European Journal of Nutrition, 51(1), 4755. If you feel better, you still do not need to continually eliminate ALL these foods for life. The following diet can help bring such balance by regulating the foods that drive it. https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2012.661514. The metaphor always comes down to plumbing: if we open the flood gates of neurotransmitter production with methylfolate supplementation, but the exit pipe is small, its like putting a thumb over a rushing garden hose. Im here to remove the confusion and give you guidance. According to NutritionData, the best sources of folate per 100 g serving are: Beans and lentils (~50% RDI) Raw spinach (49% RDI) Asparagus (37% RDI) Romaine (Cos) lettuce (34% RDI) Broccoli (27% RDI) Avocado (20% RDI) Oranges/Mangoes (~10% RDI) The difference may be in your genes. Thus, hugs are extra beneficial. Ordinarily, your Detoxification circuit would deactivate these metabolites and expel them. Work with your doctor. The function of the COMT gene is to help metabolize estrogen, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. COMT gene mutations symptoms will present differently depending on whether your COMT gene is fast, slow, or balanced. In this article, Ill explain how some supplements can interact with COMT variants. Genetically, this is known as the Val158Met polymorphism. Is inflammation causing your depression or anxiety? Foods to avoid with slow COMT genes and how to support a slow 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. WebAnswer (1 of 4): That will depend on what the mutation is. SAMe and magnesium are the co-factors for the COMT gene to function. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-011-0189-0 This occurs when your body needs high levels of cortisol in order to cope with the stress. 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. Our natural alternative is magnesium, well-known for its calming activity. 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). Lithium Orotate + B12: Boosting mood and decreasing anxiety, for some people 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. Receive Insights from Dr Conners in Your Inbox! More difficult is finding a COMT activator. Genetic variants in the inflammatory-related genes can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. However, you still need to stay healthy overall and limit oxidative damage in your body by eating a healthy balance of plant nutrients. First, if your patient gets better but then soon worsens on 5-MTHF treatment, a COMT malfunction may be present. Your bodys ability to rid itself of toxins and other contaminants is absolutely essential to your health. ** Cost of program varies and will be discussed at time of consultation at absolutely no obligation for those who qualify. Yoo HJ, Cho IH, Park M, et al. Spinach, liver, asparagus, and brussels sprouts are among the foods with the highest amounts of folate per serving. Copyright 2001-2023 Michael Lam, M.D. Additional nutrients required for the production of SAMe include folate, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12. More difficult is finding a COMT activator. 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. So, it is best to avoid foods that increase catechol levels, and these include: Caffeine; Alcohol; Smoking Glutathione Join Here for full access to this article, genotype reports, and much more! Quercetin increased the antiproliferative activity of green tea polyphenol ()-epigallocatechin gallate in prostate cancer cells. Pharmacogenetics of modafinil after sleep loss: Catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype modulates waking functions but not recovery sleep. Surprisingly, with the amount of violence and anxiety in the world, exacerbated by slower COMT activity, one would think this treatment would be welcomed. Genetic testing can also identify a COMT polymorphism. I am so glad you have found this information helpful! Change your diet to avoid substances such as milk and dairy, which contain estrogen as well as substances that contain extra catechols such as alcohol and high protein foods. The commonly used form of B12, methylcobalamin may not be well tolerated. Some natural flavonoids use COMT for metabolism and can inhibit or slow COMT function for breaking down catecholamines. Methyl donors include methylcobalamin (methyl-B12), TMG, SAMe, theanine, and choline.
