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BDNF: cognition, stress resilience, introversion, and mood

Key takeaways:
~Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that promotes nerve function and growth.
~It also works in the neurons of the brain both in forming neurons and in long-term memory formation.
~Low BDNF is linked to depression and cognitive dysfunction.

Members will see their genotype report below, plus additional solutions in the Lifehacks section. Join today 

What is BDNF?

BDNF stands for a brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It is a type of protein called a neurotrophin. BDNF works in several ways:

  • BDNF encourages new neuronal growth from stem cells
  • it protects neurons from injury and cell death
  • it improves neuronal function (important in learning and mood)

In addition to promoting nerve function, BDNF also is involved in neurotransmitters. It works with the response to dopamine[ref] and in serotonin transport.[ref]

As a protein that is essential for neuronal growth, BDNF is vital for neural plasticity and recovery after brain injury.[ref]

Essentially, BDNF is important for good cognition and nervous system function. You want plenty of BDNF to help your neurotransmitters function well.

Can genetic variants cause lower BDNF levels?

Genetic variants can decrease the amount of BDNF that your body normally makes. These variants have been tied to a number of brain and nervous system-related issues.

For example, introversion and an increased risk of depression have been tied in with BDNF variants. Obesity risk is also increased for certain variants.

While genetics plays a role in your baseline BDNF production, lifestyle factors such as food, exercise, and sleep also play a big role in BDNF. Fortunately, there are ways to increase BDNF and mitigate the problems associated with the BDNF gene variants. (Lifehacks section below)

Studies on BDNF levels show:

  • Chronic stress causes a decrease in BDNF.[ref]
  • Low BDNF is linked to Alzheimer’s disease[ref] and Parkinson’s[ref][ref]
  • People with depression usually have lower levels of BDNF.[ref][ref][ref]
  • Mothers with pregnancy or postpartum depression have low BDNF[ref]
  • Older people with depression also have low BDNF.[ref]
  • Low BDNF is linked to obesity.[ref]

Genetic changes in BDNF levels are linked to being more of an introvert versus being more socially outgoing. Additionally, some BDNF genetic variants are linked to neurocognitive changes such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and impulsivity.


BDNF Genotype Report

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Lifehacks

Even if you are genetically predisposed to lower or altered BDNF levels, you can still affect BDNF levels significantly. Carrying the variants above just makes optimizing BDNF production that much more important.

How to increase BDNF levels naturally:

Member Content:

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Why join Genetic Lifehacks?

~ Membership supports Genetic Lifehack's goal of explaining the latest health and genetics research.
~ It gives you access to the full article, including the Genotype and Lifehacks sections.
~ You'll see your genetic data in the articles and reports.

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Related Articles and Genes:

The Interaction Between BDNF and Serotonin

GABA: Genetics, Anxiety, and Immune Response

 

 

References:

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About the Author:
Debbie Moon is the founder of Genetic Lifehacks. Fascinated by the connections between genes, diet, and health, her goal is to help you understand how to apply genetics to your diet and lifestyle decisions. Debbie has a BS in engineering from Colorado School of Mines and an MSc in biological sciences from Clemson University. Debbie combines an engineering mindset with a biological systems approach to help you understand how genetic differences impact your optimal health.