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Best Supplements to Boost BDNF

Is it smart to boost your BDNF levels? Discover more by digging into the research studies that show when, how, and why it is important to focus on BDNF.

featured image for an article on how genes impact serotonin levels.

Serotonin: How your genes affect this neurotransmitter

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in depression, sleep, and many other aspects of health. Learn how your genetic variants in the serotonin receptor genes impact their function.

Depression genes

Depression, genetics, and mitochondrial function

How does mitochondrial dysfunction relate to major depressive disorder? Learn about the causes of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genetic variants that link the risk of depression to the mitochondria.

MTHFR, depression, anxiety, symptoms and treatment

We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.

ANK3: Bipolar Disorder and Brain Development

The genetic variants in the ANK3 gene impact the risk of psychiatric disorders that include bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders, and heart arrhythmia. Discover how ANK3 impacts neuronal formation and transmission and how this ties into an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.

Circadian rhythm disruption as a root cause of depression

For some people, circadian disruption can be chronic – and at the heart of depression or mood disorders. Genetic variants play a role in this susceptibility. Fortunately, there are solutions that may help. ​

Genetics and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurrent depression with a change in the season usually in fall/winter for most. Scientists think this is possibly due to an aberrant response to light – either not enough brightness to the sunlight or not enough hours of light. Your genes play a big role in this responsiveness to light.

Dopamine Fasting: Addicted to the internet?

Genetics plays a role in susceptibility to addictive behavior, including internet and smartphone addiction. This article examines the latest fad of dopamine fasting along with genetic variants tied to internet use problems, smartphone usage disorder, and gaming disorders.

COMT neurotransmitter levels

COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter levels and estrogen metabolism.

Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Response to Cannabis (CNR1 gene)

Discover how genetic variants influence your susceptibility to substance abuse, and how the variants impact your body’s reaction to cannabis. (Member’s article)

Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Circadian Clock Genes

New research shows that depression and bipolar disorder are linked to changes or disruption in circadian genes. Some people carry genetic variants in the circadian genes that make them more susceptible to circadian disruption.

BDNF serotonin

The Interaction Between BDNF and Serotonin

Genetic variants in the BDNF and serotonin receptor genes combine to increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Learn more about BDNF and how these variants interact — and check your genetic data to see how this applies to you.

Dopamine SNPs: Addiction, Mood, ADHD, and Schizophrenia

Dopamine is a powerful player in our cognitive function – impacting mood, movement, and motivation. Genetic variants in the dopamine receptors influence addiction, ADHD, neurological diseases, depression, psychosis, and aggression.

Opioid Receptors: Variants and addiction

Genetic variants in the ORPM1 gene impact both the amount of pain someone experiences and their response to opioid drugs. These variants are also important in susceptibility to opiate addiction. (Member’s article)

Childhood trauma

Resilience: Genetic Variants Involved in Surviving Childhood Trauma

Exposure to childhood trauma, such as exposure to abuse, violence, or repeated stress, can have a long-lasting effect. Genetic differences in the CRHR1 gene are linked to elevated cortisol levels in adults who were exposed to trauma in childhood.

BDNF: cognition, stress resilience, introversion, and mood

Low levels of BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) are linked to introversion, stress resilience, cognition, and depression levels. Discover ways to increase your BDNF levels and mitigate the problems associated with the BDNF gene variants. (Member’s article)