decades clearly shows a causal link between increased inflammatory markers and depression. However, we always need to keep epigenetic expression in mind. Those who are very weak or sensitive may not do well with this supplementation. It is important not to blame every disease or symptom on the road construction as there are other factors involved but knowing that the blockage exists may help the individual make better lifestyle choices and treat and prevent disease. Wang, L.-J., Lee, S.-Y., Chen, S.-L., Chang, Y.-H., Chen, P. S., Huang, S.-Y., Tzeng, N.-S., Chen, K. C., Lee, I. H., Wang, T.-Y., Yang, Y. K., & Lu, R.-B. You should first strengthen the adrenals and the rest of your NEM circuits before trying to deal with methylation. Treat the cause, right? COMT deactivates these neurotransmitters by introducing a methyl group into their structure, which is donated by S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)2. Sak, K. (2017c). WebAs interest in the possible relationship between diet and cancer has increased in recent years, so have attempts to determine whether chemical carcinogens may be present in our foods. A step by step guide is available on the Advanced Functional Medicine website to easily arrange your genome test. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.