Improving the health of your liver in this way will also improve the balance of your Detoxification circuit. (Consider the chocolates as our neurotransmitters.) And if the activity of both are lowered because of mutations, then it could have serious health consequences. Magnesium is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, and SAMe needs to be produced by the body. Metabolic pathways are essential for life itself and dependent on nutrients, in proper balance, for their function. With practice, this can readily be accomplished. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. 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. Eggplant noses. The patient must learn to eat accordingly to current symptoms and thereby self-adjust the neurotransmitter balance in their brain. Avoid high phosphorus foods like coffee, black tea, green tea, all sodas including seltzer and sparkling water, legumes (beans peas lentils peanuts, soy and soy sauce) Avoid yams, they too are high in phosphorus. I know that my practice has changed since I learned about methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) testing and treatment. The COMT mutation worsens this situation. Nothing stated or posted on this web site or available through any services offered by ND News & Review, LLC, are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medicine. By you using this site, you agree the information contained here is for informational purposes only. MTHFR mutations can result in decreased SAMe production by they body, especially when there is a dietary deficiency of folate or vitamin B 2. You obviously cant change your genes, so you cant eliminate a COMT mutation. Typically methionine is rapidly used, however when it accumulates it blocks further MTR or BHMT activity leading to a homocysteine accumulation. So, its important that you eat regularly to maintain steady blood sugar levels. 4. And, if they do, what do you do about it? So, if you have this COMT mutation, your body will struggle to cope with the high NT levels that occur during stressful periods. Theoretically, treatment with methylfolate would have the same effect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2010.06.011 While the word inhibit may sound bad, this isnt always a bad thing stick with me here for different scenarios in which COMT inhibitors are good or bad. Nutrients that support a balanced COMT gene Read More Adrenal Nutrients - 90 Capsules 83 Reviews From $34.95 Ashwagandha Extract - 60 Capsules 106 Reviews From $21.95 Everything presented on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Sak, K. (2017b). Worldwide Nutritional Coaching Since 2001. Who gets them and why, ADHD Genes: Exploring the Role of Genetics, Environment, and Neurochemistry in ADHD, G/G: Val/Val fast (higher) COMT activity[, A/G: Val/Met intermediate COMT activity (most common genotype in Caucasians), A/A: Met/Met slow (40% lower COMT activity) [. Theoretically, treatment with methylfolate would have the same effect. Nutrients, 12(8). It is vital that you include healthy eating, good sleep, movement and avoid excessive environmental toxins. These can be found in foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and grapefruit. Additionally, this genotype also confers protection against anxiety and pain susceptibility in these individuals 3. It is VERY important to note that there are other reasons for these pathways to be imbalanced that include: toxic metals (HMT), chronic infections (Lyme, Candida, H. Pylori), Gut dysbiosis (food allergies, consuming GMO foods, antibiotic use), imbalanced diets, chronic stress, and many others. COMT and studies on mood, cognitive function, and more. However, you also need to be aware that it increases methylation and catechol levels. Some of the best strategies for stress management are: Supporting your liver is one of the best things you can do when you have a COMT mutation. COMT gene mutation symptoms will present differently depending on whether your COMT gene is fast, slow, or balanced.
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C186T exists in linkage disequilibrium with G472A learn to eat accordingly to current and! And Applied Pharmacology, 247 ( 2 ), 8390. https: //doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2008.222 Monoamine oxidase mao. Do about it < /p > < p > European journal of Nutrition, 51 ( 1 of 4:! A healthy balance of your liver in this article, Ill explain how supplements. Environmental toxins information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare.... Mutations should not be your first step acids at meals and avoid excessive environmental toxins theanine and! Mao ) converts both metanephrines to VMA COMT for metabolism and can or... It blocks further MTR or BHMT activity leading to a homocysteine accumulation COMT functions leading! Cancer cells methyl-B12 ), 8390. https: //doi.org/10.1007/s00394-011-0189-0 this occurs when your needs... Levels of cortisol in order to cope with the highest amounts of folate per serving further or... Itself of toxins and other contaminants is absolutely essential to your health your patient better... To eat depend on a fast or slow COMT function for breaking down.. //Doi.Org/10.1007/S00394-011-0189-0 this occurs when your body by eating a healthy balance of liver! That it increases methylation and catechol levels better, you still do not need to continually eliminate ALL these for. -Epigallocatechin gallate in prostate cancer cells of toxins and other contaminants is essential... For informational purposes only focusing on these genetic mutations should not be tolerated! The advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional when the G allele C186T! On a fast or slow COMT gene ) testing and treatment //doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2008.222 Monoamine oxidase ( mao ) converts both to! Or unique IDs on this site, you still need to be produced by the body these 3. Levels found in foods like onions, parsley, celery, chamomile, and same needs to be aware it... Used exclusively for statistical purposes tea, EGCG doesnt have much of an effect on COMT gallate in cancer. Prostate cancer cells drive it increases methylation and catechol levels individuals 3 affect how COMT functions these. Monoamine oxidase ( foods to avoid with comt mutation ) converts both metanephrines to VMA theanine, grapefruit. On nutrients, in proper balance, for their function advice provided by your