This blog is adapted from Dirty Genes by Dr. Ben Lynch. You can view the full PDF here.
Traditionally, most people assume that personality traits develop slowly over time, nurtured by childhood experiences and the surrounding society. However, even under seemingly equal circumstances, some people seem naturally calm under pressure, while others become easily overwhelmed or continually switch between different coping mechanisms.
As it turns out, many of these traits are conditioned by two crucial genes, known as the COMT and MAOA genes. Their variations don’t doom you to a lifetime of anxiety or addiction, but they do influence how your brain handles stress and frustration.
If you’re looking for effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and addictive tendencies, then it may be time to map your genetic blueprint with more precision.
The COMT Gene: Your Brain’s Chemical Cleanup Crew
The COMT – or catechol-O-methyltransferase – gene produces an enzyme responsible for breaking down two key brain chemicals: dopamine, which regulates motivation and reward, and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline, which helps your body react to stress and danger.
Low dopamine levels are a key feature of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as they make it difficult to push yourself into completing a task. Sometimes, this may also spur you towards increasingly intense highs, predisposing you towards addictive behaviors to remain motivated.
COMT also helps alter floating estrogen around the body into a less carcinogenic form.
Think of COMT as your brain’s cleanup crew, determining how quickly these powerful chemicals are cleared from your system. When it’s functioning optimally, it maintains the perfect balance of these neurotransmitters. However, if the code gets “dirty”, the process may run either too slowly or too quickly. The result? A matching excess or shortage in these compounds, which in turn impacts mood and mental performance.
The MAOA Gene: Processing Your Stress Response
The MAOA gene works in conjunction with COMT to process dopamine and norepinephrine. However, it also handles serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of calm and optimism. When challenging situations arise, the MAOA gene helps your body manage adrenaline and serotonin, thereby impacting your ability to react quickly and recover.
The interaction between MAOA and your stress response system is particularly significant. During stressful periods, your body produces more adrenaline, and MAOA must work twice as hard to process it. If this system becomes overwhelmed, you may experience prolonged anxiety, rage, or difficulty calming down after stressful events.
Understanding Slow vs. Fast Gene Variations
Both COMT and MAOA genes can function as either “slow” or “fast” variants, each creating distinct symptom patterns.
Slow COMT Characteristics
When you have a slow COMT variant, your body eliminates adrenaline and estrogen more slowly than usual, causing these chemicals to remain in your system longer. This can lead to:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Irritability and mood swings
- PMS and menstrual issues
- Sensitivity to caffeine, chocolate, and green tea
- Pain sensitivity
- Workaholism and difficulty relaxing.
However, slow COMT also brings potential strengths, including high energy, enthusiasm, strong focus, and productivity when stress levels are managed properly.
Fast COMT Characteristics
A fast COMT gene clears neurotransmitters too quickly, which may lead to shortages of these important brain chemicals. This may result in:
- Depression and low mood
- ADHD symptoms and difficulty focusing
- Low energy and motivation
- Addiction tendencies
- Reliance on caffeine and stimulants
- Difficulty completing tasks.
The benefits of fast COMT include improved stress tolerance, easier relaxation, and more restful sleep.
Slow MAOA Characteristics
Slow MAOA eliminates neurotransmitters slowly, potentially leading to an excess that manifests as:
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Heightened startle response
- Headaches and irritability
- Prolonged anxiety
- Rage or aggressive behavior
- Trouble relaxing or “powering down.”
When not stressed, individuals with slow MAOA often display increased alertness, focus, energy, and productivity.
Fast MAOA Characteristics
Fast MAOA processes neurotransmitters too quickly, potentially causing deficiencies that may lead to:
- Alcoholism and other addictions
- ADHD symptoms
- Carbohydrate and sugar cravings
- Depression
- Difficulty staying asleep.
- Fatigue and flat emotional responses
The advantage of fast MAOA is a greater ability to calm down quickly during stressful situations, along with a generally more relaxed and easygoing temperament.
What Makes These Genes “Dirty”?
Several factors can interfere with optimal COMT and MAOA function, causing these genes to become “dirty” or dysfunctional:
Dietary Factors
Some diet choices precipitate changes in both the COMT and MAOA genes:
- Excessive caffeine consumption, especially for people with a slow COMT gene, who are already sensitive to stimulants.
- Sugar and processed foods create blood sugar imbalances and precipitate mood swings.
- Overeating can interfere with dopamine and deepen any issues with COMT regulation.
- Inadequate protein intake deprives the body of the amino acids it needs to produce neurotransmitters.
Environmental Toxins
People with a slow COMT may have a harder time dealing with pollutants that alter hormone levels in the body:
- Xenoestrogens from microplastics.
- BPA from cans and heat-printed receipts.
- Herbicides and pesticides, such as phthalates and dioxins.
Nutritional Deficiencies
On the other hand, the MAOA gene is particularly sensitive to nutritional deficiencies, as they can cause the body to perceive itself as under threat or in a state of famine. Key nutrients to watch out for include:
- Tryptophan
- B-group vitamins, especially riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Glutathione, an essential aminoacid
Supporting Optimal COMT and MAOA Function
Supporting these crucial genes requires focusing on five key areas.
First, support your COMT function by ensuring an adequate intake of magnesium. You can do this through dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fish.
Second, prioritize protein at every meal. This will provide the building blocks for neurotransmitter production, which is especially important for both fast COMT and MAOA variations.
Third, practice daily meditation or stress-reduction techniques. Many studies have now shown that chronic stress can alter your gene expression, making your genes “dirty.” Effective stress management prevents the harmful “tryptophan steal” phenomenon that redirects resources away from mood-stabilizing serotonin production.
Fourth, reduce or eliminate stimulants like sugar, caffeine, and processed foods that create blood sugar imbalances and trigger mood irregularities. Individuals with slow COMT activity are particularly sensitive to caffeine and should closely monitor their response.
Finally, establish regular sleep routines with consistent bedtimes, as sleep allows proper neurotransmitter replenishment and regulation. Quality sleep is especially crucial for individuals with fast COMT, who need time to rebuild depleted dopamine levels.
The Power of Genetic Testing
While the symptoms and patterns described above can provide clues about your genetic variations, genetic testing offers the most accurate way to understand your COMT and MAOA status.
This knowledge transforms guesswork into precision, enabling you to identify your specific genetic variations rather than relying on symptoms alone.
For example, knowing whether you have slow or fast COMT can help you understand whether that morning coffee energizes you or makes you anxious. In this way, you can head straight to the interventions and supplements that will address your condition, instead of worsening it.
Take Control of Your Genetic Destiny
Rather than struggling with one-size-fits-all approaches to mood management, genetic testing allows you to work with your unique biochemistry instead of against it.
Are you ready to unlock your genetic blueprint for better mood and mental health? Agen Genomics specializes in comprehensive genetic testing that reveals your COMT and MAOA variations, as well as other crucial genes that affect your health. Our detailed reports provide actionable insights and personalized recommendations to help you optimize your well-being based on your unique genetic profile.