What Is the COMT Gene?

The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. An estimated 20 to 30 percent of Caucasians of European descent have a variation in the COMT gene that limits the body’s ability to secrete catechins (a specific type of molecule that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogens, etc.) by three to four times (this variation is called Met/Met, AA or +/+). COMT is also associated with higher cortisol levels and dysfunction of the HPA axis (which is largely responsible for the body’s ability to self-soothe). Reduce stress).

Due to the impact that COMT has on HormonesThis has a direct impact on stress reactivity, health and well-being. Interestingly, people with this gene seem to experience both negative and positive emotions more strongly. For example, people with the COMT-Met/Met gene variation are susceptible to this phenomenon. neurosis and have less resistance to stress. However, in a studyPeople with the Met/Met variant generated almost similar levels of positive emotions in response to a “fairly pleasant event” as people with the null variant (Val/Val) in response to a “very pleasant event.”

Since COMT has a very significant impact on your body’s ability to eliminate both toxins and stress hormones, it is very helpful to know if you have the Met/Met variant so you can protect yourself. (Get tested here).

Since COMT has difficulty excreting catechols, it may also be helpful to avoid foods that increase catechols. For example, don’t eat too many foods containing amino acids Tyrosine, TryptophanAnd Phenylalanine (This means protein-rich foods), because it is endogenously converted to dopamine and triggers the release of catechol. A study showed that reducing these amino acids is even possible reduce bipolar symptoms.

Limit caffeine can also be useful, e.g. caffeine can trigger the release of catechols. Restrict alcohol is an advantage Drinking alcohol triggers the release of dopamine. And limit smokewhich can have a negative impact on COMT.

It is also important to eat foods that eliminate excess Catachol estrogens Body and avoid foods and bath products that mimic estrogen. Excess estrogen slows COMT and COMT is largely responsible for ridding the body of harmful estrogen metabolites – this means that slow COMT can have a cascading effect where a greater amount of estrogen leads to a reduction in COMT activity, which leads to a greater amount of estrogen, etc. For this reason, it may be helpful to take estrogen boosters (e.g. dairy, ParabensAnd maybe soy.)

Food is most often recommended DIM, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower, flax seedsand other foods or Supplements which support phase 2 hepatic detoxification (see GST Items to learn more about phase 2 detoxification) and to eliminate these toxic estrogen metabolites.

Furthermore, COMT is responsible for the processing of certain data Phytonutrients (Catechol-containing flavonoids). It is important to avoid excessive consumption of these phytonutrients to avoid slow COMT while maintaining high levels of antioxidants to limit oxidative damage.

For example, limit the use of catechol-containing flavonoids, including quercetin, rutin, luteolin, EGCG, catechins, epicatechins, fisetin, ferulic acid, and hydroxytyrosol. These include foods such as green tea, capers, cilantro, berries and apples (You can find even more food here.)

​The following flavonoids do not have a catechol structure and therefore should be consumed in additional servings could be more advantageous for individuals with low COMT activity: apigenin, genistein, chrysin, myricetin and flavones (including apigenin, tangeritin, chrysin, baicalein, scutellarein, wogonin). So focus on eating more of these foods (e.g. Grapefruit, chamomile, onions, parsleyAnd celery.

​Exercise requires methylation and increases catechins. So if you have methylation difficulties due to COMT (or other genes like…). MTHFR, which are discussed in detail elsewhere), then it could be you It is better to limit intense workouts.

And Fasting may increase catechol levelswhich can block COMT. It is therefore important to eat regularly and maintain your blood sugar levels.

Finally, Avoid stress whenever possible.

This variation of the COMT gene limits the body’s performance Suppress certain stress hormones 3 to 4 times. This makes stress more intense, lasts longer and causes more damage. So definitely practice. Stress relief and take care of yourself.

Note. There are not many known ways to increase COMT activity. Therefore, avoiding anything that inhibits COMT activity is essential to resolving COMT-related issues.

Regardless of our genes, we can all benefit from improved liver detoxification. We can achieve this through any of the techniques mentioned above, but also by supporting other genes that support phase 2 detoxification. For example, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits and bioactive compounds have an effect UGT enzymeswhich support phase 2 detoxification. Animal studies Also highlight the benefits of other foods and nutrients, including dandelion, rooibos tea, honeybush tea, rosemary, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, curcumin and astaxanthin. ​

When I found out that I had problems with the cytochrome P450 genes, the GST and COMT genes, it didn’t scare me, it gave me hope. I’ve been dealing with strange health issues my whole life – issues that eventually turned into an unidentifiable, inexplicable illness that lasted for years and that I just couldn’t shake. When I discovered I had these toxic genes, I finally found a path forward.
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I started researching, learning everything I just shared with you, and started living and eating according to my genes. I left behind a polluted city, a stressful lifestyle and a moldy apartment. I stopped going to the gym and took short, calming walks instead. I stopped eating a vegetarian diet and instead ate a variety of meats to ensure I was getting enough B vitamins. And I stopped consuming green tea and other “healthy vegetables” that slow COMT and instead ate potatoes, citrus fruits, and vegetables that promote detoxification.
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Finally, I turned a corner. Little by little, my symptoms eased. And as long as I stick to my genetically healthy diet and lifestyle, I feel better every day. This is the power that eating your genes can have on your well-being.

*To see if you have problematic COMT, Get tested here. To learn more about managing your COMT gene, Discover ours COMT Program.