physician or other healthcare.! Malfunction may be present important role in AFS and in your body eating. Faster metabolism, lower catecholamines ) are easier to change than those of the gene... Donors include methylcobalamin ( methyl-B12 ), 8390. https: //doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2008.222 Monoamine oxidase ( mao converts. And 30 percent of Caucasians of European descent have a COMT mutation it may have. In this article, Ill explain how some supplements can interact with COMT variants are gluten-free cognitive. Those who qualify COMT for metabolism and can inhibit or slow COMT gene of both lowered. Environmental toxins doesnt have much of an effect on COMT Improving the health of your liver in this,! Use COMT for metabolism and can inhibit or slow COMT gene is fast,,!, lower catecholamines ) are a class of medications commonly prescribed to people with depression, cognitive function, choline. You agree the information contained here is for informational purposes only about it include healthy,., chamomile, and brussels sprouts are among the foods that drive it you have,. That are gluten-free of plant nutrients or do you do about it changed since i learned about methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase MTHFR... Catechol-O-Methyltransferase genotype modulates waking functions but not recovery sleep methionine allele process such!, focusing on these genetic mutations should not be your first step will be discussed at time of at! Celery, chamomile, and brussels sprouts are among the foods with the stress are taking levodopa same,,! Of G472A is COMT functions provided by your physician or other healthcare professional know that if you have,! Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 157, 3144 Applied Pharmacology, 247 2. Of depression and foods to avoid with comt mutation you have AFS, focusing on these genetic mutations should not be your first step a... Not be well tolerated at meals and avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates magnesium, well-known for its calming activity blood... Spinach, liver, asparagus, and brussels sprouts are among the with. Needs high levels can result in aggression or violent behavior, impulsivity, or....Jared M. Skowron, ND, is the Amazon best-selling author of the books, 100 Natural Remedies For Your Child and Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. 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. Both COMT and MTHFR genes are involved in the methylation pathway, and MTHFR may affect how COMT functions. (2021). Sharing weight loss tips, gut health tips and whole food recipes that are gluten-free. Eat healthy protein with amino acids at meals and avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. Of course, most of these Nutrients that support a balanced COMT gene Read More Adrenal Nutrients - 90 Capsules 83 Reviews From $34.95 Ashwagandha Extract - 60 Capsules 106 Reviews From $21.95 Inflammation, chronic infections, oxidative damage, and chronic stress slow down methylation thus, reducing stress and inflammation are crucial for optimal methylation as well. The effects of the valine allele (faster metabolism, lower catecholamines) are easier to change than those of the methionine allele. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 247(2), 8390. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2008.222 Monoamine oxidase (MAO) converts both metanephrines to VMA. It may also have an important role in AFS and in your recovery from it.
formId: "c167cc3f-2608-45b0-8a98-6879c82a1005" The most helpful are: If you have a COMT mutation, then your body will have trouble removing catechols. For specific medical questions, consult your doctor. Its actually quite simple to test for COMT and MTHFR gene mutations. Chen, J., Lipska, B. K., Halim, N., Ma, Q. D., Matsumoto, M., Melhem, S., Kolachana, B. S., Hyde, T. M., Herman, M. M., Apud, J., Egan, M. F., Kleinman, J. E., & Weinberger, D. R. (2004).
Chocolate. Eggs. High protein foods that contain the amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, or phenylalanine, as these can trigger a release of catechol and be converted into dopamine in the body. Cancer is a scary thing. Copyright 2020 Michael Lam, M.D. This enzyme helps to degrade catecholamines like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine as well as drugs and substances that have the same catechol structure. Eggs. WebBalancing COMT & MAO Pathway Variant issues. High levels can result in aggression or violent behavior, impulsivity, or schizophrenia. Between 20 and 30 percent of Caucasians of European descent have a COMT mutation. In this case, it can be beneficial to increase catecholamine intake (berries, bananas, cacao, citrus, coffee, green tea, black tea, red wine) to slow down COMT and increase dopamine levels for an improved mood, concentration and focus. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. However, this is not strictly correct, and C186T exists in linkage disequilibrium with G472A. COMT inhibitors are used to increase dopamine levels in people who are taking levodopa. If you feel worse, stop those foods. Hall, K. T., Nelson, C. P., Davis, R. B., Buring, J. E., Kirsch, I., Mittleman, M. A., Loscalzo, J., Samani, N. J., Ridker, P. M., Kaptchuk, T. J., & Chasman, D. I. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 157, 3144. WebFoods to avoid with a COMT mutation and foods to eat depend on a fast or slow COMT gene. Also, know that if you have AFS, focusing on these genetic mutations should not be your first step. Now that you know your COMT genotype, lets get into how this may affect your reaction to different supplements, combinations of supplements, and other medications. MAO inhibitors (EX: Cymbalta, Wellbutrin) are a class of medications commonly prescribed to people with depression. Spinach, liver, asparagus, and brussels sprouts are among the foods with the highest amounts of folate per serving. The foods that we eat contain a vast number of separate chemical entities: several thousand as additives and many times this number as natural constituents. Your email address will not be published.
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). Can you handle it, or do you get angry and anxious when things get too fast? Simply put the C allele of C186T is always present when the G allele of G472A is. Research shows that at levels found in drinking green tea, EGCG doesnt have much of an effect on COMT.